Having Fun

I really enjoy getting out and running around. I never out grew that idea of going outside and playing. After our Discovery Group study on Saturday, Teresa and I spent the day with our friend Gil.
We spend 2 hours hiking 5 miles around a beautiful lake enjoying nature and good conversation. Gil and Teresa used their cell phones to take pictures. Gil and I became monkeys when we saw a tree leaning on another tree. We both climbed up and hang for a while (that was fun). We both channeled our inner-child. Once we finished with our hike, we were very hungry so we drove to the Red Start Tavern. Gil has eaten there before but it was Teresa and my first time. The place has some great food. When we got there, the weather was awesome (as it was when we were hiking) so we ate outside. The weather changed while we ate; it got cold fast so by the time we finished eating, we were cold.

The place where the Red Star Tavern is located has a very good coffeehouse nearby. We walked over and spent 2 hours drinking coffee and talking some more. I watched Gil and Teresa do a crossword puzzle. The place played some good music (Amy Winehouse, Bob Dylan, and some jazz).
Saturday was a nice change a pace. It was a chance to build on the relationship we have with Gil. My friendship has grown the last year with him and I enjoy talking with him. He has been a great partner with getting us connected with a free location for the Discovery Group. He has grown a great deal over the last year. I can’t want to see how God used him in the coming years.

Something to Think About

I'm studying for this Saturday's Discovery Group and came across this really cool illustration that tore my heart in half. It makes me think about my witness at work. Take a moment and read.

On the morning of September 11, Jeannie Braca switched on the television to check the weather report, only to hear that a plane had just hit the World Trade Center.Jeannie’s husband, Al, worked as a corporate bond trader for Cantor Fitzgerald. His office was on the 105th floor of Tower One.Al had survived the World Trade Center bombing in 1993 and had even helped a woman with asthma escape from the building.Jeannie knew that Al would do the same thing this time, “I knew he would stop to help and minister to people,” she said, “but I never thought for a minute that he wouldn’t be coming home!”A week later, like so many others who were in that building, Al’s body was found in the rubble. Al’s wife, Jeannie, and his son Christopher were devastated!Then the reports began to trickle in from friends and acquaintances. Some people on the 105th floor had made a last call or sent a final e-mail to loved ones saying that a man was leading people in prayer.A few referred to Al by name.Al’s family learned that Al had indeed been ministering to people during the attack! When Al realized that they were all trapped in the building and would not be able to escape, Al shared the gospel with a group of 50 co-workers and led them in prayer.This news came as no surprise to Al’s wife, Jeannie.For years, she and Al had been praying for the salvation of these men and women. According to Jeannie, Al hated his job and couldn’t stand the environment. It was a world so out of touch with his Christian values, but he wouldn’t quit.Al was convinced that God wanted him to stay there, to be a light in the darkness, and although Al would not have put it this way, to be a hero!Al was not ashamed of Christ and Christ’s words…and he paid the price of taking up his cross daily. Al shared his faith with his co-workers….many of whom sarcastically nicknamed him “The Rev.”And on that fateful day…on September 11, in the midst of the chaos, Al’s co-workers looked to him—-and Al delivered!At the same time, Al too tried to get a phone call through to his family. He asked an MCI operator to contact his family.“Tell them that I love them,” he said.It took the operator more than a month to reach the Bracas, but the message brought them much-needed comfort.“The last thing my dad did involved the two things most important to him—God and his family,” his son Christopher told a writer for Focus on The Family. “He loved to lead people to Christ. That takes away a lot of the hurt and the pain.”

Networking

Yesterday, I had the honor to represent NAMB (North American Mission Board) and the SBCV (Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia) at a Newport News church. I wanted connect with the members so I arrived at 8:35 am for their 8:45 Fellowship breakfast. I was able to talk with several members. One older lady (I’m guessing her age was in the 80’s) talked about her daughter and how she grew up in Smithfield, VA. Smithfield is the neighboring town to Carrollton. In fact her daughter lives in Carrollton. The daughter is unable to attend church because she works on Sunday so I gave her my business card and informed her that the Discovery Group meets on Saturday mornings. The older lady’s eyes showed excitement with the idea that her child could attend church. She told me that she will give Mary (her daughter) the information. Lord willing Mary will contact me.

The Set Up

If you enjoy playing volleyball, you will know the term setting up. In volleyball you are allowed 3 hits (with the third hit the ball goes over the net). Usually the second hit is a set up for a spike. A spike is when a player rams the ball down the throats of the front line of the other team.

Yesterday, I met with Mark Custalow (the local SBCV CP Strategist) and we talked about how the Carrollton group is going. We talked about support and how he thinks I should continue to work at Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. and be bi-vocational. I have always known that I’d work with DTS for at least 2 years after the church is launched so this is no big deal. You see my job allows me a lot of freedom to do church work. I get good pay and extra time to organize outreach, study for Bible lessons, etc.

God had “Set Up” this 8 years ago when I stepped down as a paid staff member of a local church. I’ve worked for DTS since then. There were times where I hated this job, but God had taught me a lot in the area of marketing, organization, and how to deal with people. My job at DTS is the “Set Up” and the spike will be when Connection Point Church is launched and reaching the community of Carrollton with the gospel of Christ.

Father, great set up!

Knowing One Another

Last night, Teresa was getting her gym bag ready for today. I already had my bag packed and ready to go (We go to the gym in the mornings before going to work so we get everything ready the night before. I don’t function very well in the morning so I have to pack the night before). She was looking for something; she was trying to describe it to me. As she was talking, I remembered where she put it last. I told her where I saw it; it was downstairs on the loveseat armrest. The way she looked at me I knew she wanted me to go get it for her. I told her that I’d go get it before she asked me. I told her that I knew she wanted me to go get it because I know her looks. She smiled and said, “You think you know me. Don’t you?” She said it with a smile and a gleam in her eye (I love the gleam she has in her eyes).

I’m so thankful to God for sending Teresa to me. She knows me better than anyone has (except for God). I love the fact that we know what each other is thinking before we have to say it. We’ve been married for 11 years; come July 20 it will be 12 years. Teresa is awesome.

Sting Free

The past week and half, there were 2 deaths in Teresa’s (my wife) family. The great thing about these events is that we found out that both people knew Christ as their Savior. Because of what Christ did on the cross, death has nothing on us. Since we have Christ, no Christian should ever fear death.

As I encouraged the family, God brought to mind 1 Corthinthians 15: 54 – 57:

"But when this perishable will put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, 'Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

We are still morning these losses. Uncle Larry left behind a loving wife and 2 little children, and Mary Ann (sister-in-law) left behind a loving husband and 4 sons. Even though the family had to say good bye last week to our loved ones, we have the hope of seeing them again. The hope is found in what Jesus Christ did on the cross 2,000 years ago. Teresa and I will see these loved ones again one day.

Do you know for sure where you will end up if you breathed your last breath? You aren’t promised your next heart beat. Life is a death sentence. No one gets out alive. Think about it.

Proper Way to Use Ministry

In keeping with the theme of what God has taught me the last 10 years, I have to write about the proper way churches should use ministry.

There is a phrase “Do not use people to build a ministry; use the ministry to build people.” I’ve seen both sides of this phrase played out in front of my eyes. A church that builds the ministry on the shoulders and backs of their volunteers have a high turn over rate because people tend to burn out and/or leave because they don’t feel loved; they feel used. The churches that follow the Ephesians 4:11-12 principle of equipping people to lead tends to use ministry to build their people. The people tend to feel loved and encouraged.

I feel God has had me be bi-vocational the last 10 years so can I relate to the lay-leaders or volunteers who give up their free time to serve in the church. The paid staff seems to (from my experience) either don’t consider the time management situation of their volunteers or feel the volunteers should work around the church’s schedule. People working 40 to 60 hour work weeks want to use their gifts to serve their God. They serve the best they can with their time. I think it awesome when I see men and women who I know have plates that are twice as full as the church staff step up and serve. At the same time, I do feel the church’s paid staff need to manage their time for family. It’s a fine line for a church to have healthy church staff and volunteers. If the church uses ministry to build their people, things will run smoother longer.

This is just my opinion. If you have a different one, feel free to make a comment.

Real Worship (The Learning Years)

What I know today about what real worship is truly about is partly due to the man God had replace me as music director of the church I grew up in and worked in as music director/associate pastor. Jerry came in with an idea of what worship is and taught the church what real worship is all about. Before moving to VA, Jerry spent several years studying the Bible and teaching principles of worship to the church he and John (new pastor) lead in Michigan. The year before God brought these men to VA, God was working in my life and those of our church in desiring to worship Him more. Jerry sat everyone down that was part of the music ministry and taught us first what worship is all about. After we learn the truth, he taught the church. Back in 1999, the idea of real worship was just coming to America from countries that already learned the truth years earlier. God used this time for me to learn how I can worship Him in a proper way and with a pure heart. I will always be grateful to Jerry for coming and teaching these truths to me.

Remembering (Time Flies)

Picture taken in Spring of 1996. Picture taken a few weeks ago.

As I look forward with anticipation to what God will do in Carrollton, I can’t help but remember what God has done for me in the past. We are who we are in part because of our experiences. I was thinking about that today, and was thinking about the last 10 years. The time flies by and before you know it, you are different than you were. I like to look back and focus on what was so I can remind myself of who God made me to be. I don’t dwell on failure but I try to remember because God has used it to mold me.

Way back in 1999, I had to step down from being the Minister of Music of the church I grew up in. The pastor had resigned and the new man brought own guy to lead worship. I knew and had worked with both men years earlier. I knew that my time as paid staff was ending with the coming of the new pastor and have taken steps to help make the change as smooth as possible. You see, the pastor who resigned did so after a hard year; his wife left him for another man and the church had decreased in number (from 425 people down to 175 people) so I was the last man standing. The youth pastor had moved back home to TN and the other associate had moved to GA to pastor a small church. I stayed in part because this is the church I grew up in and loved and I was waiting for God to direct me elsewhere. This period of my ministry life, from 1999 to present, is the time I’ve learned the most about God and His calling on my life.

I’ll write more on what I’ve learned and still learning in the next few days.

Good Day

God had His way today. The last half of this past week has been rainy with a forecast of rain today. Our desire was to hand out flyers in the Eagle Harbor Houses so we needed no rain. The day started with rain in the early morning (6:30 am). As we made it to Carrollton, the rain stopped. As I was leading the Discovery Groups’ study (John 3:1 – 21), the sun came out. It was awesome.
Gil had a great idea to speed up the process of putting out the flyers. Since there was Gil, Teresa, and I was putting out the flyers, we did it as a team in the car. Teresa drove the car, Gil sat in the back rolling up the flyers and handing them to me, and I sat in the right seat putting the flyers in the boxes under the mailbox. It went smoothly and fast. Since it was overcast, we saw and talked with only 2 people. But we were able to put out about 300 flyers in an hour and half. We pray God will use these flyers to further His Kingdom.
As Teresa and I drove back home, I was listening to K-Love and looking at my hands (Teresa was driving); as I listened to the music and looked at my hands, I wanted God to use us in Carrollton. God brought back to mind that He is the One Who does, and I’m commanded to follow His lead. My empty hands reminded me that I have nothing He needs. God doesn’t need me; God wants me. I couldn’t say anything but just sat there and said, “Thank you for wanting me.”
May God use these flyers to get something started in Eagle Harbor Houses.

CPN

I was able to make our local church planter network (CPN) meeting. I enjoy these because I get to talk with the men who are either planting a church or pastoring a new church. I enjoy talking with them. Today we had a visitor from our local newspaper. The reporter covers the "Religious" section of the paper. Steve is a real nice guy who just listened and took notes. He was talking with some of us about what we are doing so I gave him a business card.


We met at a church in downtown Norfolk. Robb is renting a old warehouse that was empty for years. I've always liked the idea of meeting in a warehouse so it was neat for me to see it done. The people this church is reaching out to is an artist community so they have art work where. The picture I have on this posting was done my a lady in 5 minutes. I love it. I almost asked if I could buy it. It's different.


I love the fact God uses different types of people to do His work. There is no cookie cutter when it comes to God and His work. He uses former drug users to reach drug uses. He uses the traditional churches to reach some people. Just as we have different tools in our tool boxes, God uses different people for special ministries. It's way cool.

On A Mission

I enjoy reading blogs when I have down time at work. One of these blog sites is written by Ben Arment in the Washington, D.C. area. Ben wrote this update today that made me think about my role as a church planter in Carrollton:

“I can think of dozens of planters who started successful churches because their itinerant ministry or local roots provided a ready remnant who were asking for a church.

Nothing wrong with starting a church from scratch, where nobody is asking you to do it. I did it. But just realize that, at that point, your role is not church planter; it's missionary. Your job is to raise up the remnant.”

We are starting a church from scratch in Carrollton. I do think it would nice to have a larger church sponsor us and give us an X amount of members to launch a church. God has other plans. I’ve never started anything from nothing so I’m completely dependent on God for the increase (no brainer there). There is a positive starting something from nothing; you are actually growing when people come into your group. I call increasing from people moving from one church to yours not growing but swelling. We grow when God draws people to Himself and they become His children. We are looking at outreaching to unchurched/unsaved people and to unchurched/saved (or back sliders). Starting from scratch and targeting unsaved and unchurched people means that it will take time and energy to equip people to grow in Christ but that’s our calling. It’s not about growing to 1000 people overnight. It’s about pointing people to Christ and after they are saved equipping them to grow in their walk with Him. As they grow in their walk with Christ, they point others to Him and the process continues.

I like Ben’s last thought about being more a missionary than a church planter when you start from scratch. My major in Bible College was Missions. I’ve learned to be a foreign missionary; in fact I wanted to be a missionary to Australia when I was a freshman. God has changed my direction since then; I’m a missionary to Carrollton.

The Idea of a Lifesong

Yesterday, I mentioned the idea of the Lifesong we all have to bring glory to God. The idea behind this is taken from Casting Crown’s song and from the book “Lifesong” written by Mark Hall (lead singer of Casting Crowns). It’s a very good book. With thinking about my Lifesong, I keep singing the song in my head. The other day, I was singing it in my head while sitting in my cubical at work and it happened; God manifested His presence to me and I was worshipping Him at my desk at work. It was an awesome experience. We are to worship God in Spirit and truth. We are to worship God everywhere and at every moment. I’ve put the song lyrics so you can read (and sing) it. Think about what your Lifesong is, and use it to bring God glory.

Empty hands held high

Such small sacrifice

If not joined with my life

I sing in vain tonight

May the words I say

And the things I do

Make my lifesong sing

Bring a smile to You

Let my lifesong sing to You, Let my lifesong sing to You

I want to sign Your name to the end of this day Knowing that my heart was true

Let my lifesong sing to You

Lord I give my life

A living sacrifice

To reach a world in need

To be Your hands and feet

So may the words I say

And the things I do

Make my lifesong sing

Bring a smile to You

Hallelujah Hallelujah

Let my lifesong sing to You

Written by Mark Hall ©2005 Club Zoo Music (BMI) / SWECS Music (BMI) (admin. by EMI CMG Publishing)

Lifesong

On Monday, I was at working sitting in my cubical and my cell phone rings. It was Brian, a friend and member of the men’s Bible group I lead on Sunday mornings, and he informed me that his dear friend’s wife had dead Sunday night. His friend’s wife was 28 years old and had 4 children ranging in age from 18 months to 7 years old. He was concerned for his friend and wanted me to pray for them. I told him I told and I prayed with him on the phone. I sent out a mass e-mail to those of our church on the prayer chain to pray for B.J. (Brian’s friend) and the family. The positive of this story is that B.J. is a Christian and so was his wife. She is home with the Lord and getting to dance and worship Him face-to-face.

I talked with Brian this morning to see how his friend and family are doing. It has been revealed that Brian’s friend’s wife had been sick off and on for a year. It didn’t seem serious so she just took over the counter medication. What had happen was that during this time mucus had built up in her lungs. When she took a nap on Sunday and fell asleep on her stomach, the mucus built up caused her to suffocate.

This is a sad story that hits home for Brian because his wife (Jessica) is only 2 years younger than B.J.’s wife. This is a reminder to us all that we are not promised our next breath or heartbeat. Everyday is a gift from God to us to bring Him glory. We all have a “Lifesong” that should be bringing God glory.

How are you bringing glory to God in your life? Think about it.

Boots on the Ground

On Saturday, 2/23, God willing we will be putting boots on the ground so to speak in the housing development behind the apartment complex we meet on Saturdays. I’ve just ordered the flyers that we will hand out. I was able to talk with the president of the home owners’ assoc., and he thought it would be alright to put the flyers in the boxes under the homes’ mailboxes. We aren’t allowed to put door hangers on the doors but we are able to put out the flyers. Our goal is to talk with whoever is outside and talk with them about either attending the Discovery Group meeting in the apartments or be willing host a group in their homes. Since I’m still an apprentice until March, I haven’t gotten any financial support except for what I get for being an apprentice. Because of that, we are trusting God to send us people of peace to open their homes up for groups.

We are excited to see what God will do in Carrollton. We will trust in what He will do. We will be faithful to what we should do and follow His leading. I have a meeting with a pastor of a church in the Carrollton area on Wednesday to talk with him and introduce myself to him. The main purpose to learn what he has learned leading a church in the area. To us, the future is unclear but we serve the One is the Great I AM so He knows what will happen to us and through us to bring Him glory. We are just trying to stay out of His way.

Opening Doors

I had a call last night from the president of the Eagle Harbor Home Owners Assoc. He gave me the impression that he is alright with us putting out flyers about our Bible Study. It’s very exciting! My prayer is that God would send us another person of peace for the homes; a person to be willing to open up their house for a Discovery Group. It’s awesome to see God doing His thing. I was informed by Roger (my pastor) that Common Ground will be willing to help with the paying for some of the cost for the flyers. God is providing. This is one of those Wow moments. You know when you see God working and say, “WOW!” It’s very cool.

I left a message with the Dean of Students of Central Baptist Seminary yesterday. I would like to talk with the students about being willing to help with the church plant. This would be a great opportunity for some of them to learn. I know that I would love to have been able to do something like this when I was in college. I got the idea from “Leadership From the Inside Out: Examining the Inner Life of a Healthy Church Leader” by Kevin G. Harney ($11.99 at Amazon.com). If God wants this to happen, the door will open. He already has people lined to help us. I know these people will come in God’s timing.

Keep praying for open doors that only God can open. That way, all will know that God is doing His thing and we are along just following Him. It’s all about bringing glory to God. He is the One who does, and we just follow.

What A Day!

Teresa's calling me Tigger because I'm bouncing around. God is doing His thing with us and Carrollton. We had 6 people in our group today. It is amazing!

A lady came today who I talked with on the phone. She will bring her next week. Gil talked with one of the apartment's office workers and he said he may come next Saturday since it he is off. Pray that God will bring him into the group. The room is comfortable with 6 people so we may need to "birth" a new group. Maybe a Wednesday night group in Gil's apartment. I lay this at God's feet. If He wants it to happen, we will need to do this. It is so awesome!!!

Taking myself out of the equation, God is letting Himself be seen. The main goal is to stay out of God's way and watch what He is doing; to ride the wave He is creating.

Surf's Up!!!

The Survey

A few days ago, I put together a sociology survey. I will use this to get to know the people of Carrollton/Isle of Wright County. There are a total of 7 questions. I handed a few out at work. Must of the returned surveys are what I expected, but one was placed on my desk when I came in this morning. It was the last one handed out. My co-worker who handed this in took her time to really answer these questions. Her answers to the last 3 questions speak volumes. She is a single mother who is very much into her son’s (who is around 6 or 7 years old) life. About 4 years ago, her husband wanted to be single and left her. She is raising her son on her own.

This is her background, and here are her answers to questions 4 through 7:

Question 4: What social issues concern you?
Answer: Cost of houses (over inflated), the overcrowded schools, gang violence, and the cost of groceries and of gas.
Question 5: What’s your religious background?
Answer: Raised as a Baptist; currently a non-believer.
Question 6: Do you currently attend a church?
Answer: No.
Question 7: If you answered no to question 6, would you mind sharing your reasons?
Answer: I no longer believe there is a God who rewards the faithful and punishes sinners. I believe there is only life, and in life bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people. It’s not fair but “that’s life.”

My first reaction was sadness because I could see the hurt and loneliness in these answers. There is a Savior who knows what it’s like to suffer loneliness and pain. He was abandon and rejected. He can answer all her needs and desires. Pray for this co-worker. I will reach out to her as I am able. We are called to love and point people to the One who knows the pains of this world, and gave His life for us.

What Anxiety?

I’ve been beating by head against the wall (or it feels that way) about where God wants us to plant His church. A lot of what I know of seeking God's direction I got from reading "Experiencing God" by Henry Blackaby. It's a very good book and greatsmall group study. You see God is working all around us. We have to keep our eyes on Him and He will direct us. While walking with Him in prayer and Bible reading, God will put a desire in our hearts to accomplish (that's where the Bible says, Godwill give you the desires of your heart). One thing about me is that I'm very cautious (sometimes too much) because of the failures I've had over my life. Some of my “Experiences” of failure has me walking slowly to make sure it is of God and not of me. My “Personality” is a go-getter and I tend to grab the ball and run with it; sometimes before I get instruction or direction so I come across as being flighty (which I hate because I want to be taken seriously). With all that said, my anxiety has been higher than usual lately.

Today as I was driving to work, I turned off the radio and just talked with my Heavenly Father about where He wants us to plant His church. I laid this at His feet, and walked in to work. I get to work early so I can read my Bible before I start my work day. As everyday, I log on to BibleGateway.com and do my Bible reading. This week I've been reading through 1, 2, 3 John and 1 Peter. Today, God sent me 1 Peter 5:6 - 7:
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”

This was a reminder to me that even if I don’t know yet where the church plant will be, God does. He will show me as I walk with Him.

Exercise – It Does the Body Good

I just came back from doing an hour on the stationary bike at the local Y.M.C.A. and I feel good! Every year at this time, I take 3 weeks off of going to the gym because of the crowds. Around the 3rd or 4th week, I know the crowds are smaller and by the beginning of February it’s back to normal. I miss working out so much during this time. I do the stationary bike and/or treadmill during my lunch time and hit the weights after work. I’ll start back hitting the weights next week. One of the reasons I exercise is that I want to be healthy as long as I can and to be usable to God longer.

I always get the same verse thrown at me by overweight and out of shape preachers. You know the one in 1 Timothy 4:8. In the King James Version, it says “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” I always want to tell them first to lay over the sweets, but I say instead, “It says that exercise does profit.” I like to tell them that since our bodies are God’s temples, we should have a body that is pleasing to Him.

Long story short, I like to exercise and to sweat. For me, it reduces my stress level and makes my clothes fit better. And Teresa (my wife), likes it too. ; - )

PARTY ON!

Coffeehouse Office

Yesterday I went by the local coffee house (not Starbucks). This place actually gives you a real cup if you are staying. This place also has more comfortable sitting and plays jazz music. It’s very comfortable. I call it my office and I tend to meet people there to talk about church planting stuff. I’ve been meaning to go by this place with my laptop and use their free wireless internet. You see, I received a laptop from my wife for my Christmas/Birthday gift. It has wireless options but I haven’t used it yet. I stopped by to test it out.

I bought a cappuccino and logged on the internet and settled in. It was awesome. I spent 2 hours working on John 1:19-34 study I’m leading at a Bible study on Saturday. With the jazz playing in the background, it was very nice. Toward the end of my time, a couple came in who were doing course work because they were talking economics. It was very cool. The coffeehouse makes a great office.

My desire is to use the local coffeehouses as an office instead of staying in a church’s office. Since we are in the very beginning of church planting, I don’t have a core group yet but working on it. Once God has everything in place, we will launch. With that said I’ll use the cell phone and my laptop and set up the office in the coffeehouse. I’ll buy a cup of coffee and get to know the owners and their people. It’s about meeting people where they are.

Diversity

I’ve been thinking about setting the DNA of the future church plant. One of the traits I desire to have in the DNA is diversity. In fact, I’ve put Diversity as one of the 7 core values for our church plant. I’m sure some people may wonder what my definition of diversity is. The website Encarta has Diversity defined as social inclusiveness: ethnic variety, as well as socioeconomic and gender variety, in a group, society, or institution. My definition isn’t that flowery.

I came across the SBCV Church Plant Application in my computer earlier today. There is a section that asked me to write up to one page describing the following my sense of call to church planting. Below is a small section describing my desire for this trait in the DNA way back in 2006. This is my definition of diversity.

“Having lived most of my life in Virginia, and attending and working in a multi-cultural church, I sense a call to not start a multi-cultural church but a New Testament church. The difference to me is that in the New Testament, everyone was welcomed into the body of Christ with no limitations (except no women could be pastors). To have a New Testament church, people will need to feel welcomed regardless of their race, economic background, if tattooed or clear of tattoos, with or without body piercings, etc.”

I envision a church that will have whites, blacks, and other races working hand in hand spreading the message of Christ along with tattoo wearing, body piercing having Christ-followers. It will be great to have people come in the front doors regardless of what they are wearing or look like and feel loved. That’s a Galatians 3:27-28 church (For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.).

Father, I humbly ask you to make this happen if it be your will.

Being Faithful

As I look back on this past weekend, I can’t help but think WOW. I’ve always believed as long as we put God and His Kingdom first, He will reveal Himself in an incredible way.

After reading some great books this past year on church planting and reaching out to the community, I felt it was time to start something. That something is a Discovery Group or Bible Study at an apartment complex in Carrollton, VA. God had planned this way in advance. You see God had put a man in our path many years ago as a co-worker with Teresa. This relationship between him and Teresa grew into brother/sister type closeness where they could talk openly about Christ and other things. Because of this relationship, he came to Common Ground Community Church last year where he knew he would find love and caring. God allowed me to build on the relation Teresa and he had. He and I have developed a good relationship now. Through our relationship, he has grown in the Lord in a great way.

Because of this growth in Christ, he wanted to do something for God. While having one our talks in my office (the local coffee house), we talked about church planting and my desire to start a Bible study. He offered to be our contact to his apartment complex and he reserved the clubhouse. This new venture is only a few weeks old but God willing it will make an impact on Carrollton. We are excited to see what God will do.

I know that whatever happens with this Bible study, Gil is a true person of peace. We have a foot hold in a complex that needs the Light of Christ. Gil is only being faithful with what God has given him. I thank God for Gil.

We are called to be faithful with what God has given us. What has God given you? Whatever it is, trust God to use it for His Kingdom. Give it back to Him and you will see something awesome happen.

Just Do It

When I think about the “Great Commission” in Matthew 28: 19, I wonder if this verse has been used some many times for missions and witnessing that it’s lost any power to encourage Christ-followers to do this task. This is a great task to do, and overwhelming at times. Who is to be doing the going, and why is it that Christ-followers aren’t doing more of it?

Let’s look at the verse:

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

The King James Version of the Bible has “YE” or “YOU” after Go. The King James Version council would add words to the manuscript that they thought made passages flow better. When they did this, they put the words in italic to show this. Later versions assumed people knew who was to go so they did not add this word to this verse. So basically, as Christ-followers we are the ones who Jesus told to go.

So we are the ones who are commissioned to go and tell the good news of Christ’s gift of eternal life. Why is it that not everyone is sharing this news? I have some theories of why this is.

1. People are under the assumption that this task is for the “Pastors” or “Professional Clergy” to do.
If this was the case, Christ would have only talked with the 11 remaining disciples separate from the crowd. He told everyone that was with Him to “Go.” There were around 500 people present at this meeting.

2. People that don’t have the Spiritual gift of evangelism assume they don’t have to do this task since it’s not their thing.
Even though you may not have the Spiritual gift of evangelism, this commission is for you to do as well.

3. Some people feel that they can’t talk with strangers. They say, “I’m shy.”
The greatness of this commission is that we aren’t doing it. It’s the Holy Spiritual through us who is doing it. Acts 1:8;

“but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."

As humans, we are merely the work gloves. In themself, gloves just lay around. It’s not until you put your hand in them that they are able to accomplish a task like raking the leaves or hammering a nail. The Spirit is accomplishing the task of telling the good news of Salvation. God doesn’t need us, but He wants to use us.

4. People say, “I’m not a good talking.” Or, “I wouldn’t know what to say.”
God will give us the words to use when we need them. Jesus told us that we will be put in situations that we may not know what to say. In these times, He said not to worry because the Spirit will give you the words to say. Mark 13:11;

“When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.”

You have trusted your eternal soul to Christ for salvation. Trust that He will do what He says helping you speak to others about him.
Matthew 28:19, tells us to go and tell the world about what He has done for us. Step out on faith and tell some one today.

Following The Leader


I remember as a child, playing the game “Follow the Leader.” Whoever was the leader, you had to do whatever they did. They raise their right hand; you raise your right. They jump; you jump. And so on. It was a fun game for what I remember. I was thinking today that serving Christ is actually like the game “Follow the Leader.” We are told to do what He did. The gospels show us what He said and what He did. We are called to do the same things (except for the miracles that only God can do).

With looking to start a new church, it would be overwhelming if it was on my shoulders. From the outside, looking in it appears to be on my shoulders. By building a group of people by talking with them and encouraging them to come to the Bible study. By getting money by talking with churches and pastors and encourage them that they can trust me with God’s money. It’s not on my small shoulders; it’s on the massive shoulders of Christ.

If you have asked me 5 years ago, “What would it take to start a new church?” I would have given an answer that was based on me. I would need to do this and that. I would need to formulate this plan or that plan. It would come from a business background and business mindset. I was trained in a church (good, bad, or indifferent) that taught and trained me with a mindset that we need to build the ministry. If a class wasn’t growing, we aren’t working hard enough. It was based on what we had to do or not do. It left you stressed out at times.

I’ve learned over the past 3 years through reading the Bible and walking with different ministry people that it has nothing to do with us; it’s everything to do with God. It’s what God wants us to do and say and go; not what we want to do or say or go. Once I read Ephesians 2:10 (“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”) it felt like chains were taken off of me. Every work we do, we don’t do it. God does it through us. I say this a lot, and it’s very applicable, “We are the work gloves and God is the hand.”

The work glove illustration is taken from a Bill Hybels’ book. Without the working of the Holy Spirit, we are just empty gloves lying on the table. Empty gloves can’t pick up anything or go anywhere. It’s not until the Holy Spirit fills us that we are useable. It’s not until I put my gloves on that the gloves can pick up a screwdriver and use it. We are dependent on God to do anything that is of any type of Kingdom work.

I use the “Follow the Leader” game as a way to show people that we need to do and go what and where we feel God is showing us to do and go through His Spirit. Rick Warren calls it riding the wave God created. Just follow the lead of the One who saved you. The task He has placed in your life has already been completed by Him. Just follow His lead to the end of the task. It’s about bringing glory to God and His kingdom. It’s not about making a name for ourselves.

It’s About Multiplication and Not Addition

The below content taken from The Present Future By Reggie McNeal.

Shifting from Church Growth to Kingdom Growth

The church growth movement introduced a concern for growth and a missiological approach to church.
Unfortunately, it fell victim to the belief that we are the architects of the work of God.
As a result, we have the best churches men can build, but are still waiting for the church that only God can get credit for.
Wrong question:
How do we grow the church? (How do we get them to come to us?)
Missional question:
How do we transform our community? (How do we hit the streets with the gospel?)
A shift from church activity to community transformation.
What the people in our communities need is God in their lives.
The North American Church is not spiritual enough to reach our culture with their greatest need.
Missional spirituality requires that God’s people be captured by His heart for people, that our hearts be broken for what breaks His, and that we rejoice in what brings Him joy. (See the parables of the lost sheep, lost coin and the lost son in Luke 15).

Kingdom Thinking

Kingdom theology requires that we reexamine our strategy for penetrating the culture with the presence of the church.
In the church age, cultural presence largely depended on church real estate.
Jesus’ strategy was to go where the people were already hanging out: weddings, parties, feast day celebrations, etc.
We need churches where people are already hanging out – inside of every Wal-Mart, Barnes and Nobles, Starbucks, etc.
McDonalds is leading the way – placing its new stores where people already are.
Bottom line: we’ve got to take the gospel to the streets – incarnating the gospel throughout the community.

Let It Shine

“This little light of mind, I’m going to let it shine. This little light of mind, I’m going to let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. Hide it under a bush, oh no! I’m going to let it shine. Hide it under a bush, oh no! I’m going to let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine” These words are to a song I learned way back when I was a little boy in Sunday school.

According to John 1, Jesus is the Light of the world. Since we are His children through adoption, we are His light bearers. We are called to shine His light in a darkness of this world. I know that a lot of Christians feel unable to bear this light or to share Christ to their loved ones and community out of fear; the fear that someone will ask them a question that they can’t answer. Since we are His children, we shouldn’t fear these types of questions. Matthew 10: 19 – 20 says, “But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” As Jesus’ light bearer, we are to tell others only what we know. We are to tell others our testimonies; how we were lost, God drew us to Himself, because of what Chris did on the cross we are made complete and whole, and how our lives are different now. It’s that simple.

Our job is to be like Philip in John 1, when he said “come and see” to Nathanael about Jesus. We are to say to our family members, friends, co-works, and our community “come and see.” Make a decision to make 2008 the year you start telling people about the Light of the world. Tell them about Jesus Christ.

Letter from Jesus about Christmas

Dear Children, It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folksare taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn'tactually born during this time of the year and that it was some of yourpredecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time ofpagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime. How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easilyunderstood by those of you who have been blessed with children of yourown. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth,just Love one another. Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the townin which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just getrid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene onyour own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any needfor such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them allaround town. Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree aholiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You canremember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: Iactually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation toyou and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, lookup John 15: 1 - 8. If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers awayfrom home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't affordand they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth,and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remindthem that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to taketheir own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since youdon't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warmsmile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping thereon Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd closeand let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary--especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heardMy name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families inyour town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will theyhave any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some foodand a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charitywhich believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that youare one of mine. Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest.

Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whomyou love and remember : I LOVE YOU, JESUS

The following is an excerpt from Krista Petty's newly-released concept paper, Strategies for Investing in Your Community: How Externally Focused Churches are Leveraging Their Impact Externally focused churches pour much of what they have--funds, time and people--into the community. But these congregations don't give their resources carelessly. With solutions to community issues becoming more complex and resources becoming more limited, churches are constantly weighing the risks and rewards of community ministry. Those church leaders must invest prayerfully, strategically, and compassionately--all the while making wise plans that yield results. These churches have discovered the following strategies to guide them as they leverage resources to bring about community transformation: 1. Build and Maintain a Reserve to Meet Emergencies.When vandals set fire to a local school playground in 2006, the people of Hope Church (Oakdale, MN) quickly sprang into action. The church took $3,000 from their externally focused budget to replace some of the charred and damaged playground equipment. When the decision to replace the equipment was announced during a Sunday morning worship service, the congregation spontaneously broke into applause. Within days, volunteers came forward and completed the installation of new parts. Because of their existing relationship with the school and the church's heart for the community, Hope maintains a reserve of finances and manpower they can deploy when a need arises. Church members are motivated to respond—both with financial and volunteer resources—because they have been serving the school through tutoring and special projects throughout the year. 2. Develop an Overall Investment Strategy. When the children's ministry at Bethel Church (Richland, WA) grew rapidly, church leaders considered a capital campaign to raise funds for expansion. But as a growing externally focused church, some leaders wondered, "Are we spending more money on ourselves than we are spending on the needs of the community?" That question caused a change in direction for the campaign. The building campaign expanded to a focus on the three major initiatives they called NOW: Next Generation, Our Community and Worldwide. The total amount to be raised--an estimated $6 million--will be shared among the children's area, a recreation facility, community and world outreach programs. The church is well on its way to reaching the financial goals. But the success of the campaign is measured in more than dollars. "This campaign has really brought our ministry areas together," says outreach director Dave Dawson. "It has broken down silos and we are not competing for funds and attention." 3. Selecting a Minimum Initial Investment Determines the Goal a Church Will Achieve.When LifeBridge Christian Church (Longmont, CO) wanted to be more externally focused, they didn't simply start another ministry area that would create additional competing programs for its existing ministries. Church leaders instead asked each ministry team to weave community service into their programming options—even down to the children's ministry level. In October 2006, LifeBridge staff member Stacey Applen coordinated a Saturday morning elementary school service project called Rock Your World. Thirty children in 3rd-6th grade raked, weeded and cleaned out painful stickers that flatten bicycle tires and stick to shoes. Allison Switzer, a 4th grader, participated in the day of service and has dreams of becoming a missionary some day. "It was good to do this because it was hard and I know being a missionary will be hard, too," Allison says. 4. Expect the Unexpected.NorthWood Church (Keller, TX) has built a reputation for serving in the community and around the world. Because of that reputation, glocal ministry pastor Omar Reyes is often asked to begin new community programs. A local school district and hospital called him recently about remodeling a building that would be used for a health clinic in an under-served area. Omar shares, "The church is not in the business of remodeling either and we certainly did not have the $60,000 needed for the project." While "No" seemed to be the obvious answer, Omar didn't shut the door but prayed about the opportunity. Later that same day, Omar went to lunch with NorthWood's small groups pastor and a local builder who wanted to know more about a Habitat for Humanity project. Omar shared the details of his earlier phone conversation regarding the school and hospital. When all was said and done, the building was refurbished through the partnerships of two churches, the builder and others. Omar says that situation taught him a valuable lesson: "Lead with big vision. Don't get caught up in leading with provision. When the Lord is with us, partnership is not 1+1=2, but 1+1=10."

Church Leaders and Stress





I read in “Confessions of a Reformission Rev.” by Mark Discol that in the early days of Mars Hill Church that Mark was stressed out. While leading this church in the early days, stress had caused him to gain 40 pounds, given him an eye twitch, and very high blood pressure. According to his account, his blood pressure was so high he could have had a heart attack. Mark was only around 28 years old at the time. Now that is some heavy duty stress. Being in church leadership can create a lot of stress on a person; especially if you try to do it all on your own.

My job can leave me stressed out at times. I have even had my own eye twitch a time or two. I hate eye twitches, they are aggravating. I really need to manage the amount of stress I allow in my life. I have a history of mental breakdowns in my family so I try to keep things light. If stress gets higher than I can manage, I go for a hike or walk. Nature has always energized and relaxed me. In the last year, I’ve kept stress down my exercising more. I go to the gym during lunch and either walk the treadmill or ride the stationary bike and after work, I lift weights. This has reduced my stress level, my waist line, and weight. I’ve lost 30 pounds doing this and I have very little stress.

Knowing that God is in charge of the church helps keep the stress level down for me as a church leader. It’s not up to us leaders of the church to grow the attendance. God is the one who adds and takes away. He is the one who builds and destroys. It’s not us doing anything. It’s not God and us doing anything. It’s all about God and what He is doing in the church. If we can understand and accept this truth, more church leaders will not need to be on medications for stress and high blood pressure.

God has given us principles that are designed to help keep stress levels down. There is the office of Deacons so the Pastors can use their time studying God’s word. The deacons are to serve the tables and minister to the needy. The office of the Elders is designed to help Pastors lead the church. If Pastors equip their people to lead, a lot of what causes stress for a leader will decline.

I think the most important thing to remember in keeping stress down is that God will never give you more than you can handle. You don’t have to shoulder the burdens of leadership. Our shoulders aren’t designed to carry heavy weight. God’s shoulders are designed to handle all the weight in the world. Remember Matthew 11:29-30:
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

We don’t see yokes much these days. Jesus’ metaphor in this passage is unfamiliar to us in our time and culture. But in the first century, everyone knew what a yoke was and the purpose it served. Yokes were custom-made by carpenters to fit on the back of an ox so the animal could be harnessed for work. The better the yoke fit, the more productive the ox would be.

William Barclay, a great commentator, wrote that some carpenters in the first century may have hung signs outside their door that said, “My yokes fit well.” Carpenters were highly skilled at making a yoke that would fit an ox just right. Barclay also notes that when Jesus said, “My yoke is easy,” it could just as easily be translated, “My yoke fits well.”

Christ is the head of the church, and He will lead His church. Followers tend to have less stress because they are following the leader. Let’s follower after Christ and He will do His thing. His way of leadership is so much better than ours.

Stressed out? Remember to follow the Leader. Let God carrier the heavy burden of leadership of your church. After all, He gave His life for it.

[NOTE: Italicized taken from “Leadership from the Inside Out: Examining the Inner Life of a Healthy Church Leader’ by Kevin Harney, pages 173-174.]

18 Inches From Heaven

I’m reading a book about John Wesley’s life and the forming of the United Methodist Church. I’ve heard the name and sung his songs all my life so I wanted to read more about him. The most amazing thing I’ve learned is that John Wesley wasn’t a Christian when he came to the Gravesend colony in Georgia in 1735 to be a missionary. By his own account, he had a head knowledge and the rules of the Anglican Church but not a true conversion which is found only in Christ. On the voyage to America from England, his ship was caught in a great storm. With him on the ship was a group of Moravians (a German Protestant denomination) who did not seem to be afraid if the ship sunk because of the storm. When John Wesley asked why they weren’t afraid, the leader of the group told him that their entire group knew Christ as Savior and heaven awaited them when death does take them. The Moravians believed that faith in Christ alone is the way for salvation. This was too simple for John Wesley. In fact most of England thought this was too simple so the Moravians were on their way from Germany to the new world (America) to preach Christ. Through his friendship with this group’s Bishop (David Nitschman), John Wesley became to true Christian several years later. John Wesley took this new found message of salvation back to England and changed England and the world.

This part of John Wesley’s life reminds me of a phrase I heard my childhood pastor use many times; “Some people will miss heaven by 18 inches.” The meaning to this phrase means that people have a head knowledge of Christ and what He did on the cross, but never have received Him into their hearts and lives.

Test yourselves to see what you have. Do you only have a head knowledge or do you have Christ in your heart? Christ is the only way to heaven and He only is the way into heaven. John 14: 6 says, “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” You can’t work your way to heaven, it’s because of what Christ did for us on the cross that we have access to the Father and salvation. Ephesians 2:8 - 10 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

Do you have true peace or just religion? Religion is spelled “DO.” Religion is based on what you think you most “DO” to enter heaven. True peace in Christ is spelled “DONE.” Our salvation is based on what Christ has “DONE” on the cross. Our hope is based on nothing less than Jesus blood and His righteousness. How far are you from entering the peace of heaven? Are you only 18 inches away? Stop putting your hope for eternal salvation on anything but Christ. If you say I have Jesus Christ and fill in the blink, you don’t have true salvation. True salvation is Christ alone. Examine yourself to see where you are on this matter.

In The Image of The Father

I was looking in a mirror the other day and saw my father looking back at me. As I get older I’m starting to look more like my earthly dad. I do have traits of my mom like my red hair, but for the most part, I’m starting to look more like my dad. I know that over the last few years I’m acting more like my father according to my wife; especially if I say or do something weird. She says, “You’re acting like your dad;” where I reply, “thank you.” As a child, I learned how to react to situations by watching my dad. I learned a lot of behaviors from him (good, bad, or indifferent).

I think that same should be said with our Heavenly Father. Since I am a child of God because of what Christ did on the cross, I have His spiritual DNA. As I grow older in the faith, I start to see Him in the way I act and talk. When I’m close to Him, my reactions are the way I see Him react in His Word (the Bible).

Most of who we are is set in our DNA; such as our physical appearance (hair color, eyes color, height, etc.). Our behavior is affected by our environment for the most part. Do I have a quick temper because of my red hair or the fact that over my life time I saw my father react with a quick temper more times than not? I do have a quick temper when not in the spiritual, but when I’m in the spirit I’m long suffering because of what I’ve learned by reading Psalm and Proverbs as a teenager. I’m who I am as a person due to a combination of my DNA and what I’ve learned by watching. The same is said as a Christian. I’m who I am in Christ because of Him rewriting my DNA and what I learned by reading His Word.

As Christians, we should be all about learning to be like Christ. That’s the meaning of the word “Christian;” Christ-like. He has given us His DNA when He drew us to Himself. When Christ saves us, He makes us part of His family. When we read the Bible, we see how He acts and reacts to different situations. He is the ultimate example of what we should be while on earth.

If you are like me, as a child I wanted to be just like my dad. I remember putting on his boots (huge compared to my feet) and walking around the house. I wanted to spend time with him and he with me. I remember dad watching the “Looney Tunes” with me. I truly thought that he loved watching them as much as I did, but years later he told me he wanted to be with me so he watched the show with me. As Christians, we are given God’s DNA and shown how to act in Him. Just as it took years of spending time with my dad for me to have a lot of his mannerisms, it takes time spending time with Christ to start to see Him in us. But before you know it, the similarities are undeniable.

A Battle for Integrity

Taken from Charles R. Swindoll, "A Battle for Integrity," Insights (March 2003): 1-2. Copyright © 2003, Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used with permission.


I must tell you that I have been troubled regarding the face of things in our country and within the family of God. My major battle has had to do with one word, one concept. My battle has to do with integrity.
In our nation--and in the church--there has been a falling away, a breakdown, and a compromise in integrity. Recent headlines have taught us that the boom of the 1990s was built on a foundation devoid of integrity. But compromise isn't limited to CEOs who greedily sell out their employees or to pork-happy politicians. All too often we find a moral laxity behind our pews and, even worse, behind the pulpit.
Let me define what I mean by integrity. Webster's tells us integrity means "an unimpaired condition."1 It means to be sound. The Hebrew word for integrity, tom, also means to be complete or solid.
So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them with his skillful hands. (Psalm 78:72)
Integrity is completeness or soundness. You have integrity if you complete a job even when no one is looking. You have integrity if you keep your word even when no one checks up on you. You have integrity if you keep your promises. Integrity means the absence of duplicity and is the opposite of hypocrisy. If you are a person of integrity, you will do what you say. What you declare, you will do your best to be. Integrity also includes financial accountability, personal reliability, and private purity. A person with integrity does not manipulate others. He or she is not prone to arrogance or self-praise. Integrity even invites constructive and necessary criticism because it applauds accountability. It's sound. It's solid. It's complete.
Integrity is rock-like. It won't crack when it has to stand alone, and it won't crumble though the pressure mounts. Integrity keeps one from fearing the white light of examination or resisting the exacting demands of close scrutiny. It's honesty at all costs.
The words of Louis Adamic seem fitting, "There is a certain blend of courage, integrity, character and principle which has no satisfactory dictionary name but has been called different things at different times in different countries. Our American name for it is 'guts.'"2
I like that. Integrity is having the guts to tell the truth, even if it may hurt to do so. Integrity is having the guts to be honest, even though cheating may bring about a better grade. Integrity is having the guts to quote sources rather than to plagiarize.
But there are some things integrity is not. It is not sinless perfection. A person with integrity does not live a life absolutely free of sin. No one does. But one with integrity quickly acknowledges his failures and doesn't hide the wrong.
Now, in addressing this crucial mark of character, I could come across as the "white knight," but you know me better than that. I fail like everyone else. The sooner you remember that, the better we'll get along. But concerning the issue of integrity, I give you my word. You will know if I have failed or if Insight for Living has failed in some way. I will tell you. I will not lead you to believe something is true if it is false. That is the least I can do as a minister of the Gospel.
Integrity is essential in the church, in the marketplace, and especially in the home. When you walk in integrity, you leave it as a legacy for your children to follow (Proverbs 20:7). It's what I call the father's thumbprint. Blessed are you if you had a father with integrity and a mother with guts.
When you work with integrity, you honor the Lord. Regardless of your profession, your character and conduct are methods of ministry. Over 50 years ago, Elton Trueblood wrote,
It is hard to think of any job in which the moral element is lacking. The skill of the dentist is wholly irrelevant if he is unprincipled and irresponsible. There is little, in that case, to keep him from extracting teeth unnecessarily, because the patient is usually in a helpless situation. It is easy to see the harm that can be done by an unprincipled lawyer. Indeed, such a man is far more dangerous if he is skilled than if he is not skilled.3
Do you put wire in walls? Do you repair cars? Do you work with numbers? Do you sell clothes? Perhaps you practice law or medicine. The important thing is not what work you do, but whether you do your work with integrity. Perhaps you labor behind the scenes, and your only thanks is the inner satisfaction of a job done right. Do you cheat on your exams? Are you cheating on your mate? Some have the audacity to do such things and call themselves Christians. No wonder the world is confused!
You want to shock the world? Start here--demonstrating the guts to do what's right when no one is looking. It takes real guts to stand strong with integrity in a culture weakened by hypocrisy. Start today.

People of God

I just finished reading a book I started 6 years ago; the auto-biography of Billy Graham. It was great to read how God has used this man throughout most of the 20th century. The best part of the book was him giving all the glory to God. After years of preaching and serving presidents, royalty, and the like, he still refers to himself as the farm boy from North Carolina. God can use the humbly to move mountains. I can remember my parents taking me to see him preach way back in the 1970’s when he first came to the Hampton Roads area. I only remember that there were a lot of people at the Norfolk Scope. I couldn’t have been older than 7 or 8, but I remember God using him back then. I’m sure Billy Graham will be written about in the centuries to come (if Christ doesn’t return soon).

I shared with the men who attend the weekly Men’s Bible Group that God had used and is using Billy Graham, but there are people who do the same thing every week that the world as a whole will never read about.

For those of us who serve God everyday, we do so not for notoriety. We do so because God served us from an eternity of damnation and we are thankful. God has used Dr. Graham greatly, but God also uses the average Christian everyday to reach out to the world with the love and giving of Christ.

If you are serving God and feel that people aren’t giving you thanks, don’t worry yourself about it. God, Himself, will honor you with crowns. And with great joy, we will be able to give those crowns back to the One and only Jesus Christ, our Savior and our Lord.

Keep doing what God has called you to do; to love and serve others.

The Right Foundation

In order to have a solid and safe building, the foundation must be done right. If the foundation isn’t laid properly, the building will not be level or balanced developing into major issues in the future.

Jesus referred to Himself as the “Chief Cornerstone” when talking to His followers. A cornerstone is used to make a building level in all sides. God the Father is the foundation in which Jesus built His church. God is the perfect foundation to build anything. We can rely on Him to make everything level and balanced in our lives.

Without God in our lives, we aren’t balanced. Since there is no foundation, cracks form and our lives just fall apart. God as our foundation gives us something level to build upon and Jesus as the cornerstone makes everything balanced.

If you want your live to matter and be solid, build it on “The Rock” and not just sand. If you build on solid ground, the trials and storms of live will come but not destroy. If you build on the sand, the trials and storms of live will destroy what you build.

Make sure you foundation is solid. The most solid foundation to build upon is the One who created us.

Waiting


I had a dream the other night that caused me to be uneasy. The dream was me waiting in a checkout line at Sears. I’m waiting for a very long time. When it was time for me to be next the clerk walked about to retrieve what I was trying to buy. When the man returned, he apologized for the delay but explained it would be a little bit longer. He handed me 2 pieces of what looked like machine parts. He told me to be patient and the other needed parts will arrive shortly. I awoke uneasy because I knew the meaning of the dream.

I see that the dream is about me waiting on God to open the door to the next step of my walk with Him. I feel that I’ve been waiting forever to start the next level of church planting but I know that God’s timetable is not the same as mine. I know that while waiting for God to move, this is the time I should be listening to Him through reading His word.

I have had an opportunity to meet a gentleman in Montana who shared with me that he waited 8 years for God to open the door for him and his family to move to Montana to pastor a church. His testimony reminded me of men in the Bible who waited on God. Abraham waited on God to give him a son. Abraham was over 100 years old when God gave him a son. Joseph waited on God to fulfill the dream He gave him when he was a teenager. Joseph waited 20 years. Moses was given the assignment to free Israel from Egypt but had to wait 80 years before God could use him to do so. There are many examples of people waiting on God to fulfill what He wanted them to accomplish.

I feel God uses the time between our calling and our fulfilling the call to mold us to the people we need to be in order to complete the task. I know when He opens the door for me to move through, I will be who I need to be in order that God will get the glory.