Robberbs

Heroes

2012-02-07T07:54:00.004-06:00

Starting this Sunday at GraceTown Church we will be launch a brand new series called, "HEROES - Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things". Some of my earliest childhood memories are of the old tv shows of Batman & Robin, Superman, Spiderman, etc.....I'd even put on the costumes and pretend I was them. We all have a fascination with Superheroes. But what will discuss in this series is that ultimately all Heroes have one thing in common, they become heroes when they do something with every ounce of their heart and soul that makes a positive difference for someone else. That is what the Church is all about. What can we do to make a difference for someone else?

God is For God - Matt Chandler

2012-01-21T23:12:00.001-06:00

Bible Reading Plans for 2012

2012-01-05T21:52:00.003-06:00

Justin Taylor has created a blog post with a wide array of Bible reading plans. There's no "one way" to study the Bible, but there are compelling reasons to have a systematic plan. If you need one (or want to try a new one), you'll find Justin's post helpful. Read it here.

GraceTown Church 2012

2012-01-04T18:55:00.001-06:00

WE ARE HERE IN COLUMBUS and we want to meet you at GraceTown Church! Come by and see us on Sunday mornings at 10:30AM at Westerville Central High School to experience a relevant, inspirational worship experience with a dynamic applicable message from Pastor Rob. Come also at 10:00AM because it's Happy Hour with Free Starbucks coffee and breakfast items.

GraceTown Church from GraceTown Church on Vimeo.

GraceTown Church Location from GraceTown Church on Vimeo.

Merry Christmas From The Yanok's

2011-12-17T22:29:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T10:34:00.004-06:00

Our family has many things to be thankful for this year. We are so thankful that God called us to Columbus Ohio to plant a life giving church called, GraceTown Church. We are thankful for our Grace team and the people that gather weekly at GraceTown since we've started on September 18. We are thankful for the Association of Related Churches & Pastor John Siebeling of the Life Church Memphis for believing in us enough to come along side us, give to us, so that we can live our dream. We are thankful for all of our family and friends that God has put into our lives that care for us, walk with us, cry with us, and laugh with us. You all mean the world to us. We are forever grateful!

Closing the Door to Strife

2011-11-15T09:41:00.003-06:00

GALATIANS 5:19-20 ;Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife (KJV)

1 CORINTHIANS 1:20 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.

1 JOHN 4:11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

It is a fact of life that we will always come in contact with people who have opinions and viewpoints that are different from our own. People will almost always do and say things which we ourselves believe to be improper and unjust. There is an inclination for people from different church backgrounds, experiences and denominations to confront others who hold different viewpoints and conduct themselves differently with the purpose of convincing them to adopt OUR ways as their own.

Such confrontations are not always wrong. In fact, a certain kind of confrontation is a must for the Christian in cases where the other persons viewpoints are contrary to Godly thinking and their conduct is contrary to the clear teachings of the New Testament scriptures, (GALATIANS 6:1; JAMES 5:19-20). But they are not always necessary when it comes to disputable matters within the body of Christ.

Scores of theologians have argued these points for centuries and we will not solve them in our lifetime! However, we can get people saved and disciple them according to Gods word.

The danger of confronting others with the purpose of advancing a different viewpoint or changing someone's conduct often leads to STRIFE. Strife - arguing, quarreling, fighting, bickering and contending - is never justifiable. Strife is sin - a work of the flesh - and should not be part of our lives or the life of the church body as a whole.

The world watches us as a church, and there have been people who have been a part of ministries that had rampant strife within their church. More than likely they either left the church, or became disgruntled with God because the strife was not dealt with on a constructive level.

GraceTown Church strives to live out Romans 15:5 and Ephesians 4:3:

ROMANS 15:5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus,

EPHESIANS 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

This statement of unity does not mean that we accept continual unscriptural lifestyles, heretical doctrines or blatant sins within our church. There are scripturally neutral areas of church and in our personal lives that are continually up for interpretation and discussion outsides the confines of a functioning church body.

If we make the disagreements of the church our focus, we will struggle to accomplish anything. This means that at GraceTown Church we strive to maintain a spirit of unity within our church. If we are not all on the same page we will not have a life giving culture but a life taking culture. GraceTown is about giving life. Therefore, we have to implement a life giving culture within our church and that is making sure we are free from strife.

Satan loves strife within the church because fighting amongst ourselves keeps us from taking down the kingdom of darkness. The Bible teaches a more seemly and (potentially) constructive way to deal with individual differences than to start or continue in strife.

Before discussing HOW to confront others, we should first quickly focus on IF and WHEN we should confront them! There are some people who presume they are always the one in the right and that everybody else should view things as they do, hold the same opinions they hold, and live in the exact same manner as they live. (Remember, we are speaking about areas that are Scripturally neutral.) They are arrogant individuals who nit-pick and often start arguments.

PROVERBS 28:25, An arrogant man stirs-up strife.

PROVERBS 13:10, Through presumption comes nothing but strife.

To counter such strife, these individuals need a change in attitude:

ROMANS 12:16, do not be haughty in mind, ...Do not be wise in your own estimation.
There are also people who get all worked-up and/or offended by the littlest of matters and in response, cause big fracases. Obviously, these people need to develop a thicker skin, a less judgmental spirit, and greater self-control.

MATTHEW 7:3-5 And why do you look at the speck in your brothers eye but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, Let me take the speck out of your eye, and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly enough to take the speck out of your brothers eye.

PROVERBS 15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs-up strife, but the slow to anger pacifies contention.

In determining IF we should confront others due to differences, each of us (and especially those who belong to the two groups we just spoke of) must ask ourselves, Is the other persons opinion/viewpoint SO misguided, SO harmful, SO wrong that it must be discussed with the purpose of changing it? Are their actions and/or statements SO inappropriate and SO hurtful that they must be confronted, reproved, and corrected? If not, we need to practice forbearance and overlook differences:

1 PETER4:8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

EPHESIANS 4:2 with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love.

COLOSSIANS 3:13 bearing with one another and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

If the differences between two parties are significant and create real barriers to a normal, healthy, and cooperative relationship then confrontation is necessary. However, to avoid the occurrence of strife, the individual(s) need to follow four simple Biblical guidelines -

1. SEEK A PEACEFUL SOLUTION.

Never confront someone with the purpose to argue, fight, or quarrel. Seek a solution to the situation in order to restore peace and harmony.

PROVERBS 20:3 Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, but any fool will quarrel. Christians are servants of the Prince of Peace, therefore, are required to seek peace with others, especially those of the household of faith.

ROMANS 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

MATTHEW 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

2. SEEK A CONSTRUCTIVE SOLUTION.

Any confrontation should be entered into with the goal of arriving at a solution that will promote the best interests of the parties involved; strengthen each others character and deepen the relationship as a whole.

ROMANS 14:19 So then let us pursue the things which make for peace and the building-up of one another.

PROVERBS 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

3. BE AN ATTENTIVE LISTENER.

During the confrontation, be respectful to the other persons thoughts and feelings. (Many times, showing respectfulness will lessen the likelihood that the other person will become obnoxious.) Be willing to hear them out before making final judgments and drawing conclusions. Understanding another's point of view will always help in coming-up with a more comprehensive solution.

JAMES 1:19 let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak.

PROVERBS 18:13 He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him.

4. BE KIND AND GENTLE.

When one has to correct and point-out a fault, it must be done with kindness and gentleness which never seeks to hurt.

PROVERBS 16:23, 21, 24, The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds persuasiveness to his lips. The wise in heart will be called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

EPHESIANS 4:29, Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Paradoxical Commandments of Leadership

2011-11-14T19:43:00.003-06:00

1. People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
•Love them anyway

2. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
•Do good anyway

3. If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies.
•Succeed Anyway

4. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
•Do good anyway

5. Honesty and frankness makes you vulnerable.
•Be honest and frank anyway

6. The biggest men with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest minds.
•Think big anyway

7. People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
•Fight for a few underdogs anyway

8. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
•Build Anyway

9. People really need help, but may attack you if you do help them.
•Help them anyway

10. Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
•Give the world the best you have anyway.

Leadership Part 1

2011-11-02T09:24:00.007-05:00

One of my main responsibilities as a Leader of a new Church is to begin to build leaders. Over the next few blog posts I will be writing on what I am looking for, expectations, and what I want to build in a leader.

1. Is there a willingness to serve?

I want to know if a person is willing to serve for the betterment of the vision and team, rather than wanting a position or title. In my 21 years of working full time with the local Church I've seen much misconception concerning this. We live in a selfish culture in today's world and the philosophy of greatness is determined by how many people SERVE YOU; but, in God’s Kingdom, greatness is determined by how many people YOU SERVE. Striving for titles and positions is not the path towards promotion in God's Kingdom. Serving is.

In Mark 10:42-45, "Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” The context here is the disciples, James and John, had just asked Jesus if one could sit on His right and the other on His left in the Kingdom of God. And this was Jesus’ reply to the whole group. You see, at this juncture in the disciples lives they still hadn’t gotten it. They were proud to be following in the footsteps of the Rabbi. They hadn’t made the shift from hearing His teachings to living His teachings; to becoming what He taught.

When you serve God, you will be more concerned with giving to others rather than keeping things for yourself. A true servant is willing to be inconvenienced for the sake of serving God and building His Kingdom. Your Gift, Talent, or Ability WILL NOT promote you – You have to have a heart to serve. When you go beyond your call of duty it results in a Medal of Honor in the military. Everyone wants the acknowledgement, the reward, the honor, the title, the recognition, but no one want to pay the price and serve just because it's the right thing to do. Tertullian said, “He who lives only to benefit himself confers on the world a benefit when he dies.” 

John D Rockefeller said, “I believe that the rendering of useful service is the common duty of mankind, and that only in purifying fire of sacrifice is the dross of selfishness consumed and the greatness of the human soul set free.” Greatness is not WEALTH, Greatness is not FAME, and Greatness is not POWER.   True Servanthood is marked by the willingness to Abandon all to become a tool in the hand of another. Greatness is not a matter of authority and control but of humility and service.

A true servant will display the following characteristics:
1. Willing to make oneself available to God to serve.
2. Willing to do what is needed, even when it is inconvenient.
3. Puts God above personal schedule.
4. Sees interruptions as divine appointments to cultivate a servant's heart.
5. Pays attention to needs.
6. Their heart is revealed in the little acts they do.
7. Views no task as beneath them.

God will not look you over for your medals, or your degrees, years of experience, or for your diplomas, God will look you over for your scars of service. Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s, once appeared on the cover of their annual report dressed in a knee-length work apron, holding a mop and a plastic bucket. Here’s how he described that picture: “I got my M.B.A. long before my G.E.D. At Wendy’s M.B.A. does not mean Master of Business Administration. It means Mop Bucket Attitude.”  Everyday there are people around us with dirty feet, broken hearts, heavy burdens, and needs that we can help meet. It’s time to get a basin and a towel and start serving like Jesus.

The walk of a servant will lead you to the path of greatness, for it will bring elevation into your life. There is no greater calling, for God calls servants - and servants become leaders. There are no shortcuts. Remember, "That which I am part of is greater than the part I play."

Handling The People

2011-10-22T22:19:00.002-05:00

Handling The People

1. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you (Matthew 7:12)
a. Decide how you want others to treat you and treat everyone that way.

2. Be Quick to encourage people
a. Always build up, strengthen, and help

3. Show your appreciation for others
a. The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated

4. Love people more than programs
a. The things that God will ever rescue from this planet are His people
b. Ministry is not about power but about People

5. Learn to Forgive (Mark 11:25-26)
a. Only people who are doing something will need forgiveness. Ernest Hemingway’s story of Paco. The greatest marks of the Christian are that they are giving and forgiving.

6. Don’t overreact to conflicts
a. You will have conflict – don’t make it worse by overreacting. Be slow to talk, but quick to hear

7. Don’t be defensive
a. You never win in relationships when you’re defensive. A secure person can resolve differences.

8. Always believe the best in people
a. Look up to people – never down. You help them be successful by believing the best.

Just Taking a Walk

2011-10-17T19:51:00.004-05:00

“LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN, THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS AND GLORIFY YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN.” (MATT. 5:16)

I really think about running a lot. I need to get into better shape. I live in the New Albany area of Columbus where there are a lot of runners. I feel inspired to do so when I see them. So I had a few days this summer where I started out running and because I'm not in shape, I end of walking. I end feeling bad for not running, but then I actually feel good for walking. I am sure you know what I am talking about. I've been in full time ministry for 21 years and have come to the conclusion that people just don’t listen to you speak—they watch you walk. They watch your life. In other words, one of the most powerful leadership tools at your disposal is in your actions. What do people see when they look at you? What do your actions say about you? Below are ways to take a good walk in life, in ministry, and in the market place.

1. Honesty. Your word is your bond. Don’t mislead people or feed them half-truths or you will discredit yourself. (I Peter 2:12)

2. Thoughtfulness. Do you treat other people with kindness? Are you compassionate and caring of those around you? (Col. 3:12)

3. Consideration. To walk your talk, be as concerned for the needs of others as you are for your own. (Rom. 12:10)

4. Punctuality. Time is one of our most valuable commodities. If you don’t treat it wisely, people will not believe your talk. (Ps. 101:2)

5. Enthusiasm. Are you upbeat, optimistic, and energetic? When you can maintain a positive attitude even in the worst of times, you build credibility with others. (Phil. 4:8)

6. Resilience. How do you act after a disappointment? Do you wallow in it or are you able to bounce back? To walk your talk, you must be able to see opportunity in the face of adversity. (Rom. 8:28)

7. Reliability. It is vital that you are able to be counted on to fulfill your promises and obligations. Stick with a task from beginning to end, and be there for people when they need you, and you’ll go far in life. (Prov. 22:1)

8. Creativity. Are you constantly looking for a better way? Creativity is a magnet for others and is a key for walking your talk. (Is. 43:19)

9. Humor. Can you help others see the lighter side of bad situations? Your sense of humor can be like a ray of sunshine in people’s dark worlds. (Prov. 17:22)

10. Adaptability. Are you willing to try new things or revise your decisions when someone points out something you hadn’t thought of? A person who is open to change is extremely valuable. (Prov. 1:5)

11. Appearance. To walk your talk, you need to take care of yourself physically, groom yourself carefully, and dress yourself meticulously. (Rev. 19:8)

12. Knowledge. Are you constantly growing in wisdom and in understanding? To be believable, you must be knowledgeable. Do you know what you believe and why you believe it? Are you well read and easily understood? (Prov. 18:15)

13. Maturity. Do you live with purpose and a sense of direction? Maturity is not about age, but about a standard of behavior and a sense of personal responsibility. (Eph. 4:16)

Finding Peace in Life’s Storms

2011-10-13T14:14:00.002-05:00

Finding Peace in Life’s Storms...

“THIS HOPE WE HAVE AS AN ANCHOR OF THE SOUL, BOTH SURE AND STEADFAST…” HEBREWS 6:19

The world is like a sea—restless, unstable, dangerous, never at a standstill. As for us, we are the ships that go out upon the sea and are subject to its changes and motions. Without an anchor, we are likely to be carried off course by currents, driven by winds, and tossed by storms. Below are 4 truths regarding this anchor of our soul that God has given to us:

1. The purpose of the anchor. The anchor’s purpose is to hold a ship firmly in place when winds and currents would otherwise move it off course or into dangerous conditions. God has given us certain truths that are intended to hold our minds securely to truth, holiness, and perseverance. (Eph. 4:14)

2. To keep us from shipwreck. God does not intend His people to be shipwrecked. He bought you at too great a price and values you too much to see you broken to pieces on the rocks. Therefore, He has provided a safeguard for you so that when Satan’s temptations, your own sinful nature, and the trials of the world attack you, hope may be the anchor of your soul, both sure and steadfast. (2 Peter 2:9)

3. To keep us in peace. An anchor is also needed to keep a vessel from distress, for even if it is not wrecked, it is a miserable thing to be driven here and there, in whatever direction the wind may shift. Similarly, a person who is controlled by external influences is unhappy. But God has given us an anchor in solid and sure truths that operate on the mind to keep it from being harnessed and dismayed. (Is. 26:3)

4. To keep us from losing ground. Believers are sometimes tempted to return to the country out of which they came, that is, to their old ways of living. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not a deceitful mixture, but a system of fixed principles and revealed facts. This realization makes us secure and immovable in our faith. (Heb. 4:12)

“God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specially armed you to go through it, not without pain, but without stain.” ~ C.S. Lewis

“A smooth sea never made a skillful mariner, neither do uninterrupted prosperity and success qualify for usefulness and happiness.” ~ Author Unknown

GraceTown Launch ReCap

2011-09-21T17:56:00.004-05:00

With the future of GraceTown at hand, We launched the first GraceTown service with a message on Moving Forward. Difficult times are a fact of life, but they can be good for us. If you are ever going to move forward, you have to learn to deal with difficulties.“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Cor. 4:17
Whatever we are going through, God has a plan for our lives, and He will see us through it. “Everyone born of God overcomes the world.” 1 John 5:4
As we celebrate the advancement of the Body of Christ, GraceTown Church welcomes you to become a part of “moving forward” in God’s Kingdom. This past weekend, we saw 265 people walk through the doors of Westerville Central and of that number 8 turned their lives over to Christ! This is only the beginning of what God is going to do with GraceTown, and we will follow where He leads. We look forward to seeing you this weekend at 10:30 am!

GraceTown Practice Service Update

2011-09-12T08:42:00.002-05:00

The practice service went great! We were able to work out some of the quirks and find out how to make next weeks kickoff top notch! I shared an appropriate message for 9/11 as we remembered the tragedy that hit our nation 10 years ago; When we are founded upon the Word of God, we are unshakable because God is not moved by circumstances.
“Sometimes, when it seems like things are falling apart, it is really God putting the pieces back together.”

Without weakness, there is no true faith, because we wouldn’t need God if we could do it all ourselves. He is always faithful, and His Word will always stand!

We look forward to launching Gracetown Church Sept. 18th and we want to see you there! Bring a friend, come have some coffee, and just enjoy what God is beginning at Gracetown. We appreciate all the support that we have received from all of you so far and we eagerly anticipate all that God has for the future. Let’s do this! Don't forget to Text to 41411 to receive Gracetown updates

GraceTown Acts of Kindness is Contagious

2011-09-04T09:18:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago at our launch meeting we passed out these Acts of kindness Cards to our team and I encouraged all them to begin to serve acts of kindness by paying for someone's coffee or meal at local coffee shops, restaurants, drive-thru's, etc.... Susie, one of our team members texted me this note, "Pastor Rob it was so fun to bless people at Starbucks! I bought a $25 gift card and gave my Barista's gave 10 free coffees away along with the GraceTown Acts of Kindness Cards. It blessed them as well." Later that day Susie texted me again with this, "I just received word that the Starbucks card was such a hit that others started adding money to it to keep the giving going. How awesome is that?"

The Apostle Paul clairfies the untangled way of kindness in this verse, "God's kindness leads to a radical life change..." Romans 2:4 The Message. Ephesians 4:32 - "Be kind and compassionate to one another..." As we are approaching our September 18 Launch service, I want acts of kindness and a heart to serve be a part of the culture of GraceTown Church. Being a Christian is not about what we get, but WE GIVE. The city doesn't exist for the Church, the Church exist for the city. Go ahead Spread the Love, Have some fun and make somebody's day!

GraceTown Church's New Home on September 18, 2011

2011-08-27T16:18:00.000-05:00

GraceTown Church Location from GraceTown Church on Vimeo.

Building Up Others

2011-08-21T22:20:00.001-05:00

As Lead Pastor of GraceTown Church I must enrich and protect our Church culture. I want us to have a life giving culture at GraceTown Church. A culture that builds, edifies, and gives life to people. One of the many ways to do that is to be a community of people that builds up others. The word "Build" means To construct, by assembling and joining parts, to establish, increase, and strengthen. To mold, form, create, or to base. Albert Schweitzer said, "You must give time to your fellow men, even if its a little thing, do something for other - something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it.".

“BE KINDLY AFFECTIONATE TO ONE ANOTHER WITH BROTHERLY LOVE, IN HONOR GIVING PREFERENCE TO ONE ANOTHER.” (ROMANS 12:9-10)

In our fast paced world it can be easy sometimes to overlook others. In the day-to-day grind it becomes commonplace to see faces, but never know people. However, it is only in building up others that we empower others, and therefore empower ourselves. Below are 5 keys to building up others:

You must first be interested in others:

Don't think only about your own affairs... be interested in others.
Philippians 2:4 NLT

a. It's too easy to "think only about your own affairs." But God says, "Be
interested in others."

Show must genuine interest! The Bible says, "Laugh...when they're happy; share tears when they're down" ( Romans 12:15-16 TM). But you can only do that by taking the time to find out what's going on in their world.

1. Appreciate others and let them know it.

a. Prov. 3:27 (NLT)– “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.”
b. Every time you thank another person, you cause that person to like themselves better. Their self-esteem and self-image is improved. When a person feels appreciated, he or she also feels empowered to do more and to be more.

2. Give appreciation and it will be given back to you.

a. Luke 6:38(NLT) – “If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving-large or small- it will be used to measure what is given back to you.”
b. Every time you say “thank you” to someone else, you like yourself better as well. Showing appreciation creates a more positive, confident outlook for the person demonstrating it. When you develop an attitude of gratitude that flows forth from you in all your interactions with others, people will want to be around you and lend their help and support.
c. Give them a push! Barnabas became known as a great encourager
because he "encouraged the believers" (Acts 11:23 NLT). What happens
when you push a child on a swing? Eventually they start doing it
themselves. They just needed a little help to get going. Even a smile
can work wonders. Job said, "When they were discouraged, I smiled... My
look of approval was precious to them" (Job 29:24 NLT).

3. Approve others continually.

a. Prov. 16:24(NLT) -“Kind words are like honey- sweet to the soul and healthy for the body”
b. Studies show that when children are praised by the people that they look up to, their energy levels rise, their heart rates and respiratory rates increase, and they feel happier about themselves overall. This is true of adults as well. There is a “self-fulfilling prophecy” element in this. The more that you “prophesy,” or speak into the lives of other people, whether it be positive or negative, the more that the person you are speaking to will begin to fulfill that prophecy.
c. Be interested in the other person, rather than talking about yourself.

4. Pay attention when others talk.

a. Heb. 2:1(NLT) – “So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.”
b. Although it seems basic, this is one of the most ignored principles of communication. The great majority of people are so busy trying to be heard that they become impatient when others are talking. This shows up in our body language and lack of eye contact. When you pay attention to others when they talk (look at them), you are showing them that you believe that what they have to say is important, and that they are important as well.
c. We have: Two Ears and One Mouth (There is a reason for that)
d. Hold your tongue! Don’t interrupt. Always say less than you think. Remember, "A fool utters all his mind...a wise man keeps it in" (Proverbs 29:11). And
since how you speak is as important as what you say, always be kind and
courteous.
e. Respond verbally & nonverbally. Don’t change the subject.

5. Practice the law of sowing and reaping in building up others.

a. Gal. 6:7(NLT) – “Don’t be misled. Remember that you can’t ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow!”
b. Eph. 6:8 Principle
c. The law of sowing and reaping doesn’t just involve money. When you look for every opportunity to do and say things that make other people feel good about themselves, you may be surprised to see that others will look for ways to reciprocate your kindnesses toward them.
d. Matthew 7:12 (NKJV) – “Therefore, Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

Preaching the Gospel to the DeChurched

2011-08-20T13:50:00.001-05:00

Vision of a Church Planter

2011-08-20T13:47:00.000-05:00

GraceTown Church's New Home September 18, 2011

2011-08-12T11:22:00.005-05:00

GraceTown will be launching Sunday morning services beginning September 18 at 10:30AM at the Westerville Central High School in Westerville on 7118 Mount Royal Ave. We are extremely excited to be planting on the north/northeast side of Columbus. Westerville is a dynamic community and we look forward to serving and impacting our city together.

Upcoming GraceTown Church Gathering

2011-08-01T19:07:00.000-05:00

Hey Gang! It's happening! You do not want to miss the next GraceTown Church gathering on Sunday, August 7 at 6pm at Church at Polaris, 1250 Gemini Place, Columbus! We are going to have another great time of connection, worship, and teaching! Go tell somebody & Bring somebody! GraceTown Fever, Catch it!!!! Pass this message along!

THE CURSE OF TERRITORIALISM

2011-07-21T08:54:00.004-05:00

This is a recent post from Mark Batterson's blog and it is worth reading and repeating. We've recently moved to Columbus, Ohio with the call and passion to plant a brand new life giving church called, GraceTown Church. GraceTown is being partnered with a dynamic Church planting network called ARC (The Association of Related Churches). It has been amazing the amount of support and connection that we've received from local pastors who have encouraged us in our endeavor. Pastor Bennett Smith of The Church at Polaris has allowed us to use their church for all our launch meetings on Sunday nights. I've met with other great pastors in the city who have extended their help, support, and encouragement. Let's reach our city by encouraging each other not competing with each other. There is no room for Intimidation and insecurity in ministry. Columbus is a city of over 2.5 million people and 82% do not attend church and I've already heard it said, "Columbus already has to many churches". This is amazing to me. I feel there is a need for 500 more churches in Central Ohio to reach the amount of people who don't know Christ. Thank you Mark Batterson for your blog article.

Getting Out

2011-07-06T21:00:00.001-05:00

Getting Out - Tim Keller - TGC 2011 from The Gospel Coalition on Vimeo.

22 Years

2011-07-02T10:25:00.002-05:00

22 years ago yesterday Tricia and I were married at 1pm at Christian Tabernacle, 1717 Hickory Road in South Bend, Indiana. 22 years later and everything about our marriage is better. It's like fine wine, taste better with age. It hasn't been easy but we made the commitment to each other. We've been blessed with 5 incredible kids, Cierra, Christian, Grayson, Emily and Evan. We spent our anniversary on what is important and valuable to us, our family and friends. We started the day and all went to a movie with the kids and then finished it at our very first RED, WHITE, & BOOM downtown Columbus with friends. Just wanted to say I love you Tricia and thank you for the 22 years and I am looking forward to the rest of our lives here in Columbus, Ohio.

GraceTown Church Columbus Ohio

2011-06-24T13:30:00.001-05:00

GraceTown Church Launch Team Meeting

2011-06-22T09:45:00.002-05:00

This past Sunday night we had our first Interest and Launch Team Meeting at The Church at Polaris on 1250 Gemini Place in Columbus. A huge THANK YOU to Pastor Bennet Smith for allowing us to hold all our team meetings there. I love ministries that think "Kingdom". 22 were in attendance. I am super stoked about the future of GraceTown. We had an incredible time of vision casting, connection, and of course, snacks. Our next one is this Sunday night same time same place.

I discussed our Ministry Values with those in attendance:

1. God’s Presence – The essential and defining component of our services. Without it, we are nothing; within
it we find everything. God’s presence is what heals us, comforts us, guides us, and breathes new life into us.

2. Outreach – We live in a world desperately seeking truth and hope. We exist to share the Gospel and see lives
changed in our city, our nation, and our world through practical ministry to people’s physical, emotional, and
spiritual needs.

3. Authentic Relationships – We believe that life change happens in real, authentic relationships. Therefore,
we value relationship as one of the highest priorities in life and believe that every person should be connected
to a small group.

4. The Next Generation – We are dedicated to reaching the next generation and equipping them to be fully
devoted followers of Jesus Christ whose lives transform their sphere of influence and make an eternal impact
in the world.

5. Excellence – God is worthy of our best. Going beyond what is required, giving our best at all times in
everything we do brings joy to God’s heart and glory to His name.

6. Creativity – From the beginning of time, God has used creative means to communicate with His people. If
God communicates creatively, we want to too.

7. Diversity – We are committed to experiencing life as a diverse community. We celebrate all cultures, races,
personalities, ages and backgrounds because each reflects the beauty of our Maker in a unique way. Our
differences individually complete us corporately.

8. Relevance – Cultural awareness increases opportunity to connect with people. When we bring God and the
power of His Word into the situations people are facing on a daily basis, lives are changed.

9. Teamwork – We do life together. As we work side by side, we share in the joy of seeing our unique strengths,
abilities, and gifts unite to accomplish God’s purposes in our city and throughout the world.

10. Serving – God has placed in a man a desire to be a part of something bigger than himself. As we serve in the
local church, we experience the fulfillment of giving ourselves to the greatest cause of all: seeing God’s purpose
accomplished on the earth.

Stop Sabotaging Your Success!

2011-06-15T23:12:00.002-05:00

...but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.(PSALM 1:2-3)

In order to accomplish our goals, eliminate our hindrances and gain a better grasp of our time, we must systematically detect and disarm all consistent, self-sabotaging behaviors that oppose the success God has destined us for. Below are 6 self-sabotaging behaviors and the remedy for each:

1. A poor understanding of people. Every human on the face of this earth is unique. When we refuse to recognize and receive the distinct differences in other people, we severely limit ourselves and our success. To overcome feelings of insecurity and intimidation, we must attempt to see things from other people’s perspective, develop quality relationships, and believe the best about others. (Rom. 12:10)

2. Blaming others. To blame others for our own shortcomings gives the control of our lives over to another person, and makes us an eternal victim to our situations. In order to experience true success, we must learn to take personal responsibility for both our successes and our failures. (Ps. 34:17-18)

3. A lack of focus. This usually occurs when there are not carefully laid out plans or goals for success. Motivation is easy to stir up when you know where you are going and how to get there. A lack of focus, though, will result in wasted time and resources including energy, finances, and personnel. To achieve an excellent result, you must first have an excellent plan. (Prov. 20:18)

4. Surrounding yourself with negative people. To determine if your success is being sabotaged by your relationships, ask yourself, “Does this person believe in me and where I am headed?” “Are those around me full of faith and the Word of God, or are they like Job’s friends who have a religious façade that doesn’t withstand in the day of adversity?” “Do the conversations we have build or destroy those ideals that I hold in my heart?” Based on your answers, you may need to focus on building quality relationships, not necessary quantity relationships. (I Cor. 15:33)

5. Expecting failure. When we focus only on weaknesses and expect the worst, we will get just that. People who are stopped by failure see their failures with a personal perspective. People who are not stopped by failure, see it with a process perspective. The process perspective asks, what can I do next time? Because there always will be another opportunity to succeed. (Prov. 24:16)

6. Undisciplined living. Ultimately, your success is in your hands and in your decisions. God has already made a way for you. Your future is greatly dependent on your daily habits. Assess them often, making necessary adjustments and fine-tuning your way to complete victory! (Ecc. 10:10)

“Success depends on your backbone, not your wishbone.”~ Author Unknown

GraceTown Launch Team Meeting Set

2011-06-09T16:50:00.004-05:00

There will be an Interest & Launch Team Meeting for everyone wanting to hear more about GraceTown Church on Sunday, June 19 at 6pm at The Church at Polaris on 1250 Gemini Place Columbus. A huge thanks to Pastor Bennett Smith and The Church at Polaris family for allowing us to host our team meetings there throughout the summer until our September 11 launch date. We look forward to seeing you there for a great time of coffee and connection! For directions click HERE.

Association of Related Churches Stories

2011-06-03T08:32:00.001-05:00

ARC Stories from WePlantLife on Vimeo.

PRACTICAL WAYS TO HELP CHILDREN GROW SPIRITUALLY

2011-06-02T08:34:00.003-05:00

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” Proverbs 22:6

1. Worship preparation. In the morning, before prayer, teach your children the importance of worship by thanking God for the awesome day ahead and all the blessings of the day through song.

2. Prayer. Pray aloud with your children in the mornings before school. Pray over them, their day, and their teacher. You can start the prayer, but have your children also pray for specific events.

3. Bible reading/study. Read a key verse at breakfast and use it as a memory verse for a week. Reward your children for remembering, and pay attention when they recite the verse. It show the importance of the work and that you care about the little things.

4. Meals together. Mealtime is family time. This is a great opportunity for your children to express their, activities and challenges. Keep this time free from distractions. Turn off the television. Encourage conversation and make your children and their activities the topic.

5. Family fun. When the family is involved anything can be fun. Use your imagination. Make the children’s chores fun by sometimes helping them. Also, board games are great ways of providing family unity.

6. Celebration. Make birthdays and holidays special events where everyone participates. Teach your children the importance of giving to others. Encourage your children not just to purchase a gift, but maybe help them make something special as a gift.

7. Vacations. Vacations are memory makers for all kids. Involve them in the packing and the preparation for a special vacation. Even if it is a mission trip or just a weekend away, your enthusiasm will ignite their anticipation.

8. Missions projects. Involve children in the practicality of living for God. Take your children to evangelism and prayer meetings. Instill in them the priority of godly activities.

9. Giving. Teach your children early to value giving to others, and how God loves to give to them. Allowance time is a good time to teach them to give to God and to be generous to others.

10. Family mission statement. Establish family goals. Discover what is important to the entire family, such as finding a new home, having a home group at the house, or going on a mission trip. Share these plans with your children. This is a great opportunity to bring God’s plan for families to life in our own family.

11. Family conference time. Be committed and set a time when your family discusses issues or has family activities. Allow your children to come up with ideas for special family activities.

12. Conflict resolutions. Times when we have to discipline our children are great opportunities to share forgiveness and unconditional love. Be sure to follow-up all discipline with liberal doses of both.

What are some of the ways that you can advise families in helping their children grow spiritually?

Somethings are Worth Fighting For

2011-05-27T14:19:00.002-05:00

Sam: It's like in the great stories Mr. Frodo, the ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were, and sometimes you didn't want to know the end because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end it's only a passing thing this shadow, even darkness must pass. A new day will come, and when the sun shines it'll shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you, that mean something even if you were to small to understand why. But I think Mr. Frodo, I do understand, I know now folk in those stories had losts of chances of turning back, only they didn't. They kept going because they were holding onto something.

Frodo: What are we holding on Sam?

Sam: That there's some good in the world, Mr. Frodo, and it's worth fighting for.

Quote of the Day

2011-05-25T15:07:00.002-05:00

“First, there are the cop-outs. These people set no goals and make no decisions. Second, there are the holdouts. They have a beautiful dream, but they’re afraid to respond to its challenge because they aren’t sure if they can make it. Third, there are the dropouts. They start to make their dream come true. They know their role. They set their goals, but when the going gets tough, they quit. They don’t pay the toll. Finally, there are the all-outs. They are the people who know their role. They are going to be stars. They want to shine out as an inspiration to others. They set their goals…the all-outs never quit. Even when the
toll gets heavy, they’re dedicated. They’re committed.” — Robert H. Schuller

How to Dress a Wound

2011-05-20T20:57:00.002-05:00

“And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.” (Luke 10:33,34)

In the course of life, emotional and spiritual wounds are to be expected from time to time. Whether these are inflicted maliciously or by accident, proper treatment for the wound is necessary for healing to take place. Treatment and a visit to the Great Physician, should be the first course of action for all wound victims. Below are other important tips for dressing a wound:

1. Don’t let the wound get “dirty.” Yes, it’s true that the wound hurts. But our reaction to the injury can be like putting dirt into an actual wound, causing a serious infection. Let repentance clean out the “infectious” elements of the wound. If you are faithful to remain pure and humble before God, He will send healing into the hurt areas of our lives. (Psalm 25:9)

2. Remember, the doctor didn’t inflict the injury. When there is a wound inflicted, it’s easy to look for someone to blame. Many times, people turn the blame on God. However, He is the One who can relieve the pain and bring about healing. Talk to the Lord about your hurts and let Him prescribe something that will help. (James 1:17)

3. Listen to the doctor. After the Lord has given you His prescription, take your medicine like a good child of God. If it’s a pill of forgiveness that He has told you to take, then swallow it. Follow the Doctor’s orders and you will experience a release from the pain of your situation. (Proverbs 17:22)

4. Remove the “bandage.” You can’t keep a bandage on forever and expect the wound to heal. Get into some Christian fellowship again, and let the air of friendship and connection bring healing to your soul. (Acts 2:42)

5. Don’t pick at the “scab.” Too many people reopen wounds by revisiting the cause of the injury. Be very careful in your thoughts and conversations with others. (Philippians 4:8)

6. Remember, you can be healed. It’s up to you. With proper divine attention and intervention, you can be stronger than ever after an injury! (Psalm 107:20)

Peace

2011-05-19T09:51:00.001-05:00

Peace in today’s society is a commodity much desired and rarely found.

Looking for Peace?  We live in a world that is looking for peace. Most of us are more familiar with tension, stress and anxiety than peace. Lack of peace is the result of our complex, accelerated and stressed-out world. If you can complete these sentences with the appropriate word, you need to learn what resources are offered you by the “God of Peace.”  …I am ready to throw in the… (towel). …I am at the end of my…(rope). …I am just a bundle of…(nerves). …I am at my wits…(end). …I feel like resigning from the human…(race). …I am in over my…(head).

“I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give
isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

Old hymn that says – “Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea  Or demons or men or whatever it be,  No waters can swallow the ship where lies  The Master of ocean and earth and skies.  They all shall sweetly obey thy will:  Peace, be still.”

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR A CHURCH WHEN GETTING A NEW PASTOR By Dr. Jim Garlow

2011-05-02T01:17:00.004-05:00

There are many pastors that I know that are about to take a new church, and many churches that are seeking a pastor. This article was Preached by Dr. Jim Garlow on October 8, 1995 as he was leaving Metroplex Chapel in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, (which he had planted 13 years earlier) to go to Skyline Wesleyan Church in San Diego, California. I believe many churches will find it very beneficial as they move into the next season of their corporate journey.

1. Let your new pastor dream his dream. Let him have his own vision. Don’t tie him to the previous pastor’s vision. Let the previous pastor’s vision go. Release him. Embrace the new.

2. Let him be himself. He will be different than the previous pastor. If he is hilariously funny, let him be a clown. If he is unusually serious, let him be somber. Appreciate his uniqueness.

3. Commit to stand with him through the hard times. The honeymoon will eventually end. Be committed to him for the “long haul”. Put a defense around him. He will be attacked. Make sure you’re not one of the attackers. Don’t make him take the hits. Help protect him from the people with a “Jezebel spirit” who want to control and manipulate him and “till outside their vineyard.”

4. Let him lead. If you are part of the old staff that remains, give him your loyalty. If you are a board member who remains, give him full allegiance. Be committed to follow him.

5. Support him even when he can’t publicly explain why he had to make a certain decision. Bear in mind that pastors frequently cannot defend themselves in order to protect the guilty. They have to remain quiet about issues. Often times they have to dismiss a staff member, or remove a lay person from leadership (yes even when they first arrive) and yet they cannot discuss it. Consequently, the pastor receives criticism. If people knew the truth, they would support their pastor. Don’t try to be God. Just be quiet and support your pastor.

6. Release him from being your “best buddy”. He probably won’t be. If the church numbers above 100, it is more than he can possibly be close to, socially. Let him love you – and he will – but don’t try to spend large amounts of social time with him. He can’t physically spread himself around that thin.

7. Let his wife be herself. (This is assuming you are calling a male pastor, of course.) If she is hilariously funny and outgoing, let her be that way. If she is unbelievably quiet and shy, don’t attack her for not being friendly. If she is incredibly stylish, don’t criticize her. If she is non-stylish and looks out of date, it’s okay. The church will survive that too. If her skirts appear expensive, that’s her business. If her skirts are too short, be quiet and look the other way. Bottom line: Let her be herself. (NOTE: If your pastor is a female…well, you know how to “translate” this.)

8. Look for opportunities to encourage and affirm him. Find every opportunity verbally, by written notes, or other ways to encourage your pastor. The church will reap huge rewards.

9. Stay focused on the big picture. With the single exception of a pastor denying the reality of Jesus, there has never been a church fight that was really worth it. Don’t leave the church over any issue, unless he stops preaching that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, died on the cross for our sins, physically resurrected, and is coming back again. As long as he preaches that, love him and stay with him. Bottom line: chill out! The 11th Commandment says, “Thou shalt not sweat it!” So don’t. Two years later, that issue won’t matter, but the big picture will – so focus on it.

10. Stand by your church. By all means, don’t leave the church during this time of transition. Of course it will be a difficult period. Transitions always are. But your church stood with you during your difficult times, so…stand with your church during her difficult times. It needs you. While you are in the transition it feels like it will last forever. But it won’t. When it passes, you will be glad you stayed put. If you expect your church to stand with you, then stand with it…no matter what!

A Brief Overview of What GraceTown Church Believes

2011-04-27T10:47:00.006-05:00

• In essential beliefs — we have unity.
“There is one Body and one Spirit...there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all...” Eph. 4:4-6

• In non-essential beliefs — we have liberty.
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters... Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls... So then each of us will give an account of himself to God... So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.”
Romans 14:1,4,12,22

• In all our beliefs — we show charity.
“...If I hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but also the very secrets of God, and if I have the faith that can move mountains — but have no love, I amount to nothing at all.” 1 Cor. 13:2 (Ph)

GOD
We believe in the One ever-living, eternal God, Creator and Ruler of the Universe. Who has revealed Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:26-27, Isaiah 9:6,Deuteronomy 6:4, 2 Corinthians 13:14, John 1:1)

THE BIBLE
We believe the Bible is the unchangeable, inspired Word of God to all people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living.
(II Timothy 3:16-17, II Peter 1:20-21, II Timothy 1:13, Psalm 119:105,160, Psalm 12:6, Proverbs 30:5)

JESUS CHRIST
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, born of a virgin; that he lived a sinless life, was crucified on Calvary for our sins, and physically rose from the grave.He has been exalted to the throne of God where He is the only mediator between God and man. We believe that through his death and resurrectionwe haveaccess to personal salvation and power for victorious living.
(Isaiah 9:6, Matthew 1:22-23, John 1:1-5,14, Philippians 2:5-6, I Timothy 2:5, 3:16)

MAN
Man is made in the image of God. He is the supreme object of God's creation. Although God designed man to have fellowship with him, man became alienated from God through disobedience. As a result, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and choose to sin against God. Man is incapable of regaining a right relationship with God through his own efforts.
(Genesis 1:27, Psalm 8:3-6, Isaiah 53:6a, Romans 3:23, Colossians 1:21, Isaiah 59:1-2)

SALVATION
Salvation is a gift from God to man. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin's penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. (Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 14:6; 1:12, Titus 3:5, Galatians 3:26, Romans 5:1)

THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit is active in the world today andHe lives in every believer from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The baptism of the Holy Spirit, along with His gifts, is the privilege of all believers.
(1 Corinthians 12:13, Romans 8:16-17,Acts 1:6-8, Acts 8:14-17, Acts 19:1-2, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

THE CHURCH
We believe the Church has been called to be the embodiment of God's Spirit in this world.As the body of Christ on earth, the Church offers hope to mankind. The Church is one body made up of many members, diverse in their gifts and calling of the Holy Spirit.
(Psalms 92:12-15, Ephesians 1:22, 2:19-22, Hebrews 12:23, John 17:11, 20-23)

ETERNITY
Man was created to exist forever. He will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God, through forgiveness and salvation. When you die, you will either spend eternity in Heaven or Hell. Eternal separation from God happens in Hell. Eternal union with God occurs in Heaven.
(John 3:16, I John 2:25; 5:11-13, Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:15)

The Vision Strategy of GraceTown Church

2011-04-22T08:09:00.004-05:00

A vision is the picture of our preferable future. Our Vision for GraceTown Church is to be a dynamic, spirit-filled, multi-cultural Church numbering in the thousands. Reaching unchurched and dechurched people and connecting them to God and to other people in authentic relationships. We see GraceTown as a multi-site church with campus’s throughout Columbus and Ohio.

Our vision will be accomplished through four scriptural methods:

1. Our Weekend Services – This will be the avenue where we reach out to people with the life giving message of Jesus Christ.

2. Our Small Groups – This will begin with our Launch Team. It will be the place where people will connect to other believers and receive pastoral care. It will be a source of friendships and support. It will be based upon interests and similar life issues.

3. Our Growth Plan – This will be our method of discipleship, where we will provide them with an environment that will help them grow spiritually. From the decision to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior to a fulfilling purpose for ministry. These classes will lead an individual to be connected, grow, and go.

a. 101 – This is a basic introduction to the ministry of GraceTown Church and will help you understand church membership.

b. 201- This class will guide individuals through the essential beliefs every Christian needs to find success in their walk with God.

c. 301 – We want to help individuals realize what makes them so unique. This class will help that person discover their personality, gifts, and purpose in life and see how God combines them for the best fit in ministry.

d. 401 – This class will point people to the ministry area of their choice and what they are wired to do.

4. The Grace Team - This volunteer team is all about one thing; serving God by serving people. There will be plenty of opportunity to serve, such as being on our Host Team, One Student Ministries, KidzTown, small groups, Guest services, ushers, and music team.

Philosophy of Ministry/Values of GraceTown Church

2011-04-20T12:59:00.001-05:00

Our guiding principles by which we are defined:

1. God Presence – The essential and defining component of our services. Without it, we are nothing; within it we find everything. God’s presence is what heals us, comforts us, guides us, and breathes new life into us.
2. Outreach – We live in a world desperately seeking truth and hope. We exist to share the Gospel and see lives changed in our city, our nation, and our world through practical ministry to people’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
3. Authentic Relationships – We believe that life change happens in real, authentic relationships. Therefore, we value relationship as one of the highest priorities in life and believe that every person should be connected to a small group.
4. The Next Generation – We are dedicated to reaching the next generation and equipping them to be fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ whose lives transform their sphere of influence and make an eternal impact in the world.
5. Excellence – God is worthy of our best. Going beyond what is required, giving our best at all times in everything we do brings joy to God’s heart and glory to His name.
6. Creativity – From the beginning of time, God has used creative means to communicate with His people. If God communicates creatively, we want to too.
7. Diversity – We are committed to experiencing life as a diverse community. We celebrate all cultures, races, personalities, ages and backgrounds because each reflects the beauty of our Maker in a unique way. Our differences individually complete us corporately.
8. Relevance – Cultural awareness increases opportunity to connect with people. When we bring God and the power of His Word into the situations people are facing on a daily basis, lives are changed.
9. Teamwork – We do life together. As we work side by side, we share in the joy of seeing our unique strengths, abilities, and gifts unite to accomplish God’s purposes in our city and throughout the world.
10. Serving – God has placed in a man a desire to be a part of something bigger than himself. As we serve in the local church, we experience the fulfillment of giving ourselves to the greatest cause of all: seeing God’s purpose accomplished on the earth.

Why Columbus Ohio?

2011-04-12T13:59:00.004-05:00

After seven eventful and wonderful years as Lead Pastors of FaithPointe Church Adamsville, Tennessee, which we are eternally grateful, Tricia and I believe God directed us to resign as Lead Pastors and start a brand new life giving church called GraceTown Church in Columbus, Ohio. We previously pastored in Mansfield Ohio from 1996-2003, and even then the seed to plant in Columbus was there.

Why Columbus?

The City of Columbus is the capital of the state of Ohio and its many large corporations and location in the center of the state have helped to make it one of the fastest growing cities in the nation. The latest census date shows that it is a city of about 2 million people (The USA’s 15th largest city) and its population is projected to double over the next 15-20 years. In December 2003, USA Today published a story on Columbus, highlighting its broad based appeal as an up and coming city in our nation. It is the headquarters of The Ohio State University which educates approximately 56,000 students that go out into all parts of the world. As one can see, Columbus is a city of increasing influence in our nation. It is acknowledged as an emerging global city. Also described by USA Today as an accurate representation of the US – “Columbus is America. It’s urban, it’s suburban.
Farmland is just a freeway exit away. It has poor inner city neighborhoods and exclusive suburbs.”

More than 80% of the 2 million people living in the greater Columbus area do not regularly attend a church. The numbers are even greater among those between the ages of 18-34. Our goal is to plant a life giving Church on the north / northeast side of the city that will connect the people who live there and the people moving into that area each month.

Population Demographics

Estimated 2 million people. The median resident age is 30.6 years. The estimated median household income is $41,370.00. The estimated median house or condo value is $138,200.00 The number of people in a 5-10 mile radius of the north side of Columbus is estimated 110,000 people.

We love Columbus, Ohio and are extremely excited about planting GraceTown Church.

Church Myths to Relearn

2011-03-25T20:08:00.002-05:00

Everyone of us throughout our ministry will have Damascus moments. Paul the Apostle was evident to this experience in Acts 9. These thoughts come from Pastor Greg Surratt of www.seacoast.org. Enjoy! Some of my comments are below the statements.

Here are some Myths we have to relearn:

1. The Senior Pastor is the "Goal" of ministry and other ministries are stepping stones.

a. be excited and content with what God has called you to do at this season of your life. The Church is not corporate America prying for positions.

2. A gifted speaker makes a good Senior Pastor.

a. A gifted speaker is a gifted speaker, not and effective pastor. Leadership, vision, & the Team makes a pastor effective

3. A Pastor does all the care giving

a. Pastor's responsibility is to make sure people are cared for. He does this by raising up staff, and training people within the church

4. Lay people are way to busy to do ministry

a. Give people vision and they will be fueled to see the vision completed

5. The church down the street is not our competition

a. 50-60% of Americans never go to church
b. Our competition is the golf course, the bed, fishing, Tv, etc....
c. Pastors should not fear other churches or pastors. We are on the same team.

6. A church meets only on Sunday morning

a. church is about doing life together. Community and relationships, not events.

7. The Key to church growth is getting big church buildings

a. It is building and growing people. (Example - Saddleback church, rented in a school for years and grew to over 5000 with not owning their own building
b. You can do multiple services or do what Seacoast Church does, multi-site church campus’s.

How we should pray for church plants (or any church) from 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

2011-03-20T00:51:00.000-05:00

How we should pray for church plants (or any church) from 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Pray for the gospel to bear fruit. v.3
Pray for the gospel to bring understanding. v.4
Pray that the gospel would be proclaimed with power, in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. v.5
Pray for the gospel to be received with the joy of the Holy Spirit. v.6
Pray for the gospel to spill out from us. v.8
Pray that unbelievers would turn from serving idols to serving God. v.9
Pray for both patience to wait for the return of Christ and boldness to proclaim Jesus, “who delivers us from the wrath to come.” v.10

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I by Mark Batterson

2011-03-19T00:06:00.002-05:00

10 Things I wish I knew before I....

I just got an email from a pastor asking my advice: What are the top 3 things every person should know before they senior pastor their first church?

I haven't done a top-ten list lately so here goes. Here are a few of my off the top of my head thoughts about pastoring:

#1 Be Yourself--Even more important than being a pastor is being yourself. Be authentic. Be real. Share your weaknesses and struggles. Remind your congregation that you are a work in progress just like they are. Be true to the unique passions and giftings God has given you. Develop core values and core convictions.

#2 Put Your Family First--I limit my church-related meetings to one evening per week. Establish those boundaries early on. If there is ever a conflict between family and ministry it's a no-brainer. Family first.

#3 Have Fun--Church ought to be the most enjoyable hour of the week. Don't take yourself too seriously. The healthiest and holiest people laugh at themselves the most. Let your congregation see you laugh at yourself. A lot.

#4 Keep Learning--Readers are Leaders and Leaders are Readers. Once you think you have it figured out, it's the beginning of the end. There are ways of doing church that no one has discovered yet. Keep experimenting. Realize that if a 100 people give you 30 minutes of their time to listen to your sermon, your message better warrant 50 hours of listening time. Study to show yourself approved, and make sure you're doing both biblical exegesis and cultural exegesis.

#5 Hire People You Like Hanging Out With--How much you enjoy ministry depends on who you're doing ministry with. Hire people you can laugh at...I mean with :) Hire people who love God and love life. Hire people who go the extra mile. Hire people who work hard and play hard. Hire the right people then let their portfolio conform to them like a new shoe conforms to your foot.

#6 Do Recon--You've got to do everything within your power to keep from going into maintenance mode. Stay in growth mode. Remain an open-source system. Go to conferences and visit other churches.

#7 Be a God-Pleaser--I remind myself of what Abraham Lincoln said all the time: you can please all the people some of the time, some of the people all of the time, but you can't please all the people all the time. Don't worry about offending people. Worry about offending God. Stay true to the vision God has given you. Don't waver when people want you to conform to their vision of what the church should be. You'll spend the rest of your life contorting yourself and your church into a thousand shapes. Make sure you're doing ministry out of the overflow of what God is doing in your life. Make sure you allow God to work in you before you ask Him to work through you. The church will never outgrow you! If it does, it's dangerous!

#8 Keep it Simple--Less is more. We have two goals: plug into a small group and plug into a ministry. Don't try to do too much. Be really good at what you do. Know who you are. Know who you aren't. Develop a kingdom mindset. Learn to appreciate the unique role that others churches play in your community. Then play to your strengths.

#9 Paint Your Church Purple--Either you are remarkable or invisible. Too many churches are ignorable. The good news ought to make the news. You've got to do things to get the attention of your community. Do what you do with an excellence that makes people do a double-take. Make sure your print materials are aesthetically pleasing. Do outreaches that bless the socks off your community. Find the needs in your community and fill them. Dare to be different. Add a touch of creativity to everything you do!

#10 Enjoy the Journey--If you're a visionary, you'll tend to live for the future, but enjoy the moment. Be the best pastor you can be during every stage.

Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C., a multi-site church and a leading fellowship in the nation’s capital. Meeting in movie theaters and Metro stops throughout the D.C. area, NCC is attended by more than 70 percent single twenty-somethings. Mark’s weekly podcast is one of the fastest growing in America. His book, In A Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day: How to Survive and Thrive When Opportunity Roars peaked at #44 on Amazon.com’s best-seller list. He has just released his newest book entitled, Wild Goose Chase: Reclaiming the Adventure of Pursuing God. He and his wife Lora live on Capitol Hill. They have three children.

Redefining The Church to a Post Modern Culture

2011-03-14T11:11:00.000-05:00

Carlos Ghosn became Nissan Motor Company’s president and CEO, just 3 years prior Nissan was headed for bankruptcy. Carlos was to be the engineer for the company’s dramatic turnaround. He said in June’s issue of FAST COMPANY, that “our objective is to position Nissan in the top rank of the car industry. He mapped out a plan and called it, “The Nissan Revival Plan”. In the interview in Fast Company he listed a blueprint for the company’s comeback. The one statement that jumped out at me was #3 “To Change a company, you must change minds”. He said the biggest task was not to restructure Nissan; it was to restructure the minds of the people inside Nissan.”

Today we just don’t need to restructure the church, but to restructure the mind of the church. The philosophy, the belief system, the traditions that hold us back from being the CHURCH. Imagination is a wonderful asset. It allows us to see realities as they “could be” and “should be”. It relentlessly challenges us to go beyond our experience of what is, to those higher realms of the improbable. Robert Kennedy’s words stir me: “Some men see things as they are and say “why”..... I dream of things that are not, and say “why not?”.....

So let me ask you to use your imagination for a few moments as you ponder the following questions that Robert Lewis asked in his book, “The Church of Irresistable Influence”(Zondervan):

1. Can you imagine the community in which you live being genuinely thankful for your church?
2. Can you imagine city leaders valuing your church’s friendship and participation in the community - even asking for it?
3. Can you imagine the neighborhoods around your church talking behind your back about “how good it is” to have your church in the area because of the tangible witness you’ve offered them God’s love?
4. Can you imagine a large number of your church members actively engaged in, and passionate about, community service, using their gifts and abilities in ways and at levels they never thought possible?
5. Can you imagine the community actually changing (Proverbs 11:11 -”By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted...”) because of the impact of your church’s involvement?
6. Can you imagine many in your city, formally cynical and hostile toward Christianity, actually praising God for your Church and the positive contributions your members have made in Jesus’ name?
7. Can you imagine the spiritual harvest that would naturally follow if all this were true?

What must we do to become that Church? We must first redefine our concept of the “Church”. When we define the Church we realize it has many popular meanings. In the dictionary it is defined as “a place for public Christian Worship”. So most people think of a building when they hear the word “church.” Other people confuse the word “church” with Christian meetings. They ask, “Are you going to church tomorrow?” When they really mean, “Are you going to the meeting or service?”

The Church is not a Building and the Family is not a House. Just think of what our language conveys: “Did you see our new church?” or “we love our new home, it is only 10 minutes from the church!” What does this convey? It says that the church is an edifice you go to one or more times a week, rather than who you and your fellow believers are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It says that you “attend” the church rather than “are” the church. It equates “building the church” with erecting a physical structure rather than with edifying the Body of Christ. William Beckham expressed so concisely, “How we do church is directly related to how we think church.” We have the “Church is a building” mentality, therefore that is why the “church” is not actually influencing society like it should. We need to “BE THE CHURCH”.

If the Church is going to make a positive impact on today’s culture. The Church is going to have to CHANGE. We have created a “religious” culture that this generation cannot relate to. If it was 1950 the majority of churches would be “relevant”. But it is not 1950, it is the 21st Century. Times have changed. Things have changed. The Method of how we did church must change to reach today’s culture. Don’t get me wrong, our message must never change. The message of the Gospel was relevant 2000 years ago and it is still relevant today. Bill Hybels, Pastor of Willowcreek Community Church in South Barrington, Ill. said, “The Church should be culturally relevant, while remaining doctrinally pure - Jesus was the most effective, relevant communicators of all time. He was fresh and current. But we cannot become a Christian Oprah Winfrey Show, mirroring the culture but not bringing the Truth of God’s Word to make an impact and bring change.”

The past methods of church traditions must change. Most churches today have conducted their “services” to please “church members”. Pastors are having nervous breakdowns and leaving the ministry everyday. Obviously, the present day church has done something wrong. We’ve gone from “being the Church” to “Going to church”, the preachers “perform” and the saints are the “spectators”. If the church is going to survive in the 21st Century their must be a redefining of the church.

The Church becomes the Church, when at least two believers gathering in Jesus’ name; and the Lord’s presence is among them. Walls do not make a community; ceilings and floors do not make a family; stained glass windows and padded pews do not make a congregation. God’s people make a community, a family, a congregation, a church. Then when that church becomes the local expression of the person of Jesus Christ and when the people live as authentic followers of Jesus and become a spiritual community, the we can change our culture. (Acts 4:32-34, 2:42-47)

Warning Signs of Pride

2011-03-10T11:13:00.003-06:00

“…be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud,
but gives grace to the humble.” (I Peter 5:5)

Pride - A high or inordinate opinion of one's owns dignity, importance, merit, or superiority. Whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing or conduct. Words such as egotism, arrogance, vanity, boastfulness, & conceit are a part of Pride.

Humility - To lower oneself, lowly, abasing yourself, down to earth. It recognizes how inadequate we are by ourselves.

The last thing any believer would want is for God to resist or stand against us. But this is exactly what will happen if we allow pride to enter our hearts. While God is characterized by patience and mercy, even He has His limits. The amplified version of the I Peter 5:5 says that God literally sets himself against the proud. he opposes them, frustrated them and defeats them. The best way to avoid pride is by being aware of the warning signs that come before it. Below are the warning signs that every believer should watch for:

1. Always wanting praise and recognition from others. Receiving praise does not necessarily cause pride. However, if everything you do is to earn someone’s recognition or praise, then pride may be at the root of what you are doing. Life is not a performance and the world is not your stage. To avoid pride, do everything as unto the Lord and let your reward be in heaven. (Col. 3:17)

2. Comparing yourself with others. You must be careful not to use other people as your measuring stick. Pride will cause you to keep score with others. To avoid pride, remember the purpose to which you have been called and fulfill it according to scriptural standards. (I Jn. 3:8)

3. Superiority complex. Just because we may do something different than others, doesn’t make us superior. It’s just different. We must stay true to the call that God has placed on our lives. To avoid pride, we must use the scriptures as a standard of measurement for all things. (I Cor. 14:6) Henrietta Mears said, "The man who keeps busy helping the man below him won't have time to envy the man above him."

4. Carnal competition. At one time or another, all of us have been tempted to rejoice in other’s failures and resent other’s successes. Pride will cause you to believe that in order to look good, someone else must look bad. To avoid pride, be the first to congratulate others and rejoice with them in their blessings. (2 Cor. 12:11)

5. Defensiveness. One obvious sign of pride is our response to constructive criticism or correction. The carnal response is to fight back. When others say that we are wrong, we feel obligated to prove that we are right. The best way to destroy pride in this area is to look for the truth in any accusation, to accept correction and take it to prayer. We must also remain open to the voice of godly leadership. This way, your heart remains humble before the Lord. (James 4:6)

Controlling Your Mind

2011-03-07T17:32:00.000-06:00

"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." (Ephesians 4:23-24)

Your heart and mind is the core of who you really are. It is where all the issues of your life come from. When your heart and mind is strong and victorious, you will be victorious. At the cross, Christ bought total victory for our minds. No longer do we have to be bound by the limitations of earthly, sensual mindsets, now we can have the mind of Christ. It doesn’t come automatically, though. You must be continually renewed in your mind in order to live in this victory. Below are strategies for taking back the reigns of your mind:

1. You must get aggressive. The most dangerous position for a Christian is passivity. The word "passive" means "lacking in energy or will; receiving or enduring without resistance." Refuse to allow Satan to fill your mind with thoughts of fear, doubt, worry, lust, greed and other evils. Exert your energy to study the Word, confess it and line your actions up with it! (James 4:7)

2. Deny access. Your mind is not a garbage can. Don’t allow the enemy access through open doors. Guard what you hear, see, and meditate on. The moment you feel your thoughts going off course, repent and make your mind get back on task. If an activity or thought is questionable, refuse it and choose something pure instead. (Philippians 4:8)

3. Build up a Godly wall. After cleaning the house of your mind, keep it clear by saturating it with the Word of God. An idle mind has been said to be the devil’s workshop. Actively fill your heart and mind with the purity of the promises of God. Recite them, activate them, and live in their abundance. Soon, you’ll be hooked on the power surge of victory and will not want to go back to low-level thinking! (Romans 12:2)

Keeping Peace in the Home

2011-03-04T09:33:00.001-06:00

“Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:14)

Our God is a God of blessing. Just as much as you are called to face up to what is broken or in need of change in your life, you should also be thankful for the positive elements that exist. There are a number of very positive things that every married couple can do to strengthen and build up their marriage. Most of these things can be done on a daily basis – and they are very practical:

1. Focus on Successes. Support and encourage what your spouse does right. Don't major on weaknesses, but major on strengths. Become your spouse’s greatest fan and most loyal supporter. Never belittle your spouse, especially in public. They emasculate a man, and they crush a woman.

2. Love unconditionally. Don’t try to change your spouse. Love what God has created. You can’t operate by feelings, wishes, desires, signs, or things you can “see.” Operate according to your faith that God is in your marriage, He is doing a work in you and your spouse, and He will bring it to completion.

3. Be realistic in your expectations. Don’t expect your spouse to meet all of your emotional needs. Some wives expect their husbands to satisfy and fulfill them completely in every area of their life. The same is true for some husbands in their expectations of what a wife will provide for them emotionally.

4. Appreciate your spouse. Be thankful and appreciative for what your spouse does for you. Be quick to say “thank you” to your spouse, not just to feel thankful. Value the little things as well as the big things. Give genuine compliments. Say “thank you” from the heart.

5. Live by conviction, not preference. Conviction is rooted in our belief that God is able to resolve any problems that may come in our marriage. Preference, however, is when a person chooses to live by what they “prefer” or choose to be the truth rather than to live according to God’s truth. Conviction solidifies your mind and heart against opposition and pressure.

“Many waters cannot quench love, nor can the floods drown it. If a man would give for love all the wealth of his house, it would be utterly despised.” (Song of Solomon 8:7)

Making Change in your Life

2011-03-02T11:17:00.001-06:00

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Cor. 5:17)

Are you tired of making those resolutions only to give up on them before the month is over? At the beginning of each year, so many of us commit to changes and goals that seem so realistic. Yet, when December 31 rolls around, we are disheartened to find that we are no closer to achieving those results than we first started. We love to talk about change and we say that we will start on Monday. Monday comes and goes, and their is no change. So how do we create an environment for lasting change? Below are important keys to changing successfully:

1. Quantify your change. Most of the time our goals are just too vague to achieve. Therefore, a resolution such as, “I want to lose weight” or “I want to get out of debt” will probably fail. Be specific. What would your ideal weight be? How much money would you like to have in the bank at the end of the year? Be realistic and set a goal that you can achieve.

2. Set a deadline. Deadlines are commitments. If you leave your change to “as soon as possible” it will probably wind up on the back burner. Deadlines help us break down our decision to change into smaller, bite-sized pieces. For example, if your goal is to lose 25 pounds by June 30, that translates into approximately 4 pounds per month. When you can see that your goal is manageable, you will see that you can actually do what is necessary to make it happen!

3. Change one or two things at a time. As humans, we don’t generally like change in the first place. Our natural tendency is to seek the familiar and avoid change. Focus in on one or two of the more important resolutions you seek to accomplish this year. When you achieve one or the other, start on the next one. Systematically achieve the change that you desire.

4. Be realistic. Don’t set yourself up for failure by being unrealistic in your approach to change. Think your goals through ahead of time, write them down so that they are before you. Make progress every day towards fulfilling each goal and soon you’ll see the change that you’ve desired.

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Prov. 16:9)

Getting the Most From Reading the Word

2011-03-01T10:54:00.000-06:00

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

Jesus Christ gave us the formula of success for every Christian when He said, “If you know these things, happy are ye if you do them” (John 13:17). When we delight in His Word we will experience true happiness, which is the result of knowing and doing the will of God as He has revealed it in the Bible. Below are tips for getting the most out of your time spent in the Word:

1. Read daily. Daily Bible reading is to your spiritual life what daily eating is to your physical life. There are weak, lethargic, and unmotivated Christians walking around without purpose due to a lack of regular, daily Bible reading. Just as the body needs a regular feeding time to maintain its energy level, so the spiritual man must regularly be fed the Word of God if it is to be strong and healthy. (Job 23:12)

2. Set a regular reading time. One of the most common questions from young Christians is “how much time should I devote to reading the Bible each day?” It’s important to keep in mind that it’s better to be consistent with 10 minutes than inconsistent with 20. But, if you mean business with God and really want to grow, you’ll need to plan in at least 15 minutes of daily Bible study. (Psalm 119:11)

3. Set a regular place. It will help your concentration to eliminate distractions by developing a regular place that you go to when you do your Bible study. It’s best to be in a sitting position and preferably at a desk or table. Coming regularly to this “quiet place” helps establish the devotional mood. (Isaiah 45:23)

4. Read with a pen/pencil and paper at hand. One of the biggest pitfalls for Bible reading is letting your eyes run across the page, reading but not comprehending. To avoid this, make sure that you read with an attitude of expectancy. When you take a pen and paper into your Bible study time, you prepare yourself to receive something from God. And where there’s a demand, there will always be a supply. (Deuteronomy 8:3)

5. Read devotionally. The Bible is a living book written by a loving God to His children and it is profitable to us. In it, we find basic principles, guidance and inspiration on how to live. It is our responsibility to prayerfully ask God for a message each and every time we sit down to read it. And then, it is our responsibility to apply it. In doing this, we will have great success. (James 1:22)

Strategies for Dynamic Team Leadership

2011-02-21T22:56:00.001-06:00

“BEHOLD I HAVE GIVEN HIM AS A WITNESS TO THE PEOPLE, A LEADER AND COMMANDER FOR THE PEOPLE.”
(ISAIAH 55:4)

Everybody wants to be a part of a team that is productive and successful. In order for a team to achieve this it must have a good leader. Below are 5 keys that will help unlock the leader in you.

1. Commitment to People. Most team members are primarily concerned about relationship and about being valued as a team member, before they are concerned about the task that the team is to undertake. Feeling secure in a group environment is an important pre-requisite before individual contribution. A good team leader is able to spend time building the team, not only when the team emerges, but when new members join the team as well. (John 15:13)

2. Desire to Support and Serve. While team members want to see the ability to lead from the front, they are also strongly motivated by the ability to lead from the back! Servant leadership is vital for team members to in turn want to serve each other. This is a particularly key topic for Christian leaders. There must be a balance between a willingness to take on any chores that need to be done by the team, and a balance of roles so the leadership is not diminished. (Mt 20:27)

3. Enthusiasm, Energy, Inspiration and Expertise. Team members want to be inspired and motivated by a team leader who has the energy and enthusiasm to fire them up. However, they also want to feel secure that the team leader has themselves, or has access to, the necessary expertise to lead the team in the right direction. The leader doesn't have to be the most knowledgeable of the subject at hand, but if they are not, they must encourage the input of others. (2Ch 1:10)

4. Willingness to Shoulder Responsibility. Team leaders are tested under pressure. When challenges arise, as they inevitably will, the leader will need to take responsibility to ensure that they are fixed as far as possible and that the team is strengthened as a result. This does not mean that the leader should admit that issues beyond their control are in any way their fault (although they should be honest in admitting their mistakes), but rather adopt a proactive stance to ensure the team is not deflected from its course. (Gal 6:5)

5. Ability to Build Team Synergy. This is likely to require the team leader to explore leadership models that share the leadership role within the team. The leader must have an understanding of the different individuals team roles, strengths and gifts. It is a leader’s responsibility to ensure they establish a mutual accountability within the team, to create a team environment which is open, fun and allows healthy and productive discussion. You will always achieve more when operating as a cohesive team. (1Tim 6:18)

Roll Away Your Stone- Mumford & Sons

2011-02-18T16:47:00.001-06:00

What You need to know about Faith

2011-02-17T11:21:00.001-06:00

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.”
(I John 5:4)

Faith is a gift to every believer. Even during times when you may not feel the power of faith, it is there ready to be exercised. Too many people make the mistake when things go wrong to blame their circumstances, or even God, for the apparent failure. But faith is the victory that will cause you to overcome in all situations. Below are key truths you need to know to live in this overcoming faith:

1. God is not the problem – He is the solution. If your radio doesn’t work, you don’t call the radio station and get upset with them, you simply adjust the frequency of your receiver. If that doesn’t help, you get it repaired by someone who knows how to fix it. The same is true of God. If something isn’t working properly, don’t blame it on God. There’s nothing wrong with the transmitter – it’s the receiver that needs adjusting. (Rom. 14:23)

2. Get to know God’s character and will through His Word. Usually we get condemned simply because we have not listened to all that God has to say, or because we allow the devil to distort what we have heard. When you understand God’s character and His Word, you can resist the devil and his accusations, knowing that what God says is not to reject and condemn you, but to edify and improve you. (Rom. 1:17)

3. The devil will always attack the Word. When the will of God is known, faith is no problem. Problems arise only when we are unaware of or choose not to obey what the Word says. The devil knows that the Word will produce faith in your life and that faith produces supernatural results. He knows that when you begin to act on the Word of God, you take up the sword of the Spirit, and you will defeat him in one area after another. (Rom. 10:17)

4. The Word is a seed that produces supernatural results. The Word of God has the ability to produce results. You are not the one who produces them. Your part is to allow the Word to be sown in your heart, look after it and hold on to it, even while you are under pressure and in conflicting circumstances. As a result the Word will produce in your life. Much more than you have ever dreamed! (Mark 4:20)

"The Long Sermon"

2011-02-17T11:16:00.000-06:00

"The Long Sermon"

Gladys attended church services one particular Sunday.

The sermon seemed to go on forever,
and many in the congregation fell asleep.

After the service, to be social,
Gladys walked up to a very sleepy looking gentleman.

In an attempt to revive him from his stupor,
she extended her hand in greeting, and said, "Hello, I'm Gladys Dunn."

To this the gentleman replied,
"You're not the only one!"

MOVING FROM BLESS ME TO BUILD ME

2011-02-15T15:48:00.002-06:00

“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.” (I Corinthians 3:10, KJV)

As the church rises in greater levels, breakthrough believers are realizing that the church in its truest form was never meant to be built around a “bless me” only model of Christianity. The original church, which sets the pattern for the 21st century church, was designed to be built upon foundational leadership. As we embrace the mandate, it is important that we move past a “bless me” only, consumer mind-set of Christianity and ministry into the following reformed mindsets and responses:

1. Build me. Before the foundations of the earth were laid, God had a design for you. By receiving the biblical leadership & anointing into our lives, we will position ourselves to experience the spirit of reform. Old patterns of justification and self-preservation that resist progress will crumble as we embrace this proper direction. (Gal. 2:20)

2. Mature me. Breakthrough believers are not looking for someone to stroke their egos or pad their flesh. There is a maturity that comes to the breakthrough believer’s responses and attitudes. As leaders looses reform, and as we receive it, the things that used to send us over the edge or trip us out, will be forced to line up with the Word of God. (I Cor. 4:20)

3. Prepare me. Once we move into greater levels of maturity, we realize there is a bigger calling, a larger purpose to our lives than just us. We are connected to people. We have a destiny. The breakthrough believer feels the need to be prepared for the work God has given him and he seeks out the apostle for his ability to prepare him to live in the high call. (I Sam. 7:3)

4. Send me. The thrills of the world dim in comparison to the satisfaction of being sent by the Holy Spirit. New capabilities and capacities come to the pursuing believer. There is a godly confidence and assurance when you are sent into a job, a church, or a relationship as a breakthrough believer. (Is. 6:8)

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR A CHURCH WHEN LOSING IT’S PASTOR By Dr. Jim Garlow

2011-02-07T15:13:00.001-06:00

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR A CHURCH WHEN LOSING
IT’S PASTOR By Dr. Jim Garlow

Transition - (tran-zish’un), n.1. Passage from one place, state, stage of development, type, etc., to another; change; also, the period, place, passage, etc., in which such a change is effected.

1. Remember, in life, change is a given. Everything (except God) changes. It is inevitable. So don’t waste energy in denial or “fighting it.”
2. This is not the end of the world; it only feels like it. God really does love you and He will soon prove it by bringing you another wonderful pastor.
3. The pastor didn’t leave because he doesn’t like you…or because he likes some other church better. He is simply trying to obey God.
4. If, by chance, you were one of those critics of the pastor, repent. Otherwise there will be curse on the church, and you won’t like the consequences. God is not interested in protecting the outgoing pastor as a person, but he is jealous about the office. So, in the event you participated in “pastor bashing” (even if it was in the form of a “prayer request:” “let’s pray for our pastor…”), then repent.
5. Encourage those around you that God’s hand is still on the church.
6. If you are not on the governing body which selects the new pastor, then pray for them and encourage them.
7. If you are on the governing board, then pray and fast. When you finish that, do it again.
8. Never ever, ever, ever “campaign” for your favorite “candidate.” Stop being God. Let Him install who He would. Let the church board have full liberty. This is not the Republican or Democratic Convention. If you “campaign,” a factious spirit will enter the congregation andyou will be the one who let it in.
9. Above all, stand by your church. She stood by you lots of times. This is one of those time your church needs you. Don’t leave. If you leave, it reveals things about you that you don’t want to hear. Don’t be divisive. Don’t go down the street and start another church. It will be for wrong reasons and built on a wrong foundation.
10. Stay positive! Keep a smile on your face and a song in your heart. Assure others “it will be all right”…because it will.

Unspoken Glory

2011-02-03T15:39:00.002-06:00

This is my younger brother Ryan's band, Lost Chapter music video

We Can Transition With The Change!

2011-01-31T15:21:00.002-06:00

We Can Transition With The Change! Change means: to shift in the external situation. Transition is: the mindset reorientation in response to the change. While there are always natural changes taking place in our lives individually, and corporately, we must remember to also transition our mindset and grow spiritually during those times. Below are three phases of transition that will remind you to hold fast to the promises that God has given you so that you can reap the benefits He has in store for you.

1. The Ending. With every new beginning there must come an end to old mindsets, immaturities, insecurities, habits and ways of doing things. It’s time to move to your next level, so let go of those past issues, forgiving those that may have hurt you, and strive forward to the freedom that God has promised. Instead of focusing on the feeling of loss that hits your emotions, focus on the spiritual blessings that God is about to pour out on your life. (John 15:2)

2. The Neutral Zone. When walking up a flight of steps, your foot leaves one step and is in the ‘in-between’ place before landing on the next one. Our souls feel that neutral place in the middle of transition. If you don’t worry about the unfamiliarity of that place, and continually keep the vision of God before you, you are sure to land exactly in the appointed place that will cause your purpose to be revealed. Allow God to use this time to speak to you and reveal His love for you, and begin to trust Him in areas you previously hadn’t been able to. (1 John 4:18)

3. The Beginning. An overwhelming sense of accomplishment floods your spirit as you find that you have fought through the trials and made it to the beginning of that new place. If you don’t give up in the process, you will find yourself with a fresh sense of love for God and those around you, as you realize that your fight to the end proved successful. New relationships, new team atmosphere, a bigger vision, and souls added to the Kingdom will be part of your reward. Get to the end of your trial, so that you will have a testimony to pass to the next generation. Then you can teach them that it truly does “pay off” to complete the work you started out to do. (1 Thess. 5:24)

“It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.” -- Alan Cohen

Why Big Churches Get Bigger: Alignment Factor

2011-01-27T11:41:00.002-06:00

Why Big Churches Get Bigger: Alignment Factorby Tony Morgan

Earlier this week I wrote about how big churches are continuing to get bigger. I’m in the process of highlighting some of the reasons why I believe that’s happening. Today, I’d like to talk about the leadership factor.

I’m in the camp that believes leadership is a spiritual gift. Romans 12:8 tells us, “If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously.” One of the distinctives of large, growing churches is that they value leadership development. That’s not the case in small, declining churches.

In small churches, leaders are controlled. This typically happens through the way churches are structured. Instead of giving pastors and other ministry leaders the freedom to make decisions and make ministry happen, churches will add layers of boards and committees, rules and processes to prevent leaders from doing just about anything on their own. The smaller the church, typically, the more complex the structure.

In growing churches, what I usually find is that leaders have been released to lead. Boundaries are established to create a framework for decisions and actions, but within those boundaries is the freedom for leaders to leverage their spiritual gifts. Unfortunately, many churches are willing to embrace shepherds, teachers and pastors, but they’re unwilling to embrace leaders.

Churches who understand the leadership factor share these characteristics:

1. They are staff-led and not committee-controlled.
2. They empower the senior pastor and the spiritual authority of that position.
3. They see leadership as critical not only at the very top of the organization but in every layer of the ministry.
4. They know that leadership is a gift, and it must be developed.
5. They understand that not everyone is a leader and they’re intentional about moving people into ministry that best fits their gifts.
6. They embrace both staff and volunteer leaders. Paid staff are not the only people with the leadership gift.
7. They recognize leadership isn’t just for men over the age of 40.
8. They are careful to prioritize the character over the skill of a leader.

The bottom line is that it’s impossible to grow a healthy church and have an environment that values control over empowerment.

If you’d like to read more about my thoughts on leadership, check out this series of posts on my theology of leadership.

Three Reasons Your Church Will Fail

2011-01-24T15:07:00.001-06:00

Three Reasons Your Church Will Fail – Pastor Michael Lukazewski

Depending on what study you read, anywhere from 50-80% of new churches close their doors within the first five years. And while 4,000 new churches are started every year, about 3,800 other churches close their doors. So for all the church planting that’s going on, we’ve got way more opportunity for improvement. As I reflect back on my own five year journey as a church planter and pastor, here’s three reasons I believe many churches don’t make it.  

1. Launching too many ministries. Most ministries begin with good intentions, trying to meet a legitimate, specialized need. Over time, these ministries become expensive and volunteer intensive. All the while, their effectiveness dwindles. When launching new ministries, you must consider sustainability. What will this ministry look like at five times it’s size. It may not cost much now, but what about later? In my experience, new churches try to be all things to all people, and in offering so many ministries, they ensure that none of them are quality. It’s better to do a few things well than offer a bunch of programs that scratch the surface.

2. Being sidetracked by difficult people. New churches attract some great people, but they are also a breeding ground for difficult people. Talking a good talk, these people often come in with baggage that takes your church off mission. Before long, you’re spending a great deal of time justifying what you do to people who are slightly misaligned. Instead of reaching people, you’re coddling people. I’m talking about the volunteers who just can’t submit to leadership, the finance team member who always seems to have a problem with spending money on outreach, or the former deacon who wants your church to be a little more like his last church. In five years, I’ve learned that I can’t justify what we’re about to some people.

3. Working in it, not on it. In new churches especially, the work comes at a fast a furious pace. You had months to plan your first service, but only six days to plan the next. You’re starting things, launching things, meeting with people, and operating week-to-week. While some of this is necessary, if you never back up to evaluate and create systems, then you’re going to stay stuck in the hamster wheel of ministry. New churches must work on the organization, create processes, and develop healthy systems. We’ve got to stop reacting to this week’s problem and implement a long-term strategy. For what it’s worth, this is why I’m investing a ton of time into launching six core resources that will jump start or refresh healthy systems in your church.

These are just three of the issues young churches (and established churches, for that matter) will face. Do you agree? What would you add to the list?

Miracles (Part 1)

2011-01-22T13:34:00.003-06:00

Psalm 139:16-18
John 20:30, 21:25

Hidden Miracles
Genesis 21:19

Delayed Miracles
John 11:5-7

Resisted Miracles
Ephesians 6:10-17 / James 4:7

Creating An Environment for Miracles

1. Attitude of Expectation
Acts 3:5 / 28:6

2. Attitude of Believing exists
Mark 9:23 / John 14:12

3. Confess God's Greatness
Psalm 104:1-2
I Chronicles 29:11

4. Experience The presence of the living Christ
Mark 2:3-4, 10-12 / Mark 5:29-30

5. Boldness without Embarrassment
Matthew 20:30-31 / Matthew 10:7-8

6. Cultivated by Speaking God's Word
Isaiah 55 10-11 / Mark 11:23

7. Deepened Through Prayer & Fasting
Isaiah 58:5-6 / Matthew 17:21

Benefits of God's Favor

2011-01-11T10:25:00.002-06:00

10 Benefits of the Favor of God

Favor produces supernatural increase and promotion.
But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of
the prison. Genesis 39:21

Favor produces restoration of everything that the enemy has stolen from you.
And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye
go, ye shall not go empty. Exodus 3:21

Favor produces honor in the midst of your adversaries.
And the Lord gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very
great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants, and in the sight of the people. Exodus
11:3

Favor produces increased assets, especially in the area of real estate.
And of Naphtali he said, O Naphtali, satisfied with favour, and full with the blessing of the Lord:
possess thou the west and the south. Deuteronomy 33:23

Favor produces great victories in the midst of great impossibilities.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might
destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the Lord
commanded Moses. Joshua 11:20

Favor produces recognition, even when you seem the least likely to receive it.
And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my
sight. I Samuel 16:22

Favor produces prominence and preferential treatment.
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more
than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.
Esther 2:17

Favor produces petitions granted even by ungodly civil authorities.
If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to
perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will
do tomorrow as the king hath said. Esther 5:8

Favor causes policies, rules, regulations and laws to be changed and reversed to your advantage.
And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the
king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of
Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king’s provinces.
Esther 8:5

Favor produces battles won which you won’t even fight because God will fight them for you.
For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy
right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.
Psalm 44:3

http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/blogs/cj-mahaney/

2011-01-09T20:25:00.000-06:00

http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/blogs/cj-mahaney/

Forgive...Get over it....& Move On!

2011-01-07T11:27:00.001-06:00

Forgive...Get over it....& Move On!

What's blocking your blessings? What is holding you back from a life of Peace? One of the biggest roadblocks to living the blessed life comes from people holding onto resentment, revenge and hurt.

The Laws of Blessing cannot work as long as you are holding onto grudges, offenses and hurts. You must forgive all those who have wronged you in life, get over it and move on!

A New Year, A New Beginning

2010-12-20T15:02:00.001-06:00

"A New Year, A New Beginning"

The old year ends, a new begins
With pages clean and new;
And what is written on each page
will now depend on you.

You can't relive the year that's past,
Erasing every wrong;
For once a year - or day - is spent,
It is forever gone.

But don't give up in dark despair
If you have failed some test;
Seek God's forgiveness and resolve
Henceforth to do your best.

Resolve each precious day to do
Things good and kind and pure;
Though days and years may pass away,
These things shall still endure.

You know not where your path may lead
Nor what's beyond the hill;
But know that God walks at your side,
If you will do His will.

All things are possible with God,
Though days be bright or dim;
So do your best and know that you
Can leave the rest to Him. - Author Unknown

Great Aussie Ad Campaign

2010-12-14T16:23:00.000-06:00

Great Aussie Ad Campaign!

This needs to be passed around to everyone who has the keys to a vehicle. This is perhaps one of the most intense commercials that I've ever seen and well made. I think that Australia should be complemented on having the guts to "tell it like it is" and get this campaign out to all of its licensed drivers and to air it on TV...it is very moving and very life like it has a very strong impact.

If you have ever had to tell a family that their loved one will not be coming home again it is especially touching. Pass it along to all of your friends and kids who are of driving age.

8 Ways to Recognize a Real Man

2010-12-14T11:33:00.001-06:00

8 Ways to Recognize a Real Man

Text - Genesis 2:7

God is seeking men with a full passion for the gospel message. The Lord is calling men to be filled with God’s Spirit. In order to crush the adversary and break generational curses, men must take a stand. Here are 8 ways to recognize a Real Man:

1. He Highly Esteems the Word of God. (Matt. 24:35) The most important book on earth is the Bible – it is the Truth. A Real Man reads, studies, and applies its principles to his life and his business. He refuses to be influenced, intimidated or manipulated by the ungodly environment around him.

2. He Prays Daily. (Matt. 6:6) Traps are everywhere. Deception can be fatal. Wrong people enter our lives daily. Because of his prayer life the Real Man is prepared for the fiery darts of the adversary. His power is in his daily connection to the Holy Spirit.

3. He Works to Acquire Wealth. (Eccl. 10:18-19) Money is important in this world. It solves problems. Money is merely a reward for solving a problem for someone else. A Real Man works to generate his finances. He understands the laws of prosperity, total dependency upon God, and how to use money effectively and wisely.

4. He Continually Evaluates the Friendships He Chooses. (Eph. 5:11) A Real Man protects the Spirit within him. He guards his heart, mind and soul. The Real Man knows how quickly wrong associations can destroy, so he studies carefully those around him. He stands as a watchman of his heart, home and harvest.

5. He Refuses to Focus on Mistakes. (Is. 43:18,19) Yesterday is over and must be forgotten. A Real Man focuses on the future. He pours his energy into creating the dreams he wants in his future. He refuses fruitless discussions of his own and other’s mistakes. For him forgiveness comes easy.

6. He Praises Quickly and Criticizes Slowly. (Prov. 18:21) Life can be harsh and people can be cruel. Words can be hurled like daggers, penetrating the heart. A Real Man uses praise freely, lavishly, and generously. His moments of criticism are cautious, measured, and gentle.

7. He Pursues Spiritual Mentorship. (Prov. 11:14) Nobody succeeds alone. He will never possess what he is unwilling to pursue. The most important knowledge on earth is the knowledge of God. Every week a Real Man sits at the feet of a spiritual mentor. He is not too proud to recognize his limitations. Anyone who pursues the presence of God becomes changed.

8. He Always Tells the Truth, Always. (Rom. 12:17) Integrity is a force. It will outlast every lie. Deception is always exposed. A Real Man knows that God honors honesty and righteousness. He pays his bills, is faithful to his wife, and fathers his children. He does not flatter with meaningless words. He refuses to lie under any circumstances. He can be trusted and his home is prosperous because of it.

A Christmas song by the Kings of Cool

2010-12-09T16:46:00.000-06:00

55 Years Ago Today: Rosa Parks Refuses to Move and Sparks a Movement

2010-12-01T11:48:00.000-06:00

55 Years Ago Today: Rosa Parks Refuses to Move and Sparks a Movement

How to Have a Happy “Holy-Day”

2010-11-30T10:52:00.001-06:00

“FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN, UNTO US A SON IS GIVEN: AND THE GOVERNMENT SHALL BE UPON HIS SHOULDER: AND HIS NAME SHALL BE CALLED WONDERFUL, COUNSELLOR, THE MIGHTY GOD, THE EVERLASTING FATHER, THE PRINCE OF PEACE.” (IS. 9:6)

Do you find it hard to enjoy Christmas because of the “traditions” that seem to have nothing to do with Christ? Learning the history behind certain Christmas traditions may surprise you. You may even get inspired to think creatively about holiday activities that occur, and reform them into “Holy-Day” activities. Here are some little-known facts about some of our Christmas traditions:

1. Xmas. We don’t need to get offended when “Xmas” is used instead of “Christmas.” “X” is the Greek Letter for the first letter in the name CHRIST. Each letter in the Christian fish symbol, IXOYE, represents the following: I - Jesus; X - Christ; O - Son of; Y – God; E - Savior. (Ro. 14:22)

2. Holly. Holly is used to make Christmas decorations. The needlelike points of the leaves were thought to resemble the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when He was crucified, and the red berries symbolized the blood He shed. (Jn. 19:5)

3. Advent Wreaths. Advent wreaths are hung on doors to signify the return of Jesus Christ. (1 Thess. 4:16)

4. Christmas Trees. In the 7th century, Boniface, a monk from Devonshire used the triangular shape of the Fir Tree as an evangelistic tool, to describe the Holy Trinity of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. By the 12th century it was hung, upside-down, from ceilings at Christmastime in Europe, as a symbol of Christianity. (Is. 55:13)

5. Gift Giving. The wise men brought gifts of great significance to Jesus: Gold - because He is King of Kings; Frankincense - to honor His deity; Myrrh - to anoint Him as the sacrifice for our sins. At Christmas, we honor the sacrifice God made for us by using the opportunity to give gifts from a heart of thanksgiving, reflecting our willingness to sacrifice for those we love. (Rom. 6:23)

6. Candy Canes. An Indiana candymaker developed the treat as a witnessing tool. The candy is hard to represent the rock that Christ’s church is founded upon, white for the purity of Jesus, peppermint flavored as a reference to cleansing hyssop, and curved to represent a shepherd's staff or the letter "J" for Jesus. The red stripes represent the blood that was shed for our sins. (Rev. 1:5)

7. Christmas Day. The Romans celebrated a series of pagan festivals throughout December in honor of their gods Zeus and Mithra. The church saw an opportunity to stand for truth, contrasting the pagan festivals by celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The first historical account of Christmas being celebrated on December 25, was in Rome in 360 AD. It was introduced in Antioch around 380 AD, and the early church Father Chrysostom considered it a fundamental feast and celebration by December 25, 386 AD. (Is. 52:7)

Let’s get in the habit of looking for opportunities to bring Glory to God in the commonplace occurrences of life and restore to God the honor due Him as Creator and Lord of all.

Hope: The Anchor of the Soul

2010-11-22T16:02:00.001-06:00

Hope: The Anchor of the Soul

Hebrews 6:18-20 / Proverbs 13:12 “Hope deferred makes the heart sick…”
Are You…….

 Disoriented.
(Job 17:13) “Where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for
me?”

 Drifting.
(Isaiah 53:6) “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has
turned to his own way.”

 Despair.
(2 Corinthians 1:8) “We were under great pressure, far beyond our
ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.”

Hope is a Wonderful gift from God, a source of strength & courage in the face of life’s harshest trials. It’s not an option, it’s essential to our faith.

The Old Fisherman’s Letter

When we are trapped in a tunnel of misery, hope points to the light at the end.
When we are overworked & exhausted, hope gives us fresh energy
When we are discouraged, hope lifts our spirits
When we are tempted to quit, hope keeps us going
When we lose our way & confusion blurs the destination, hope dulls the edge of panic
When we struggle with a crippling disease or a lingering illness, hope helps us perservere beyond the pain.
When we fear the worst, hope brings reminders that God is still in control
When we must endure the consequences of bad decisions, hope fuels our recovery
When we find ourselves unemployed, hope tells us we still have a future
When we are forced to sit back & wait, hope gives us the patience to trust
When we feel rejected & abandoned, hope reminds us we’re not alone, we’ll make it
When we say our final farewell to someone we love, hope in the life beyond gets us through our grief.

When life hurts & dreams fade, nothing helps like hope.

Hope (Webster)– Desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment…to desire with expectation of obtainment…to expect with confidence.

Faith is…

1. Believing when I donʼt see it.

(Hebrews 11:1) “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and
certain of what we do not see.”

2. Obeying when I donʼt understand it.

(Hebrews 11:7 NLT) “It was by faith that Noah built an ark to save
his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about
something that had never happened before.”

3. Giving when I donʼt have it.

(Hebrews 11:4) “By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than
Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when
God spoke well of his offerings.”

4. Persisting when I donʼt feel like it.

(Hebrews 11:27) “By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the kingʼs
anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.”

5. Thanking God before I receive it.

(Hebrews 11:30) “By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people
had marched around them for seven days.”

6. Trusting if I donʼt get it.

(Hebrews 11:39-40) “They were all commended for their faith yet
none of them received what had been promised. God had planned
something better…”

What is Hope?

 Hope is a confident expectation
based on something solid.

(Hebrews 11:1) “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and
certain of what we do not see.”

 For most people, hope is something they do.
Biblical hope is something we have.

(Psalm 71:14) “But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.”
The Anchor of the Soul

1. Hope requires trust.

(Romans 4:18) “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed…”

(Psalm 42:11) “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so
disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise
him, my Savior and my God.”

2. Hope is anchored to something unseen.

(2 Corinthians 4:17-18) “For our light and momentary troubles are
achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So
we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For
what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

(Titus 2:13) “…while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious
appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

3. Hope is found in a relationship with God.

(Romans 15:13 GWT) “May God, the source of hope, fill you
with joy and peace through your faith in Him. Then you’ll
overflow with hope…”

(Psalm 62:5) “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes
from him.”

(Isaiah 40:31) “…but those who hope in the LORD will renew
their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run
and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

When Faith Doesn't Make Sense

2010-11-18T15:03:00.002-06:00

Faithonomics Part 3 – “When Faith Doesn’t Make Sense”

Text: Romans 4:16-25 / Hebrews 12:1-2

•Life is full of mysteries - Ps. 8:3-4 / Prov. 30:18-19
•The Mysteries of Life will always make room for Faith - Ps. 131:1-3

I. When God Doesn’t Make Sense
•Job 3:23 Message

A. Think eternal. - Job 42:2
B. Let go - Job 42:3
C. Get close - Job 42:5
D. Understand No struggle need ever again be pointless.
•Psalm 126:5-6 •Romans 8:28
E. No suffering need ever again be unending.
•Psalm 30:5 •Hebrews 10:36-37

II. Remember God is Powerful - Isa. 40:28-31
•Ephesians 1:17-20

A. Be Confident
•Proverbs 4:23 GN •2 Timothy 1:12

1. I know that God loves me.

•Lamentations 3:21-23

2. I know that God wants the best for me.

•2 Corinthians 1:20 / Matthew 7:11

3. I know that God has a plan for me.

•2 Corinthians 4:16-17

4. I know that God will bring me through.

•2 Timothy 4:18 / Philippians 1:6 NAS

B. Be Assured - Hebrews 10:22

1. God is there.

•Psalm 139:7-8 / Hebrews 13:5, 4:3

2. God is never late.

•Acts 16:25-26

3. God knows best.

•Hebrews 11:39-40 / Isaiah 55:8-9 LB

4. God cares.

•James 5:11 Message

C. Our Response through Faith

1. Believe God - John 16:30

2. Trust God - Hebrews 13:5-6

3. Serve God - Philippians 2:9-11

Audacious Faith

2010-11-16T00:00:00.003-06:00

I've recently read the brand new book Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick. I highly encourage you to pick it up and read it to be stretched in your faith!

12 Audacious Faith Confessions: Sun Stand Still, Steven Furtick

1. I am fully forgiven and free from all shame and condemnation (Romans 8:1-2, Ephesians 1:7-8, 1 John 1:9).
2. I act in audacious faith to change the world in my generation (Joshua 10:12-14, John 14:12).
3. I overcome my fear and anxiety; I trust in the Lord with all my heart. God is with me (Proverbs 3:5-6, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7, Isaiah 41:10)
4. I am able to fulfill the calling God has placed on my life (Exodus 3:9-12; Psalm 57:2, Colossians 1:24-29).
5. I am fully resourced to do everything God has called me to do (Deuteronomy 8:18, Luke 6:38, Philippians 4:13).
6. I have no insecurity, because I see myself the way God sees me (Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 139:13-16, Ephesians 5:25-27).
7. I am a faithful spouse and a godly father- our family is blessed (Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Ephesians 5:25-27, Colossians 3:18-19; 1 Peter 3:1-7).
8. I am completely whole- physically, mentally, and emotionally (Psalm 103:1-5; Matthew 8:16-17, 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:24).
9. I am increasing in influence and favor for the kingdom of God (Genesis 45:4-8, 1 Samuel 2:26; Acts 2:37-47).
10. I am enabled to walk in the sacrificial love of Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, 1 John 3:16, 4:9-12).
11. I have the wisdom of the Lord concerning every decision I make (2 Chronicles 1:7-12; Proverbs 2:6, Ecclesiastes 2:26; James 1:5).
12. I am protected from all hard and evil in Jesus’ name (Genesis 50:20; Psalm 3:1-3; 2 Thessalonians 3:2

Tough Times Require Tough Faith

2010-11-15T14:28:00.002-06:00

Faithonomics Part 2
Tough Times Require Tough Faith

Text: Job 29:1-25

•Tough times are a fact of life
. John 16:33

•Tough times Happen to Everyone
. Matthew 5:45 / Rom. 8:35-39

•Tough times won't last forever
. 2 Corinthians 4:17 / Eccl. 3:1

• Tough times can be good for us
. 1 Peter 1:7 / Rom. 8:18-28

When Times are Tough… 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

1. Don’t Worry
.Philippians 4:6-7 / Matthew 6:27-34

2. Pray first
.Philippians 4:6-7 / 1 Peter 5:7

3. Check your Attitude
.Philippians 4:8 / 2 Corinthians 6:10

4. Be Content with what you have.
•Philippians 4:12 / 1 Thessalonians 5:18 / Ps. 116:7

5. Stay Close to God.
•Philippians 4:13 / Nahum 1:7 / Ps. 73:28 / Heb. 12:1-2
•Col. 3:2

Holding Your Peace in Times of Frustration

2010-11-09T15:23:00.001-06:00

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)

If we are to successfully deal with frustration and avoid sinning in the midst of it, we must pattern our lives after the example that Jesus set for us. Sometimes frustration is the result of outward influences like people, situations or circumstances, while other times frustration is the result of inner dealings of God in your life. Whatever the source of frustration, Jesus is the answer. Below are truths regarding frustration and the example that Jesus set for us to follow in dealing with it:

1. Frustration and anger are common to all men. Jesus experienced frustration and even anger with people. His response, though, was not to handle the situation in the flesh. Often, frustration will lead us to react with thoughtless actions and irrational power against others. Jesus set an example by showing grace and mercy while speaking the truth in love.

2. You must avoid the bitterness that unchecked frustration will bring to your life. Jesus wasn’t so consumed with looking out for His best interest that He neglected the mission for which He was sent. In following His example, we must desire God’s best for those who frustrate us, remembering that our peace doesn’t come from others and therefore cannot be taken away by them.

3. If you’re going to hold your peace, you can’t take things personally. Our frustration often times causes us to take things personally or to create an issue out of something that is not truly an issue. If you want to hold your peace, you will need to remove yourself from the emotions of the situation and take a rational and spiritual look at the problem.

4. You must keep your heart pure at all costs. Frustration will send you spiraling into a cycle of insisting on your own rights, or blaming, and justifying. However, we can’t fight fire with fire, but must allow the Holy Spirit access to our hearts so that we can stay right during trying times.

“Be angry and do not sin, do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” (Eph. 4:26)

How To Survive the End of the World Part 4

2010-11-09T11:40:00.001-06:00

How to Survive the End of the World Pt 4 from FaithPointe Church on Vimeo.

How to Survive the End of the World Part 3

2010-11-08T12:13:00.001-06:00

How to Survive the End of the World Pt 3 from FaithPointe Church on Vimeo.

On the Tendency to Criticize, and the Need to Protect, Our Pastors

2010-11-04T22:53:00.000-05:00

On the Tendency to Criticize, and the Need to Protect, Our Pastors

Faithonomics Part 1

2010-11-04T17:11:00.002-05:00

Faithonomics Part 1

What is Faith?
•To Have Trust or confidence, conviction, belief, reliance, in what God says. A spiritual force, a belief in God's ability.

Faith is related to every part of our christian lives. By Faith we receive:
• Salvation - (Eph. 2:8-9)
• Sanctification - (Acts 26:18)
• Purification - (Acts 15:9)
• Justification - (Rom. 4:5, 5:1)
• Adoption - (Gal. 3:26, Col. 3:24)

Faith is: Hebrews 11:1

1. Present Tense
•Mark 11:24

2. The Substance of Things
•Ps. 27:1

3. Evidence of things not Seen
•Rom. 10:17
•II Cor. 4:16-18

4. More Precious than Gold
•I Peter 1:7

5. Is a Fruit of the Holy Spirit
•Gal. 5:22

6. Is a Spiritual Gift
•Rom. 12:3
•I Cor. 12:8-9
•Acts 3:1-6

7. It is what Pleases God
•Heb. 11:6

8. It is a Fight
•I Tim. 6:12
•Mark 16:17
•Luke 10:19

5 Warning Signs of Pride

2010-11-02T20:31:00.000-05:00

5 Warning Signs of Pride

“…be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud,
but gives grace to the humble.” (I Peter 5:5)

The last thing any believer would want is for God to resist or stand against us. But this is exactly what will happen if we allow pride to enter our hearts. While God is characterized by patience and mercy, even He has His limits. The best way to avoid pride is by being aware of the warning signs that come before it. Below are 5 warning signs that every believer should watch for:

1. Always wanting praise and recognition from others. Receiving praise does not necessarily cause pride. However, if everything you do is to earn someone’s recognition or praise, then pride may be at the root of what you are doing. Life is not a performance and the world is not your stage. To avoid pride, do everything as unto the Lord and let your reward be in heaven. (Col. 3:17)

2. Comparing yourself with others. You must be careful not to use other people as your measuring stick. Pride will cause you to keep score with others. To avoid pride, remember the purpose to which you have been called and fulfill it according to scriptural standards. (I Jn. 3:8)

3. Superiority complex. Just because we may do something different than others, doesn’t make us superior. It’s just different. We must stay true to the call that God has placed on our lives. To avoid pride, we must use the scriptures as a standard of measurement for all things. (I Cor. 14:6)

4. Carnal competition. At one time or another, all of us have been tempted to rejoice in other’s failures and resent other’s successes. Pride will cause you to believe that in order to look good, someone else must look bad. To avoid pride, be the first to congratulate others and rejoice with them in their blessings. (2 Cor. 12:11)

5. Defensiveness. One obvious sign of pride is our response to constructive criticism or correction. The carnal response is to fight back. When others say that we are wrong, we feel obligated to prove that we are right. The best way to destroy pride in this area is to look for the truth in any accusation, to accept correction and take it to prayer. We must also remain open to the voice of godly leadership. This way, your heart remains humble before the Lord. (James 4:6)

Here I Stand!

2010-10-30T23:41:00.000-05:00

Here I Stand!

Luther’s 95 Theses

2010-10-25T15:06:00.003-05:00

This Sunday is Halloween. But more importantly, it’s Reformation Day—when the church celebrates and commemorates October 31, 1517. It was on this day (a Saturday) that a 33-year-old theology professor at Wittenberg University walked over to the Castle Church in Wittenberg and nailed a paper of 95 theses to the door, hoping to spark an academic discussion about their contents. In God’s providence and unbeknownst to anyone else that day, it would become a key event in igniting the Reformation.

I thought it might be helpful to ask a few questions of Carl Trueman, Professor of Historical Theology and Church History, and Academic Dean, at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. click here for more of this article

How to Survive the End of the World Part 2

2010-10-20T10:05:00.001-05:00

Survive the End of the World Pt 2 from FaithPointe Church on Vimeo.

Gospel doctrine, gospel culture

2010-10-20T00:23:00.000-05:00

Gospel doctrine, gospel culture

Why Jesus + Nothing = Everything

2010-10-19T23:40:00.000-05:00

Why Jesus + Nothing = Everything

How to Battle Anxiety with the Promises of God

2010-10-18T08:24:00.000-05:00

How to Battle Anxiety with the Promises of God

Reason for God By Tim Keller

2010-10-14T16:17:00.003-05:00

Reason for God by Tim Keller DVD & Curriculum: I loved the book. It's one my top 10 favorite Books. I keep the book out next to my chair in my home office and go to it quite often. Now it is a dvd and curriculum for discussion within small groups. This is a must to have! If you don't have the book, purchase it NOW! The Reason for God:Belief in an Age of Skepticism

Publisher’s Description: Captured live and unscripted, pastor and author Timothy Keller meets with a group of people over six sessions to address their doubts and objections to Christianity. Using literature, philosophy, real-life experiences, and the Bible, Keller and the group explore the truth of Christianity.

Session topics:
Discussion 1
Isn’t the Bible a Myth?
Hasn’t Science Disproved Christianity?

Discussion 2
How Can You Say There Is Only One Way to God?
What About Other Religions?

Discussion 3
What Gives You the Right to Tell Me How to Live My Life?
Why Are There So Many Rules?

Discussion 4
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
Why Is There So Much Evil in the World?

Discussion 5
Why Is the Church Responsible for So Much Injustice?
Why Are Christians Such Hypocrites?

Discussion 6
How Can God Be Full of Love and Wrath at the Same Time?
How Can God Send Good People to Hell?

6 Sessions in 2 Hours
Published November 2010

Come Alive

2010-10-07T16:04:00.002-05:00

‎"Don't ask what the world needs and go do that. Instead, ask what God put inside of you that makes you come alive and go do that, because that is what the world needs." Henri Nouwen

How Can I Glorify God?

2010-10-06T16:19:00.000-05:00

How Can I Glorify God?

The Gospel

2010-10-04T23:12:00.000-05:00

"The Gospel is the news that Jesus Christ, the Righteous One, died for our sins and rose again, eternally triumphant over all his enemies, so that there is now no condemnation for those who believe, but only everlasting joy. God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. The essence of faith is being satisfied with all that God is for us in Jesus” - John Piper

Seasons of War

2010-09-27T23:34:00.000-05:00

Seasons pt 4: Seasons of War from FaithPointe Church on Vimeo.

In Honor of my Pastor, Bishop J. Hugh Rose

2010-09-25T14:51:00.001-05:00

J. Hugh Rose, DD, 75, of Cadiz, died Thursday, September 23, 2010 at Acuity Specialty Hospital in Steubenville. He was born November 21, 1934 in Jewett, Ohio a son of the late J. Harper and Lottie L. VanAllen Rose. Rev. Rose was the recently retired Pastor and actively serving as Bishop of Harrison Hills United Pentecostal Church in Jewett. He was a founding member of the Harvestime Radio Broadcast and a member of the Ohio District Board and the Board of Education for United Pentecostal Church International for many years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Ella May Stark, Edith Pickering, Dorothy Uhlich and Martha Banta; and one brother, Paul William Rose. Surviving are his wife, Nila Jayne Habig Rose, whom he married February 14, 1958; four children, Joseph Hugh Rose, II and his wife, Julia of Jamestown, North Carolina (children, David and Andrew), Stephanie Weldy of Granger, Indiana (children, Danielle, Collin and Gabrielle), David Rose of Columbus, and Dawnella Johnson and her husband, Chris of New York, New York. Friends may call Sunday, 4 – 8 p.m. and Monday, 9:30 – 11 a.m. at the Harrison Hills United Pentecostal Church, 87800 Cadiz-Jewett Rd., Jewett, Ohio, where funeral services will be held Monday at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. James Stark and Rev. Kirt Denney officiating. Entombment will follow at Holly Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Pleasant Grove. Memorial Contributions may be made to Harrison Hills United Pentecostal Church, 87800 Cadiz-Jewett Rd., Jewett, Ohio 43986 . Online condolences may be made at www.clark-kirkland.com

Seasons of Shaking

2010-09-20T10:51:00.000-05:00

When life comes at you fast and hard, when your world is shaken, Where do you stand? You can build a life that is anchored, immovable, and indestructible!

Seasons pt 3: Seasons of Shaking from FaithPointe Church on Vimeo.

Seasons of Change

2010-09-17T12:12:00.000-05:00

Seasons pt 2: Seasons of Change from FaithPointe Church on Vimeo.

Focus on the Solution

2010-09-09T09:48:00.000-05:00

Focus on the solution.

Instead of focusing on how awful things might seem at the moment, instantly determine within your spirit to go after peace in your soul. Walk with an attitude of victory, not defeat. Train your mind to think clearly, refusing negative thoughts, and find the solution that will cause you to rise above your circumstance. You do this by utilizing resources that are available to you, including the internet, books, cds, podcasts, prayer, positive biblical resources and the Word of God! (Josh. 1:8)

Seasons: Understanding God's Process for Our Lives

2010-09-07T15:51:00.001-05:00

Seasons from FaithPointe Church on Vimeo.

Focus on the Future

2010-09-07T11:28:00.002-05:00

In the middle of change, challenge or transition, don’t worry about your future, but instead, meditate on the destiny that God has for you. Then do whatever it takes to position yourself for your harvest. Remember that your harvest may include a lot of hard work and “elbow grease.” However it is God’s promise that you will reap in due season if you do not grow weary in well doing. (Gal. 6:9)

The Jesus You Can't Ignore Book Review

2010-09-04T14:24:00.002-05:00

The Jesus You Can't Ignore: What You Must Learn from the Bold Confrontations of Christ By John Macarthur

‎"This is my only request, that I may not merely be called a Christian, but may really be found to be one." ~ Ignatius of Antioch

For us to live out this statement we must have a first hand knowledge of and about Jesus Christ. We must know Him! Our view of Jesus affects every aspect of our lives. Our worldview, ourselves, decisions, how we treat others, our finances, and our families, etc.... John Macarthur gives an incredible, direct picture of the Jesus we can't ignore. I love the fact that the author stays within the boundaries of the scriptures, walks us through the Gospels, and doesn't describe him by they way people see him as "in their own eyes". This is the person, personality, historic Jesus.

He quotes CH Spurgeon by saying, "I never could believe in the Jesus Christ of some people, for the Christ in whom they believe is simply full of affectionateness and gentleness, whereas I believe there never was a more splendid specimen of manhood, even it sternness, than the Saviour; and the very lips which declared that He would not break a bruised reed uttered the most terrible anathemas upon the Pharisees." Beginning with the first chapter, he just basically jacks up your concept of Jesus always being "nice". The religious institution leads us to believe that Jesus was nice to believers, and mean to sinners. I love the first chapter. The Pharisees, Sadducees, the Jewish Sanhedrin, and the Roman government had come down on the side of arrogance and blasphemy, so Jesus' method of cleaning up this mess was directed at them. There is a lot these confrontations within the book. He says it was Jesus who normally fired the first shot to those who were hostile towards him.

Every chapter contains nuggets of truth well worth reflecting and revealing even if it goes against your nature and view of Jesus.

Get this book, even if you don't like the Author! It is very informative, easy to read, and gives you a picture of the historic Jesus that you didn't learn about in sunday school.

Football Sunday at FaithPointe

2010-09-03T23:16:00.000-05:00

The Secrets of a Champion from FaithPointe Church on Vimeo.

Justification By Attendance- Dustin Neeley Acts 29 Pastor - Louisville, Kentucky

2010-09-01T10:46:00.002-05:00

Church Math
As kids, I bet most of us reading this post probably hated math—all the subtracting, borrowing, and dividing. These are all words that make pastors nervous. No wonder teachers called them "problems."
But as we aged and began ministry, something miraculous happened and we suddenly fell in love with numbers. In fact, we learned the whole new subject called "church math," like baptisms, budgets, and Sunday service attendance. The number of things to count became almost endless and almost fun—that is, as long as the numbers were up. But if the numbers went down, especially the Sunday attendance number, our spirits would often go down with them. And that is a problem indeed.

Click here.....

Five Reasons Why People Quit The Ministry

2010-08-28T23:29:00.002-05:00

Five Reasons Why People Quit The Ministry - Perry Noble

Burnout – no rest. What do you do for fun?Unrealistic Expectations – thought it was going to be easy, Jesus, place of the skull.Criticism – of course it hurts…Discouragement – enemy comes at you, tells you that you are not good enough. What does the voice of the enemy say during message and after…you suck, these people hate you, etc.Lose focus on power of God – we begin to think it is all up to us.

#1 – Burnout
I once heard someone say, “I would rather burn out than rust out.” Uh…BOTH are bad because NEITHER of them finish well. Too many people in the ministry work themselves into a frenzy, never take time to disconnect and refresh and do absolutely nothing for fun…this always goes bad!
When it comes to leadership circles in America we’ve equated being busy with being godly; however, the haunting reality that confronts that idea is what God Himself said in Psalm 46:10, “BE STILL and know that I am God”…not “be busy!”
If we are not taking regular breaks, doing things “just for fun” and disconnecting then burnout isn’t a matter of “if,” but “when!”

#2 – Unrealistic Expectations
Too many people believe that ministry = easy…despite the fact that it seemed to go really bad for everyone in the Scriptures that sold their life out to Him! Jesus went to the “place of the skull” to be crucified…why would we ever believe He would lead us to “the place of the mattress?”
When we impose our plans and ideas on God and refuse to surrender to His…and then things don’t go as planned…it usually leads to people “giving up” because “God just didn’t come through.”

#3 – Criticism
Criticism hurts…it always will…and if it ever doesn’t then, according to my counselor, something is dead inside of you. AND…it is always personal (especially when someone begins with, “don’t take this personally…but…).
You can’t let the critics dicate what you think/feel! If you have a ministry that constantly responds to critics then you will not have one that responds to Jesus. You MUST respond to the people who God has placed in your life to surround you and protect you–that’s not criticism but rather correction. However, you cannot allow those who know you the least to control you the most–period!

#4 – Discouragement
Every church leader I’ve ever chatted with has done some serious battles with discouragement. After your message on Sunday the enemy comes in and begins to accuse you, telling you that you did a pathetic job and that no one is going to come back next week. Heck, I’ve had to battle discouragement during the message before, hearing voices inside of my head saying things like, “you suck, these people hate you…you need to quite the ministry…” and so on.
This is why it is essential for leaders to get in a place like David did in I Samuel 30:1-6…he faced an incredibly discouraging situation and yet someone managed to find His strength in the Lord. I do this through reading through encouraging letters and emails that I’ve received in the past, placing myself in encouraging environments and focusing on what God’s Word says about me.

#5 – Losing Focus On God’s Power
When we actually believe it is up to us to make people come back to church every week rather than believing we are conduits that God wants to work through to do that very thing…it’s over! Because…we fall into the trap of trying to outdo ourselves every week, every series and every year…and prayer/seeking the Lord becomes something we love to talk about but fail to do. He saves…He draws people…and He uses us to do it. It’s not up to us…but rather allowing Him to work through us to accomplish all that He wants to do!
Face it…on our own we don’t have enough power to blow our nose! We NEED Him…HE is the game changer!!!

The Secrets of a Champion

2010-08-28T23:14:00.003-05:00

The Secrets of a Champion
Philippians 3:14

1. Champions get knocked down. They just don’t stay down. It’s not what knocks you down that changes you. It’s what makes you get back up that does. Winning is not the result of not failing, it’s the result of not quitting. Your success will only be as significant as what your recoveries have taught you. God doesn’t use the perfect. He uses the recovered. (Ps. 37:24)

2. Champions never wait for others to make a change. You will have to be angry enough to change something, or you will be passive enough to tolerate anything. Idleness is the result of waiting for God to speak when He is waiting for you to move. Those who can only discuss problems usually cannot remove them. (Prov. 13:4)

3. Champions leave legacies, not tragedies. Your life is the classroom for the next generation. Burnout will be the result of not teaching others to do what you insisted on doing yourself. The next generation will either repeat your integrity or your dysfunction, depending on which one you practiced more of. The only thing worse than failing is not helping others to succeed. (Deut. 34:9)

4. Champions finish. Creativity starts a goal. Endurance finishes it. It would be better to complete something achievable than abort something difficult. Anyone can be productive when they have the answers. Champions can be productive when they don’t. The difference between finishers and quitters is finishers are consumed with their goal; quitters are consumed with what others think about their goal. (John 17:4)

5. Champions Make Improvements, as fast as Losers make excuses. Decide to be a Student of life. Always be teachable. Invest in yourself, your desire to improve never exceeds your personal development. What book are you reading right now? (II Tim. 2:15)