Near and Far Faith

Poem

2011-11-21T06:56:00.000-08:00

I have little time for much else than family, school, and working with A Church of Living Hope 60 miles away, but in my studies I had to read this poem by John Donne and it was good, so I thought I'd share it.

Batter my heart, three-personed God, for you

BATTER my heart, three person'd God; for, you
As yet but knocke, breathe, shine, and seeke to mend;
That I may rise, and stand, o'erthrow mee,'and bend
Your force, to breake, blowe, burn and make me new.
I, like an usurpt towne, to'another due,	5
Labour to'admit you, but Oh, to no end,
Reason your viceroy in mee, mee should defend,
But is captiv'd, and proves weake or untrue.
Yet dearely'I love you,'and would be loved faine,
But am betroth'd unto your enemie:	10
Divorce mee,'untie, or breake that knot againe;
Take mee to you, imprison mee, for I
Except you'enthrall mee, never shall be free,
Nor ever chast, except you ravish mee.

Church Findable part 7 - Giving

2011-08-29T03:55:00.000-07:00

In this final post in this series I want to turn the focus more on the heart of the individual than a broad swath or group. In the past years I've seen a trend of stunted growth as followers of Jesus and the failure lies with us and in our hearts, not with the church leadership or programming. It is this: that within a year or so of beginning a relationship with Jesus a curve comes in that path of healthy growth and to round that curve and keep growing one must begin to give sacrificially. I've talked about this before but it plays a part so crucially in the growth of a church because in the end, that growth is the growth of the individual heart. This makes sense as Jesus set such an amazing example of service. Look at Mark 10:43-45 - "But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

See, when it comes to our journey and the American church, many Christians have stalled at that curve in the road that comes so early. Older Christians who have been following Christ for years who simply come to church and exist as a non-functioning body part because this task of giving was deemed too hard or awkward or perhaps there were no ready opportunities and they needed to be forced or created. Or "giving" was reduced to just "money". While some of the responsibility of it may lie with the discipler, or lack of one, ultimately it is our next step to seek a place, a way, or a method to give. We serve a generous God who gave - healing and wisdom and blood. He is a God of sacrifice, but I see in my own life a degeneration that occurs when I stop serving. It is a central rubber-meets-road component of our faith.

That is why it is such a crucial part of finding a church. Ultimately the goal should be to plug in and give of what you have. This includes time, money, and talents.

One final thought on this. Do not underestimate the creativity of the enemy in discouraging us or distracting us along this part of the journey. If it is so important it makes sense why it should be so hard sometimes. Be ready for a fight with schedules, with awkwardness, and with relationships. It is worth following Christ because this is ultimately finding a church - giving as He did.

Church Findable part 6 - Message

2011-08-22T04:13:00.000-07:00

Who in church world hasn't sat through a boring message preached at church? I'm sure I may have even preached a few myself. But I try not to. One of the transformational books in my life was "Communicating for a change" by Andy Stanley. The concept asked this simple question: Are you communicating when you preach for information transfer (much like a school teacher) or for life change? The bottom line, Sunday morning, though not on its own, is much less for information transfer and much more about the love and Word of Christ transforming hearts towards His.

When evaluating the teaching and preaching of the message of a church, there are some important keys that can help both those seeking a church family and those doing the preaching.

1) Scripture is central. A healthy church is based completely on the Word of God in all they do - it is in the hearts of it's leaders because they are devoted to growing towards Jesus, not out of duty of office, but of relationship with Christ. I don't know how to say this, but often a message seems forced - like a person is saying things that they should say, not that they MUST because it just has to come out of what they are learning. If a leader is truly in the Word on a personal level, it will be in and through all their life, especially their preaching.

2) People are accounted for. People were the focus of Jesus' time. He healed thousands, spending time knowing their problems and needs. The message of a church should take into account it's community, knowing it's needs. This is something that I have not done a great job at in the past, frankly because it requires a reorganization of your time and getting your hands dirty. But when you do it will shape what you talk about. I'm not saying that messages should be need or topic or activist driven, but it should show an awareness of the people listening and who they are. One other thing here - we are done and far past the days when the pastor is the Holy Man. Accounting for people means being transparent and honest about your struggles. If people think you are un-relatable - that you are better than them - then they simply won't listen.

3) The Preacher should like preaching. This is one of those things that those outside of the church world just don't get - why would you have someone who is bad at public speaking... speaking publicly? The hard pill to swallow is that perhaps the head pastor is not the best preacher and this requires humility to lead where your strengths are as a pastor and let others who are gifted rise to the place where it fits. If God has called the head pastor to lead the church, why do they need to preach also if they are not gifted there? Too many pastors have been too prideful to admit that others may fill that roll better than them and that doesn't mean that they are not the lead pastor. On the other hand, it's not to say that one cannot improve their skills in this area. But again this requires humility in admitting that they are not good at something and need help and training. We are not called to perfection, but excellence for Christ. This is an important are that is seen most often and evaluated least, especially from the church leadership side of things.

One last thought: if you are a preaching church leader, do you have people that will give you honest evaluation? These people are those you are in deep relationship with, not usually the "back door poll" as people walk out the door. For me, it's a very small group, starting with my wife. Honest evaluation may hurt sometimes, but is necessary for life change.

Church Findable part 5 - Music and technology

2011-08-07T05:58:00.000-07:00

So I've been sharing my thoughts on what makes a church findable by those who are looking, not because I'm any kind of expert, but simply because we are in a season that's granting us a new perspective in looking for a church and frankly many of the things that I've been noticing are eye-opening. Meaning that in my church leadership experience I never considered these ideas and maybe you haven't either.

So today I wanted to write about the part that, while a very passionate subject for me, is most misused in determining a church home - music and technology.

There is an undeniable factor of welcome and cultural awareness that is very important. If you deny the direction of current music and cutting edge technology then you are burying you head in the sand of the world that Christ has put you in the midst of to reach. But often we who are tech-geeks and/or musicians elevate these things above much more important parts of a body because they can make us uncomfortable and we see weakness instead of opportunity. So maintain the balance - always be open, no matter what the aspect you're evaluating, to using the passion that comes to light in your heart when you see "weakness" as a potential way for you to be used and not a reason in itself to attend or not attend a church.

That being said, a church should be AWARE of the culture that it is in and this is most often reflected in things that are very visible on a Sunday morning, like the music, technology, and message. From a leadership perspective it's a coin with two sides - on one you have committed church attenders who want to worship and sing and participate, and on the other you have those who may be far from church culture and God and willing to try it in a risky journey into religious culture. Be aware. Be in the community, not just in the church building. Get Rolling Stone or Relevant sent to the office. Buy new music. Visit places (not just churches) where technology is being used on the cutting edge. Have an in depth conversation with a first time visitor AFTER the church service and get their honest thoughts.

Many time these ideas disintegrate into a debate over style. From the church looker standpoint, ask yourself if you are putting yourself first or the body of Christ. If the body is first Christ you are looking to serve, not for style. However a church that refuses to engage and be relevant with the culture God's placed them in the midst of, serving their neighbors in ways that show that they KNOW their neighbors, will become in-grown and selfish in the same way, trying to rescue people from Hell who have already been rescued.

One last note. If you notice changes that need to be made in your church's culture or operating, start by making those same changes in you own life. Not in the ministry you're involved in, but your own heart. Not only will you learn deeply about the changes you want to see, but lead by example and you will have a foundation to stand on when when the time comes to suggest changes on the full scale.

Church Findable part 4 - Kids are key

2011-08-03T04:40:00.000-07:00

This is a part of ministry that is often hard to gauge and evaluate simply at different points in your own life it means a variety of different things and carries a wide scale of importance to you. So whether you are looking for a church or are part of the leadership at one, implementing and maintaining a quality children's ministry and student ministry is one of the many keys to seeing the health of a church and ensuring lasting depth in the people that attend who will hopefully become part of the family. Admittedly, before I had kids it was very low on my priority list. But now that I'm in the midst of early childhood with all four of my kids, I'm keenly aware of all the aspects of a children's ministry at a church and see how vital a role they will play. So much so that it will always be important to me no matter what our children's age.

First let's talk about why though before we talk specifics. Having been involved in youth/student ministry and children's ministry for the last ten years, I've seen many different strategies at work. Some good and some bad. There are two things that I believe shape a good pre-adult facet of a church.

First is this: children and teenagers are NOT the "church of the future" as is often said. They are today's church - an integral part of ministry now. What this looks like means shaping every part of pre-adult ministry to allow THEM to minister and serve. It's a lot easier so say here and a messy complicated process to figure out in each church culture. But it is vital that they all learn as early as possible the concept and heart of serving that was so dear to Christ. Ask this simple question of children's ministry and student ministry: are they serving?

Secondly is the target. What is the aim of each class and aspect of the children's ministry? Is it just the end of that class - to get the preschoolers into the elementary class or the middle schoolers to the high school ministry? Research has shown that over 80% of people that attended church throughout childhood dropped out of the body as soon as they graduated high school. Reggie Joiner attacked this concept in his book "The Slow Fade". The concept that he puts forth is this: that most key adult decisions are made between the ages of 18-25 but that the church's aim is often far short of that age. The idea being that every aspect of children's ministry and student ministry aim at the college age of post 18+ and helping kids and students become integral parts of the body by that point. Again, a simple concept to discuss, but it will look very different from church to church. But I believe that these two things shape a healthy pre-adult part of any church body.

That being said, the only way to really evaluate well is to get your hands dirty in these ministries. As is with many of these ideas on this series of posts, it's not about passing judgement on a church or it's leadership, but about honest evaluation. But this cannot take place unless you serve in the body somewhere. From a church looker standpoint, finding a way to serve is a huge part of choosing the right church. From the leadership perspective, it means asking yourself if you have you gotten your hands dirty in the deepness of pre-adult ministry, or have you let it slide off your mind because you don't have kids that age or have kids yet?

Church Findable part 3 - Follow up

2011-07-20T06:40:00.000-07:00

The critical piece that is often missing behind follow up (if it does exist at all) is the heart behind it. Or at least making the heart behind it communicable. As people created in God's image we desire to be known. So following up after someone visits is important to let them know that they are not just a number a church is using to bolster its confidence... and I believe that people can sense when that is the case. People can also sense when follow up is obligatory. Thus the heart behind it should be to communicate intimate felt value to that visitor. We should, as others also created by an intimate God, be deeply concerned and caring for all others and that should be felt in any follow up.

So as church leaders we should make sure to cast adequate vision for follow up before we invest the time to design a follow up process.

As church lookers, this is not a closed-handed issue, but it will give you insight into a church's heart so be sensitive to the heart behind the follow up call or email.

One more note on this and that is the welcome factor of a body. Follow up begins the moment a new visitor walks in the door, but be careful to keep things balanced. Some may want to share their life story with you while others may not want to be bothered at all if this is their first foray or last ditch effort with God and church. Either way we should feel noticed and welcomed in that notice when we visit a church. I have found that a good guideline is to at least remember someone's name the following week or later on that day. It shows them that value them enough to remember who they are.

Also as church leaders we should be careful who we put in the roles that will be doing the majority of the follow up. While the responsibility lies with all of us, there are some of us very gifted at a balanced and welcoming persona and others of us that are... well... un-gifted at that. Work hard to help people discover their gifts but never force people into a need-role that may be completely contradictory to their giftings. Doing this means designing a process by which believers that know what their gifts are can take quality time to walk along side of those who may not know yet and help them awaken to their gifts. I am continually surprised at how many supposed "mature Christians" either have no idea what their gifts are or are working head-long in ministries contradictory to what they are... which most others around them can easily see.

Church Findable part 2 - Is Google Godly?

2011-07-18T06:52:00.001-07:00

So this piece is quite simple but it was the first thing we were confronted with and frankly something that as a church leader I never spent too much time really evaluating. Is your church findable... literally? Often we can see an extremely different perspective if we just put ourselves in the shoes of someone who has never been to church and is in some way motivated to start. Where to they start? Well as far as I can see, there are 3 possibilities:

First is by word of mouth - asking people you know if there is a church that may fit your family. This is really the best way as it puts you in a position of conversations which can open up all sorts of awesome kingdom opportunities. The problem is that if you move into a new community you probably don't have many people that you know or trust to point you in the direction - this is where we are right now. So if you can talk to people about it, start there. As a church leader, this can make you keenly aware of your church's reputation in the community. It can be scary but will give you a great honest picture of who you are, not just who you think you are.

Second is the phone book. I know it seems old school, but what the phone book is unique for is clustering a list of churches, usually by denomination and affiliation, and doing it for YOUR COMMUNITY. And everyone usually gets one for free dropped on their doorstep. There is something much more relaxing about being able to browse and contemplate options on paper too so as a church don't underestimate the value that you pay for a decent phone book add. The church that Cher and I last attended (not worked for) we found in the phone book. So this is (as are all of these) something that we have put into practice.

Third and most obvious is the internet. This is great if you know how to search - Google, for example, can give you "local results" which will show you what's near you. The big, huge question here is is your church findable on the internet? Does it come up when people search? And if it does, is your website designed to display who you really are to those looking? Again, I think we as church leaders we more often think like church people here as opposed to people not yet attending. Here are a few good pointers that we've noticed: first impression is everything, so what does the front page of your site look like? Is it easy to find the church itself through the site? If it takes you more than 2 clicks to find pertinent info like directions and times, it's not designed with church lookers in mind. Also, are there pictures? I was surprised how many sites I visited recently that had no pictures of their congregation, only stock photos of "families". Pictures give me as the looker a glimpse at who you are. We must consider technology too. Flash looks great but won't work on most smart phones. I tried to go to a site recently for a church and it was all flash... so I couldn't see any of it on my phone or Cher's iPad. Think about a mobile site too. A mobile site is a separate site that smarts phones are redirected to which is more easily usable with your phone. Think about it - you're driving around and see a church and want to check it out before you forget. Can you do that adequately from your phone? Check out an example of a church's mobile site here.

A mobile site is great and something I never thought about until recently, but all these things don't just take time and thorough investigation, but money too. But as churches we most invest where it counts and if people can't get to you, nothing else really matters.

More than any of this - above it all - is prayer. Often we take God out of Google. Can't God use the technology of the day and the encounters with coworkers to guide us to the right church home and family? Before you start manipulating your findability as a church or putting these things into practice to find one as a family, pray that the Spirit would lead and then seek those leadings and opportunities.

Church Findable part 1 - Healthy

2011-07-17T09:23:00.000-07:00

One of the most important things to evaluate in a church, especially in a first impression, is also the hardest - the general health of the church. We'll define a healthy church as one able to deal with conflict, having a clear purpose and vision in action, having a purposeful and clear multi-level leadership structure, and a serving and mutually-submissive heart. I know that that is overly simplistic, and as we go I may add to it. Furthermore, these are big broad ideas that take time and careful involvement to evaluate, meaning you cannot often make a clear call on the health of a church on first glance. But if you know what to look for, you can get some indications that will help answer some questions.

What does the pastor say? What do the people say that are up front? Who you put up front are the people that you trust. So what do they project? Do they seem condescending? Bumbling and uninformed? Over-educated? Out of touch with current culture? We cannot hide our true heart. What the people say and convey from the front speak volumes about the heart and health of a church. But then again, so do all the people in leadership, not just the ones up front. What is the attitude of ALL the people that you needed to touch base with? Ushers? Children's workers? Greaters?

Also, and this may seem too simple, but look at the welcome center (or whatever they choose to call it). This can often be a great indicator of a church's heart and health. Does it say "We do a few things that we are very passionate about and do them well" or does it say "We want to do everything! So we do everything mediocre". The welcome center/table/kiosk can tell you a lot about a church's focus.

One more. Diversity. The body of Christ is diverse, and so is a healthy church. Not just race, but personality and socioeconomic status as well. A church that looks just like the pastor means that the leadership only gathers people to them that they are comfortable with. This is not healthy. Also, is the leadership diverse or is it a one man show. Cher an I once visited a church where the pastor led worship, took the offering, preached, and did the announcements, and it was a church of a few hundred. A diverse leadership shows that a church is showing people how to serve - empowering and equipping them for service. A one man show says "none of you are as good as I am".

Add the feelings that you get from these things together and then evaluate. It's easy to let one bad experience ruin your view of an entire church, but remember that church is full of people like you, so always evaluate as Christ looks at you - full of love and grace.

Church Findable

2011-07-17T08:37:00.001-07:00

This has been on my heart and mind for the last few weeks, that as we've moved into this new season of "sabbatical", we've also moved into a new season for our family of searching for a church. This brought me personally, and us as a family, to a very different perspective then we have ever had. See, as a professional pastor (meaning that's how I've put food on the table) I have never really been able to see church from the other side - finding and evaluating a church for us to just attend and serve at. So I thought since all these ideas were new to me, they may be new to you as pastors and church leaders as well, and also give those of you who may be searching a little more concrete criteria to evaluate by. But first a few disclaimers and acknowledgments:

First, I know I'm not some great church planting guru or mega church pastor. What compels me to share these evaluations ideas is simply that in the last ten years as a pastor, 1) I've never been in this position and thus have never really had these opportunities and 2), if that is true for me, it may be true for many others, church leaders in particular. And honestly, the more churches I visit and evaluate from our family's perspective, the more this is apparent: church leaders mostly think like church leaders and not like church attenders.

Secondly, I want to acknowledge that I am bringing to the table a set of passions for the body of Christ - views on how I believe and how God has shaped what I believe to be true modes of operation for a healthy church. Meaning this: I believe, due to my lifetime in church and my ten years in professional ministry, that church services must do all that they can welcome and cater to the person who is far from God. I believe that as we reach out to those who are far from God (evangelism) we will grow and help others grow in our relationship of God (discipleship). I believe that both must happen simultaneously, not independently. I know that this can be a great point of contention, but this is MY perspective, not THE perspective. I don't think terms like "seeker sensitive", while vital in it's time, are applicable to today's growing and healthy church, because, who is not seeking? We all are.

Know that this is a family perspective and not a pastor's one. My entire family helps us to evaluate these things. And also know that these are our evaluations, not judgments. Anything can be changed and fixed. If you see things that God lights up, make a note and look for opportunities to adjust.

Finally, while I may comment on some things, good or bad, that I've seen in churches, I won't ever mention them by name. The point is to help you find a church and make your church findable, not to slander other churches. The body is great. These are just my thoughts as God leads us.

Resignation

2011-05-15T11:31:00.000-07:00

This morning I announced my resignation from The Carpenter's Community Church. It has been a long, hard, and heartbreaking week telling many of you individually, but still knowing that some of you wouldn't find out til this morning.

I know that there may be lots of questions so let me answer a few, though I will not be talking about why we are leaving, as I don't think it's the best or most important issue. We are leaving the area. We are unsure about some of the details though so we'll keep you up to date as we know more. We were not asked to leave as some of the former pastors here have been - this was my decision. I have been very careful with the language that I've been using this week. Is God in and through all of our decisions with love, wisdom, and compassion? Yes. But did God "call" us away? I can't say "yes" to that with integrity. It is simply time for me to go. While Cher is of course involved in this decision, it was mine to make as it was my position to resign from. However, as many of you in ministry know, ministry involves our entire family, and our entire lives.

As we and Carpenter's enter a time of transition, please know that the elders of the church have the best of the student's hearts in mind as they make decisions and have asked for my consultation on the best way to set this ministry up for the next step.

I am praying for the hope and future of this church - that it would continue to realize it's founding vision to change lives for the kingdom and root them deep in the security of the Word of God. Do not be controlled by fear, but live a free life in the love of God, trusting, as I am, that all things, even crappy ones, work TOGETHER for amazing impact.

I will update more here on my blog as I know more. The heartbreak and sadness of this week has only been offset by the deep joy of grace and love from many of you. I look at these five and a half years as formative for me in ministry and look forward to many more for this church.

Fun with kids

2011-01-21T16:03:00.001-08:00

Ok so this is pointless good fun. This is what I do with my kids to entertain them

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQ1HKCYJM5U

Today

2011-01-14T18:38:00.000-08:00

Well... I didn't want to make myself out to be a liar. I said I would blog today. After months, here's the one resounding thought in my mind - dissatisfaction is decent motivation. Knowing that I'm not where I want to be is sometimes heart-breakingly hurtful - that I'm not who I should be as a dad, a friend, a follower of Jesus.... But that deep, deep dissatisfaction with myself can either drag my motivation away or it can be seen as a gift. A gift to get me angry enough - mostly at myself - to change. At this point change is getting harder - I've been doing things for longer. So it makes sense to me that it takes a deeper pain to get my motivation churning. No matter what, it's my choice. There is always choice.

The Orange Tour

2010-10-03T14:31:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post these weeks ago but here are my notes from the Orange Tour conference that I went to in D.C. on 9/15. It was awesome and deep. just enough info to spark some good wise change.

* Key issues we all must wrestle with:
o 1. Allignment of leadership - getting everyone on the same page.
o 2. messaging - how to keep it fresh and relevant
o 3. relationship/community - classes (sunday school, kidzone) don’t disciple on their own)
+ no one has more potential to influence a child than a parent, but the parent is not the only influence a child needs
o 4. Influence - discipleship to students is linked strongly to serving as much or more than teaching. they will feel significant as they do something significant
o 5. Family and our view of it’s potential
+ our time with kids = 40 hrs per year. family = 3000
+ what would happen if i leverage my influence with theirs?
+ the light of the church and the heart of the family should be synchronized
+ everyone is influenced by family (good or bad) only some are influenced by church
+ only 23.5% of families in America are defined by married couples living with biological kids
+ pointing today’s family to a stock picture of what we think can derail their spiritual desires to grow
* Questions for myself...
o how can i make my influence count more?
o how can i grab the influence of families and use it for the kingdom?
o as a church are we reaching and preaching for today’s family or our stock picture of it?
* what is my picture of the ideal family?
* there’s something bigger going on in families than just a picture to hold them up to
o families are messy - Adam and Eve, Noah, Jacob, Joseph, David
* God doesn’t use perfect pictures, he uses broken people - it demonstrates his ability to redeem and restore
* we should never buy into the lyth that we need to become the “right” kind of parent, rather learn to cooperate with whatever God desires to do in your heart so that our children with have a front row seat for examples of grace
* families don’t need a better picture (your family should look like this), but a bigger story (to know that wherever they are God is using them and fitting them into his plan)
o this gets parents to invest in the direction of the story and expands my influence
* the “better picture” philosophy disconnects anyone who is broken from taking part
* the senior pastor has the most airtime with parents
* Questions for myself...
o how can i shift from a “picture” mentality to a “story” mentality?
* The state of the family and the church - barna group partnered research project
o are we thinking about the families OUTSIDE our church?
o 50% of families said that children didn’t effect their connection to a church
+ they are attending most churches and leaving unaffected
o 5% said that the church could help them with biblical teaching or knowledge
o 21% said it could help with “good advice”, 12% with emotional support
o do we give them a plan or strategy to help them? “this is what we’re doing to help”
o one of the best gateways to the unchurched is through the heart of the parent, not an adult alone
o 45%of parents with recent church experience are clear about the church’s expectations on them as parents
o can we reduce our purpose as a church to a few memorable things to help us communicate it to parents?
o parents need hope, not a list of things to do and not do
+ we must create easy to use tools to help parents win - and teach them to use them. they want help!
o 63% of parents have tried to help their children develiope meaningful relationships with adults outside the home
o are our volunteers showing up to fill a need or to follow the discipleship path God has for them?
o people behave and learn relationally, not programatically (it has more to do with relationships build than with the programs we plan. our programs should center on relationship)
+ burnout is a lot faster in a program-based strategy
o what other adults are going to influence my kids besides me?
* Questions for myself...
o how can i better equip my parents to help their families?
+ keep it easy and simple
* middle and high school students are naturally moving towards independance - don’t push against it
o we shouldn't back away though but reengage in a new way.
* we need to help students understand the importance of the relationship with their parents even if it’s not reciprocated.
* don’t replace the parent - rather, but yourself between them as a conduit
* students need to know that the relationship with their parents is worth fighting for
* invest resources in relationships, not programming
* how do we measure success for Ignite? how does the senior pastor? elders? parents?
* it should be by the percentage of participants that are in ministry serving.
o how many are plugging into serving opportunities? how can we get more to do it?
o spiritual growth comes through service
o it breaks the consumer mentality of church
* to make these and any changes the leadership must be on the same page when it comes to the essential principals, like success and strategy.
* Questions for myself...
o what could our students do in our community that would revolutionize the community’s view of the church?
o LVU outreach to pastors ( i don’t remember what i was thinking here)
* 95% of 20-29 yr-olds went to church during elementary school
* 55% went during high school
* 11% during college
* if they went to church when they were 18-22, only 6% of them leave the church now (who are now 23-30 yr-olds
* the church is programmed to draw the finish line at 12th grade
* what happens to the college age student is all of our jobs
* small groups should begin to transition to more independence in 9th - 12th grade
* myths about college ministry:
o the church doesn’t need to get involved, campus ministries will do that
o not enough budget for another ministry - this is about deepening relationships, not programming
o this isn’t a college town
+ only 30%-40% of college-age students go to school full time
o we don’t know how to appeal to that crowd - authenticity and passion is all that’s needed
o we’ve tried and failed - was it a program and did it “fail” because of low attendance?
o it’s not a long-term investment - they’ll leave when they graduate
+ this is in opposition to the kingdom mindset
+ they must know that they are part of a bigger story
o we can’t hire another staffer for college-age ministry
+ this should be a collective church effort
o these are years when they should be growing on their own
+ owning my faith and doing it alone are completely different
+ we should be creating environments where they can wrestle with their faith while they are surrounded by love
* the faith stakes are highest at graduation... when we often choose to disconnect
o we loose our relational influence when the felt need is the greatest
* adulthood indicators don’t show up til 24 yrs-old and older
* the biggest change we can make now it to get students serving

Just my honest thoughts... hope you can get something from it. One change we're making right away is to match small group leaders with a group that they'll stay with through high school instead of grouping by age - as an example.

Vague Faith

2010-08-12T06:31:00.000-07:00

Faith as it points to my family and day to day life is more and more vague as my relationship with God matures. Why is that?

It was at first very simplistic - trust Jesus, that He died for my sins, and live to be like Him. As we mature though, God begins to invade every crevice of our heart and call out to us to release it and let Him reign there.

As we start that process at salvation, those areas are usually large and obvious - that sinful sexual relationship, drug abuse, deceitfulness. Not that we overcome those sins and are never tempted in them again, but we are now held accountable for the knowledge that they are not in line with the kingdom life - the way that Jesus works in the kingdom that he rules in. And that is new knowledge.

Maybe I'm way off here, but as I grow closer to Christ (as a side note, I really despise the word "mature" here. We are to grow to be more like Him but many Christians have used "mature" as a benchmark that they set for themselves to look down on all who aren't there yet. So... despisementness) I find that there is less and less "stopping" the sinful and more and more "calling" to the radical. We are burdened for the homeless and "poor in spirit". We are impassioned about the injustice we see and brokenhearted for God. We are more and more Jesus and less and less Tucker. It's like god says "You know what is in line with my kingdom now. We've walked through that already. Now expand it with me."

I think that's the way it should be. There should be this joyous vagueness to my life and faith as the boundaries are erased between what I want to call "me", even though I am not my own (1 Cor. 6:19 - You do not belong to yourself), and faith. Thoughts?

Tuesday bla bla

2010-07-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

I'm loving Perry Noble's new leadership podcast. He's been doing it since the spring and it really gives you insight into more of who he is. I take a lot from his leadership and it's cool to know him better. We're friends now. He also had a great post on pastoral burnout today.

Looking forward to the Stress In The Ministry Conference in a few weeks. A friend of mine turned me onto it. You apply and if you pass the gulling tests... of name and church phone number... they fly you down to Houston for a week of group counseling and teaching. The common reaction I've been getting from people is "Is the ministry stressful?" Ummm... YES! And it says nothing about your church, only you. Pastoring is not a job but a calling and those of us who grasp that pour every drop of creativity and prayer and energy and resources and love into it. It leaves us empty so God can use us. But never think that you can survive alone. We should take every chance to bolster our marriages, our senses of humor, and our love of humanity.

Derek Webb had a cool post the other day. It echoes my heart to a T.

Oh and I started following Jon Foreman on Twitter. you should too. He's the lead singer of Switchfoot who also has some amazing solo acoustic stuff.

That's all.

King?

2010-07-21T08:15:00.001-07:00

So it's not too often that I get to preach the same message more than once anymore. A few weeks ago I taught on John 12 at Ignite - we've been walking through John a chapter a week since April (check out the Beard Challenge). It ran long. I preached for almost an hour. I hate when speakers do that... unless of course no one notices. That's when you know you're speaking truth and not ego. So Mark Culton (Ebenezer bible Fellowship Church) asked me to teach for him while he was away and last night I got to spend time with their high schoolers. I felt pressed over the last few weeks to do the same message again on the story in John 12. It went for an hour last night. But it felt good - confirmed. I speak so little lately, compared to a year ago, that I forgot how much passion comes when the Spirit truly moves in you.

I was convicted as I taught though and it bares repeating. Not because I dreamed up this concept and I'm amazing (true... but not the point of discussion). But because saying it out loud to all of you (6) who read this brings accountability. It was a simple concept of Kingship. This is what came alive to me last night: A king of old times owned it all. If he wanted your house, it was his. Your bride? His. Your money? Taxed. We loose this concept of Jesus being our King because as Americans we are bred to be independent with a vote in everything. The idea of dominance is frowned on. But that's exactly the concept scripture was utilizing in verses like Zech 9:9, quoted as fulfilled prophecy in John 12:15. Not just a physical King though. And this is no enlightening moment for many of us. However, what would life look like if Jesus was my king? Where would fear fit? Shame and guilt? Purpose?

At the end of the passage in John 12 He says that we have the chance to be children of light - and he is the light. So here it is: do I live the reality that God is my Father-king? And how do you know? I don't have strong faith. I question God and his logistics. I don't believe an un-questioning heart is called for. But I do believe there must be a ruling concept of dominance splattered on our lives.

Taa daa

2010-06-01T08:40:00.000-07:00

So it took me most of the morning, but I just couldn't justify paying for hosting for this blog anymore. So here's my free version. I miss my old theme, but this one's cool and I like the twitter app for it. I'm still working on getting the podcast back up and I hope to do a new episode here soon.

BBQ Fund Raiser

2010-05-19T08:34:00.000-07:00

Just a quick heads up do to my own lack of promotion. This Sunday is our final fund raiser before the West Virginia mission trip. Instead of a spaghetti dinner like we've done in the past, we're changing the menu up a bit and having a BBQ (pray the rain holds, though we'll have it either way). We'll also have a dunk tank that Jon Weeks will entice and tease you into getting angry (righteously... cause it's church) at. Suggested donations are $7 per Adult, $4 for kids 4-10, and free for kids 3 and under. See you there!

Seasons

2010-05-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

I'm coming up on 5 years here with Carpenter's and I've been reminded a lot lately of the many seasonal changes we've had here. I think it's not as much the change itself that embeds in our hearts through these things but the challenged growth. God brings seasons about - we don't and circumstances don't. In fact, many times we don't realize they've changed until half way through them. Paul tells Timothy to not let the seasons effect the message, exhorting him to be ready in and out of season though.

My point is this: in the middle of seasons often we are challenged towards new growth and our temptation is to force a seasonal change. Be encouraged. Just like our earthly seasons, we cannot change them, but they will come. Our reoccurring theme with Ignite Students has been this concept of remaining in Christ - His heart in mine. He never will never call us out of a season, but will often call us to be the instrument he uses to bring about change within it. Most of the time this begins in us. Don't miss it. It only makes the season last longer. He will never give up on you but will pursue your heart until he has the glory he deserves.

The Beard Challenge: week 1 - belief passion

2010-04-20T04:06:00.000-07:00

Growing up in the church, sharing the story of Jesus lost its luster. It was never something that I was passionate about, but something that "should be done" as a good Christian. If we're not careful, many of the passions that Jesus once motivated in our hearts care turn sour if we choose not to grow closer to him. In fact, it's a good spiritual barometer to gut check your heart on these things, asking "How passionate am I about..." . For me it's always been easier to preach in front of a crowd what we should do rather than walk through those things on-on-one. But as my faith has been tested and refined lately I have seen passions be renewed, especially in the area of sharing Jesus' story with people.

We began a new series of talks and discussions at Ignite a few weeks ago called "Believe". We're walking through the book of John a chapter a week. I know that the scriptures cannot be read for long without igniting passion in our beliefs and faith, so I've issued this challenge to Ignite Students: I won't shave my beard for the duration of our John study, which is 21 weeks. If any of them can memorize an entire chapter of John, when the study is concluded they can shave my beard however they wish and I'll wear it that way for 48 hours. To be honest, I'm so much more excited about seeing students passionate about God's Word than about wearing a "different" beard for a few days.

So each week I'll post a beard picture to keep the interest alive. It's going to get manly... or nasty weird.

ketchup

2010-04-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

So... it's been a while. But the storm of stuff is subsiding. I've been so blessed to see God in many different ways lately that I wanted to share them in hopes of encouraging you. We have had a rough few years. It has been trial after trial of great intensity. But there are people in our lives on purpose. Often, though, our expectations rob them of any notoriety. But I am just very grateful for these...

First, my wife. Who, through an intense schedule of 3 jobs has held our family intact, sometimes single-handedly. I began this schedule in September as i took on 2 part time jobs - one with Lehigh Valley Christian High school advising their student worship band, and the other beginning my own remodeling business. All that on top of still leading both the music and student ministries here at Carpenter's. There have been days at a time when the only time we see each other is when it's dark and the only thing we have left is a vegetative grunt. But as things calm down and family time reemerges, I am eternally grateful that despite the stress I know she still loves me and she shows it. That, for me, is unconditional. She doesn't think does much, but she has done it all when it comes to my family.

Second, the band. We have walked an intense road over the last 6 months together as ministers and musicians. The elder team began months ago looking at ways to relieve my responsibilities at the church and that relief came to fruition because of a hand full of people willing to step up and lead, no matter the discomfort or, at times, tremendous scrutiny. They have stayed strong and grown stronger. Jim, Justin, and Steff have stepped up to share the worship leading responsibilities which means I only lead worship every 4 weeks or so now. I still choose to play occasionally, besides leading, but these are no longer part of my job description at Carpenter's, rather an exercising of my gifts. Tim Cunningham, Mary Lou, and Tim Beam have stepped up into leadership roles - Tim C. as the Deacon of Media and Technology and Tim B. heading up the tech team. These two guys have grown in front of my eyes into great heroes for me. They will never know the full weight they took off my shoulders. And Marylou - handling the scheduling admin that I so despise.

Third, for Bob Hampton. He came on as our Sr. Pastor just over a year ago (April fools to be exact... cause we're cool like that). I think I speak for many when I say we were reluctant to think that anyone could help us out of where we were. But Bob has been an amazing example of simply knowing the Word of Truth and living it. He has been real, but led us to a place where the Word is changing lives. I hope people can say the same of me some day. He's not perfect... thankfully - he fits right in. But he loves his calling to these people and it shows.

And finally, the Elder board. My brothers in arms. They have pressed and pushed me into God these past 2 years and I can honestly say, that if it wasn't for them, I would not be as close you Him. They helped me see what He had next. They laughed with me/at me for hours at a time - those were our monthly meetings. And yeah, we're down to a monthly 2-3 hour meeting. THAT is church body success for us! We were just remembering yesterday the 4-5 hour weekly meetings!! It is because of the devotion of these men - Dave, Jerry, Jake, Mike, and Chris - that I can say confidently that Carpenter's is not perfect, but it is now healthy.

I hope that you can be thankful in the midst of trial so that you can take a deep breath on the other side, resting in the thoughts of purpose.

Ignition 2010 and Tony Cruz

2010-01-25T10:08:00.000-08:00

Had a blast this weekend with Tony Cruz as he shared all weekend with us for our Student retreat - Ignition 2010. We missed the recording for Friday night, but here are the recordings for Saturday morning, Saturday night, and Sunday morning.

Ignite Students podcast - Saturday messages

Carpenter's Podcast - Sunday message

The Kingdom

2010-01-09T04:20:00.000-08:00

It's been a while. It's been on my heart for a few weeks to get back to this blog but the events of life have been intense and plentiful, in a good way. I'm currently working two other jobs besides pastoring at Carpenter's. Both are part time. One is as the Student Praise Band Advisor at Lehigh Valley Christian High School. I took this on at the after hearing about the need from Bob Brennan - the principal - whom I've bonded with through Lehigh Valley Unite. I've also begun my own home improvement business - Olive Tree Home Improvements. Couple those with a move to Nazareth a week from today and it's been a bit nuts, but who's life isn't?

I've been thinking about this and confused by it for some time and just today it's come to light more: what is the kingdom of God? It's used in different ways throughout scripture - inheriting it, seeing it, its "at hand". After some months of discovering various thoughts and prayers on this, here is my conclusion:

I was at first convinced that it was a way of life - following Christ and doing the things that Christ did in sacrifice and love. But recently I've seen that it simply doesn't fit with some passages. Through 1 Cor. 15 and some thoughts from "Desiring God" (which has been changing me), I've come to see that it is much bigger than that, while that is part of it. Simply put, it is the knowledge of God's glory - that being his greatness and love and compassion and... we could all go on. To inherit it is to know Him. The sacrifices from Matt. 13 fit in that it is far more valuable than all else.

This is the tip of the iceberg of these thoughts. I'd love to hear yours. It's good to be back on the blog.

Vision for the Road Ahead

2009-09-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

As you look now to your future, look boldly. Know that the God of all creation has provided you with all courage, and you will need to draw on it from time to time. Admit weakness and do not hide it. Recognize when you’re concealing your true identity from your Father who already knows you from the inside out. You are part of a masterpiece—a picture of this world that God chose to include you in on purpose. There’s no one more important or less important on this planet to Him… than you. So move freely in your true identity and fight the war of life along side our Warrior King Jesus. He has never been far from you, no matter where you are now. Do not trust your feelings over His revelations. He is ready to reveal himself. He is ready to reveal your true identity. Are you?

Leg 4, Day 28

2009-09-22T09:29:00.000-07:00

Take a walk. Right now. If it’s too late then read your Bible for a while and connect with God, get up early tomorrow, and take a walk just to be with Him. Then come back and keep reading.

Don’t cheat! Go! If it’s raining, grab an umbrella!

There is no success or failure in God’s eyes when it comes to discovering your identity. As we’ve said already, the process is God’s goal. But beware of the trip wires along the way. Your pride will creep in and grab for others attention over His. Your anger will flare up at crappy food and bad drivers. People you thought loved you will hurt you.

This is a battlefield and sometimes the strategy must change to keep you fresh and alert. Your daily connection time with God doesn't always have to look the same. In fact it should change from time to time so you can see new things through new strategies.

Read Mark 8:22-26 and then Mark 10:46-52

Why did Jesus do it the same both times?

God does not change, but the world that he made does. While it’s foundations remain the same, to rescue an infinite number of different people, God, over time, has changed his strategies and tactics. So then should we. God does not set things in stone for us to follow from here until our death. In fact, we will often come to the same situation twice and the wise thing to do may be different each time.

So as the journey wears on you, feel free to change things up. Don’t use this as a license to become lazy, complacent, or stop growing. God doesn’t change, but he does move. As we follow him, we must move too.

Leg 4, Day 27

2009-09-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

I want to take the Delorean time machine back to Jerusalem on the night Jesus died. I want to see Peter lose his hand/eye coordination and lop off the high priest’s servant’s ear. I want to see him deny knowing God. I want to see Jesus’ last breath. And I want to be there to see what no one else saw—Jesus walking out of the tomb that couldn’t hold him in. Relive the death and resurrection of Jesus. Play the movie in your imagination as you read.

Read john 19:17-37 and then Matthew 28:1-10

If our identity is found in Jesus and he died, shouldn’t we also die? And if he rose from the dead, shouldn’t there be that symbolism in our lives too? There is. Letting go of your stolen identity—the one that Lucifer and his demons fed you from the moment you began—is like a death. While we know it’s good to lose it, there’s extreme pain in letting go of parts of us that we loved, even though they pulled us from God. Don’t puff yourself up and pretend these feelings aren't there. Be honest with yourself and those around you. We all have them.

But the story ends later, not now. Discovering your true identity is like being raised from the dead. You’ve felt it, like feeling muscles you never knew you had. So now what? We have the experience that nothing can take away from us.

Read Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus has given you his authority—his identity—for a purpose! To lead people to him. Not convert them—it’s not a car or a house to “work on”. Not to save them—that’s His job. When you simply are yourself, you will lead people to Jesus.

Leg 4, Day 26

2009-09-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

Whenever I have to get up in the middle of the night, which is often right now with four children under four, I try to make any personal stops at the bathroom without turning on the lights. I’ve got a system: feel the wall to the door and turn left, feel the counter to it’s corner, turn right—toilet. But without those guidelines I’d never make it without getting hurt. It would, at the very least, take much longer and leave me disoriented… and that could get ugly.

As we journey towards a maturing identity in God, how do we know we’re heading the right way? Personally, I want specifics—I need to know what I’m doing wrong so I can fix it and what I’m doing right so I can do it again.

Read Galatians 5

Paul transitions after verse 15. He says “if you want to follow rules, then this is what that means.” But… verse 16 says “I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives “. Life in the Spirit of God is our true identity. What it looks like can be measured.

List the evidence of a sinful spirit from verse 16-21

List the evidence (fruit) of the spirit from verses 22-23

Now list the ones from list 1 that are present in your life and need to go.

List the ones from list 2 that you need improvement on.

To take this to the next level, ask a close friend to evaluate you on these lists.

Leg 4, Day 25

2009-09-19T09:26:00.000-07:00

I’d love to see the story of The Good Samaritan done today. Imagine an Iranian man’s car-jacked and brutally beaten and left lying on the side of the road bleeding… and bleeding. A Muslim priest walks by and avoids it for concern of being lumped in with terrorist rebellion. A catholic priest walks past and after serious contemplation avoids the scene so as to not soil his congregation, because helping the man may lead him into his church. Then a rebellious student passes by. Their heart breaks unlike anything they have ever felt. They pick the man up and drive him to the hospital, all the while bleeding over their new car. At the hospital the student leaves his cell number and a lump of cash they were about to use for new school clothes to cover any expenses.

After telling this story in Luke 10 Jesus says “Now go and do the same.” it’s not just about discovering our own identity so that I can now feel good and secure. Rather the opposite. Once we’ve discovered it I believe we’ll live in a state of subtle unrest as we feel as God feels.

The question is can you form intentional pathways in your life that purposefully take you past the people that God’s heart breaks for, not matter your discomfort?

Read Mark 5:1-20

Did Jesus know that this man was in this area? Of course—he knows everything. Then why did he go?

What is the result of Jesus’ intentional pathway past this man?

What you should be doing Tuesday...

2009-09-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

Email me with any questions

Leg 4, Day 24

2009-09-18T09:25:00.000-07:00

I have a friend named Karen. She is someone that knew me as a teenager and lead a big part of my life towards Jesus. Karen has the greatest patience and biggest heart to see students return to Christ. But she can’t sing a lick. I can remember being in church with her after spending the week at camp with the youth group and hearing her sing. “Holy cow!” , I thought. It defined “tone deaf” for me.

If you’re out of the church and not familiar with it, worship conjures up movie scenes of bowing down. It’s actually not far off. If you’ve been in the church long enough though we think of worship as music. I do—I have a worship team. I go to worship practice. Worship isn’t really music at all. Which is great news for you Karens out there. We’ve even been conditioned to think that those who are better at music are somehow better at worship. But reality is this: it’s not about how you sing, but when you could. Think of “singing” more like “expressing” . Could you sing or express worship after losing $200? How about when you’re late, and you get a speeding ticket? Or when your days plans get completely wrecked?

The movie idea of bowing down is simply a symbol of acknowledgement—knowing that there’s something bigger than us. In our case, a God who is coming after us in all love and truth, knowing us for our true identity already.

Take a look at Acts 16:16-40

Put yourself in the modern day equivalent of Paul and Silas. What would be your emotions and reactions to your circumstances?

How many people were effected by their worship?

Leg 4, Day 23

2009-09-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

I like historical movies—ones set back hundreds of years ago. They used to do this thing called a seal. When any kind of correspondence was sent from one to another, to ensure the privacy of it, wax was melted onto the flaps of the letter and a stamp pressed into it. If the seal was broken you’d know the letter had been compromised. The various elaborate stamps serve as a return address—noting whether it was from a king, or a check-yes-or-no-whether-you-like-me note. Paul uses this this as an analogy for what the Holy Spirit does for us in Ephesians 1.

Study Ephesians 1. Really study it—don’t just read it. Look up some background info online. Ask God some questions about things. Put the chapter into your own words and sum it up in a sentence.

The Holy spirit serves as many things for those who call Jesus king of their lives—it gives guidance, convicts of sin, reveals truth. But it also seals. This is the primary passage for the proof of eternal security—meaning once sealed, always sealed.

While your identity can be stolen over and over—this is the battle we fight against—but as a Christ-follower you can never truly be lost. This confuses us. It’s unlike anything else in our world. The best description I can come up with is this: God the Father sent his son Jesus to offer the gift of being called his son or daughter. Only his sons and daughters can enjoy fellowship with Him. Once you have been called a son of daughter of God, the Holy Spirit marks you and God will never not you his again. Spend some time thanking God for your seal.

Leg 4, Day 22

2009-09-16T09:23:00.001-07:00

Ever been held under water a bit too long? It happens to us all at least once. The fun comfort of the blurry sights under the water suddenly, and I mean suddenly, turn extremely fearful and scary. There’s a small scene in G.I. Jane where as part of the training Navy Seals undergo, they are strapped on their backs with their hands behind them to a board while water is poured heavily on their faces. This act has become a popular phrase in the last few months—water boarding. But the Seals don’t use it for torture, rather to recondition reflexes.

The reflex that we have when held under water can be reconditioned to be more relaxed. In the same way we can recondition our reflexes to God. Over time we have learned to react to God in a certain way—ways that we have learned in one way or another. For instance, when we feel uncomfortable we remove the discomfort or remove ourselves from the situation. This is an act of the stolen identity.

When was the last time you were in a church worship service and heard a song you didn’t like? Think about your emotions then. When you were hurt by someone recently, what was your reaction?

The enemy would like us to think that we cannot change. I am who I am. That’s just the way I am made. That’s great. God did make you. The problem is… he didn’t make you with sin. You were made perfectly. Think about that… Flawless at your core. Your true identity is perfect to God. But sin has been conditioned in.

Read Proverbs 1

Verse 7 says that the fear of God is the foundation of all things. Some translations read “wisdom” or “knowledge”. What would it look like in your life if the only fear you had was God himself in all his love, mercy, and grace?

Where has wisdom been calling out to you to change some foundational parts of your identity to become more like Christ?

Leg 4

2009-09-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

The freedom we crave—the one that leads to the seeking of adventure—is something that was built into us from the very beginning of time. It’s portrayed in movies like Braveheart (you’re not complete until you’ve seen this one) as something that we must fight for, and rightly so. See, there’s a reason that movies like Braveheart, The Matrix, and the Star Wars series go so well and reap so much financially. They show a fight between good and evil—oppression and freedom.

It’s a fight that was built into us as well. We all feel this struggle for freedom deep inside. What we must recognize is that the enemy would like you to believe that this struggle is against God. The truth that God purposefully built into you is that there is a war for your freedom for the enemy. Freedom from your stolen identity. Freedom to your true identity.

The journey towards this freedom has been called “maturity”, but in that word it takes on this idea that there is an end. One can become mature. But like we’ve said already, this journey never ends. Hopefully you’ve begun to see, find, discover, and unleash your true identity. The path towards freedom will be very similar to a war—battle after battle, death of parts of us that really hurt, but great victories after long hard fighting.

In this final leg of this part of the journey, prepare your heart for battle. Whether you realize it or not, you’re already in the war. The enemy is trying with all his might to simply convince you that you are not, and that he doesn’t exist. He is not as powerful as he’d like you to believe, but he is cunning. Don’t believe the lie. Fight the war. Win the battle.

Leg 3, Day 21

2009-09-15T09:22:00.000-07:00

Practice 7: The Word

This is the most vital and should be the most regular of all of these practices. Hebrews 4:12 says that “the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

20% of people who claim to be Christians never read their Bibles and 22% don’t do it daily. This is not complicated, but it is THE most attacked practice by the enemy. Your identity is found in The Word of God—his revealing to you who He is and thus, who you are. The enemy will sound like this: You deserve a break. Turn the alarm off. You can do it later. 15 minutes is the same as 30—it doesn’t matter. Do it tonight instead. You’ll never understand it anyway—it’s too much for you. The last thing you need is one more thing on your schedule. It was written for adults. You won’t get it.

And once you actually do get to it, distractions will come at you from the weirdest places. Anger. Your mind wandering. A feeling or pressing to accomplish other tasks first. The enemy knows it’s power. Look at a few verses from Psalm 119: vs. 25—I lie in the dust; revive me by your word. Vs. 28—I weep with sorrow ;encourage me by your word. Vs. 37—Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.

Take a few minutes in silence to center yourself on hearing from God.

Now ask God this question: where do you want me to study in your word daily that will reveal who you are to me?

Now sit and wait for an answer.

Don’t be discouraged or tempted to feel foolish. This practice takes… practice. You must begin and press on though. If you should decide now that it’s not as important as I’ve described, then stop reading and don’t resume the rest until God’s broken through and rescued you from that lie.

Leg 3, Day 20

2009-09-14T09:21:00.000-07:00

Practice 6: Intentional Adventure

Ok so some just put the booklet down at the sound of adventure for fear of anything that’s not structured, while others just finally got interested. The idea is this: God would never have created a world like ours—full of cliffs and ice cream and sunsets and animals—and said “Now just do what I tell you and you’ll be safe!” But we’ve boxed God into a picture of a life preserver.

Just take a second to look around. Look outside. Think back to the most exciting, fun thing that has ever happened to you. God designed you with an identity that longs for intentional adventure. Look at the picture of Paul’s life in Acts 16. It reads like the itinerary of someone who can never stay still.

Don’t get me wrong, if God built you with a know-where-I’m-going kind of personality, he’s not defining your identity to be the opposite. But in all of us is a desire—for some great and for some small—to feel alive. To know that I can live through it. The enemy, though, has reached into our past and drug out all the hurtful times to try to convince us that we cannot make it. We often dismiss it as wisdom when in actuality the God of order finds order in adventure.

By it’s very nature, adventure is free-falling from one step to the next. The question is really in the identity of God—do you trust that he is who he says and can do what he says he can? The only way to know is to make a decision to follow. Say no and avoid the safe path. Start a Bible study. Have that conversation with the person you don’t know. Risk.

God risked his son for us—took the chance that the payment that was made would be accepted by humanity. Why not follow the same path? Why no offer the same sacrifice and say “Not my will (to be comfortable in my own kingdom), but yours be done”?

What would be the riskiest decision for you right now? Now analyze your motives. What is selfish and from you, and what is spurring you to adventure? God did not design a boring life.

Leg 3, Day 19

2009-09-13T09:20:00.000-07:00

Practice 5: Purity

I love the scene in Minority Report after Tom Cruise gets his eyes replaced and wakes up to get some food. He will not have the use of his eyes for some 8 hours, but the skeevy doctor (also the Russian cosmonaut from Armegeddon. I can’t help it—my brain just likes to make those connections) has left a sandwich and milk for Tom’s character in the fridge so he can eat while he recovers… next to a month-old version of the sandwich and milk. So John Anderton stumbles to the fridge and takes a huge bite of a the rotten, moldy sandwich and, after spitting it out, tries to wash the taste away with the bad milk.

Often this is how the first stumble back into our stolen identities looks. The enemy places a healthy desire next to a rotten action—sex is not bad, but sex outside of marriage is not God’s future for us. Drinking is not condemned in scripture, but being drunk is. Looking at a girl is not wrong, but picturing her sexually is a start towards pornography.

Why does God call us into purity? The same reason he allowed sin to enter the world. Without it we would know nothing of divine love, mercy, grace, or forgiveness, and we cannot define our true identity without these things.

As you practice purity, know this: it is not the end result that is God’s goal. You will never “reach purity”. It is the journey towards it that is the goal. Each step is a new goal leading to the next and each one uncovers more of God and us.

Read 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Ponder for a moment the second part of verse 19—”You do not belong to yourself.”

Our identity is actually God’s. He spent eternity designing it and gave it to us. We should not only discover it, but also maintain it. That’s what the practice of purity is all about.

Leg 3, Day 18

2009-09-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

Practice 4: Fellowship

Our Life Group is one of my favorite events each week. In the past, fellowship always meant 16 dishes of bad food that left the whole church smelling like cat food for a week and sitting with people that were socially awkward. But these people, my friends, in our Life Group are helping me redefine that (the food and the fellowship part).

“Fellowship” is first used in the Bible to describe someone’s relationship with God—”...Enoch lived in close fellowship with God for another 300 years.” It changed in Acts chapter 2 when it began to mean what we see it as today—a deep bond of spiritual significance between people.

How do you see church? Have you been hurt or made to feel insignificant? When you have experience after with people with stolen identities, your vision becomes clouded. Because of people, our view of the church is messed up. Many of us see church as a spiritual feeding mechanism, and while it is, it is designed to spur us into growth. Many of us see it as a spiritual growth shot that lasts for a week, when we should see it as just another morning at the gym.

Fellowship though is a huge and overlooked part of church. Think about it… God bringing together people that claim devotion to him. Why is it not the relationship hub of our lives? If it’s not the church’s fault, the only one left to blame is here doing the reading.

Read Acts 2

The experience of the first mass Holy Spirit encounter was intense! Who is one person who you’ve had an intense or amazing experience with? What is that bond like?

Do you trust God to bring more those relationships to you at your church?

Often God will reveal parts of our true identity, and his, to us through other people. Fellowship—the deep spiritual bond—is the way he will do it. What changes in relationships should you make based on this?

Leg 3, Day 17

2009-09-11T09:18:00.000-07:00

Practice 3: Emptiness

There’s nothing that competes with the motivation of boredom. When I first learned to play the guitar, I wrote a song called “I am so bored.” I don’t remember much of it, but the chorus went something like this: I am so bored. Oh lord won’t you take me away from here. Insert emo teenage angst here. Couple that with a shaved pony tail hair cut and free time and it’s the making of a hit.

What if we began looking at all our time—busy-ness and boredom—as a gift. A chance for us to get to know more about God. The practice of emptiness is not about feeling nothing, but rather about disposing of our own glamour and need for attention and utilizing the free will God gave us. I’m not saying that every spare moment you should be reading the Bible or praying, but using what God has given you.

How often have we tried to fill ourselves up with something to make ourselves feel better without simply posing the question to God “why did you bring me to this moment right now?” The dangerous part to this is that when we selfishly fill ourselves up– be that our time or relationships—we’re listening to a lie that says “it will last”. Well, it doesn’t. We know this—we’ve experienced it. It actually expands our appetite and now it takes more and more for us to feel filled up.

Read Luke 12:22-34

What Jesus is teaching us here is to empty ourselves of the needs we think have and focus on the heart of God. What’s on your heart right now? What do you want to do at this instant? Now what do you think God wants to do with you right now? Where do these things overlap? Often the activities we want to do spring out of desires God has given us. Rather than steal them from you, he wants you to experience them even greater!

Leg 3, Day 16

2009-09-10T09:17:00.000-07:00

Practice 2: Prayer

Prayer is one of the most elusive practices for some Christians and the most simplistic for others. Why is that? Why are some “prayer warriors” (which makes it sound like much more fun then it actually is) but I struggle to do more than just the “Holy crap! Help!” prayers?

Jesus spent time in solitude, but also time praying. There’s something that has been lost in the generations since he set an example for us in Matthew 5—this is how you should pray: Our Father, who art…. Life should be a conversation with God. Like a conversation with anyone else.

The reason it’s become so obscure is this: talking face to face with someone forces me to either be honest or hide. For many of us we’ve been hiding behind stolen identities for so long that our own God doesn't even comprehend our talks with him. We try to impress others, communicate with others. The last thing we try to do, typically, is simply talk.

Read John 17

This is Jesus praying for his disciples. Remember that this is literary—poetic because of the context and date. In the day it was spoken, this would’ve sounded much different than what had been the example for so long.

List the categories of things that you notice Jesus pray for:

Now spend a few moments in silence and then transition into a conversation with God. Listen to what he’s pressing on your heart. He’s in control—discern between yourself and God and let his thoughts prompt yours. If you’re like me and have a hard time focusing, you may want to have this conversation on paper—writing both your requests but also his responses.

Leg 3, Day 15

2009-09-09T09:16:00.000-07:00

Practice 1: Silence

Read the following verses and then the chapters that they are in:

Mark 1:35

Luke 4:42

Mark 6:46

Matthew 14:13

Luke 5:16

If Jesus needed solitude—time free of distraction or interruption, remote-ness—then we sure do. This is time used to connect with our God completely undistracted. This is going to be hard. Mentally prepare for it for a minute.

Find a timer that will beep or let you know without looking at it that some time has past—like the alarm on a watch. Set it for 3 minutes.

Now for the next few minutes just sit. Close your eyes to free you from the distractions. Be aware of your body and setting, but let your mind drift. It’s not about not trying to think, but about gaining space from the entanglements of the mind and it’s worries. Be aware of your breathing, but don’t control it. As you exhale feel the mind drift and gain space.

Now… “be still and know that I am God.”

Leg 3

2009-09-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

Leg 3 of our journey takes us straight to the creator. Part of our false or stolen identity is a false identity of God. Think of all the different ways He is portrayed in the media: old, far away, angry. If we are to discover our true identity, then the only place that truth can be found is in Him. We are, as humans, reaching for this knowledge whether we acknowledge it or not. Embrace it now as part of who you are meant to be—seeking God.

The amazing thing about uncovering your true identity is that, contrary to the lies of the enemy, it’s actually extremely freeing. But to truly know who you are you must embark on an endless leg of your journey—getting to know God. If we can get to know him our entire lives now fall into a purpose—from the details of the daily routine to the life-changing decisions—they now all have eternal significance that lies on his shoulders and not ours. Can you feel the freedom creeping in? What if my friendships are not reliant on me to impress others, but on me listening to a Father that loves beyond compare and knows, even deeper than I do, my longing for companionship?

So we begin this never-ending leg of the trip. Perhaps this is your 700th beginning, or perhaps the very first intentional meeting of you and your creator. Either way, over time you will learn the exhilaration of feeling his control that is always found in love, and letting go of your own self preservation. Discovering your true identity is truly discovering that you are part of a bigger picture—a solid foundation of hope and future that doesn’t revolve around you. And here... there is freedom.

This leg will take us through 7 different practices that, if exercised, will continually grow our knowledge of our Father. Some of them you will find great comfort in, while others will challenge you to frustration and you’ll be severely tempted to give up. Know this: God is with you coming from the other direction. Not only are you pursuing him, but he is pursuing you. So take heart.

Leg 2, Day 14

2009-09-08T09:14:00.000-07:00

Who’s in your clique? Your inner circle? Why are they there? Do you remember a time when maybe someone else tried to enter it and, because of your stolen identity, you ridiculed them to make your false self feel better? If you’ve never been there, you’ve seen it or perhaps been on the other end.

Bringing all the good news of rescue and life to the outsiders (gentiles) was huge. Jesus himself said that he was coming first after his people—Israel. But Paul broke the rules (I know—some of you just got really excited that God condones breaking rules while others just questioned a God that does).

Read Acts 13:44-52

Who has been trying desperately to break into your circle? Is there someone? Or maybe you need to look for one to include.

What do you notice about Paul and Barnabas’ message in verses 46-47?

Make a list of 3 names that you will commit to pray for– that God would show you how to rescue them while just being your true self.

Leg 2, Day 13

2009-09-07T09:13:00.000-07:00

I hate getting lost. But you can only get lost one way: bad directions. Either the one giving the directions got them wrong or we didn’t pay attention. How about when God gives direction? What was the last thing you felt him tell you to do? Maybe you’ve never heard or felt him guide or direct you. Either way, take a few minutes right now and pray a prayer like this: Lord please show me how you want to direct me… and please give me direction. I trust your guidance. Amen.

Read Acts 13:1-12

Why did the leaders of the church pray and fast twice before sending Saul and Barnabas out?

What do you think the relationship was like between Saul and Barnabas? Go back and read Acts 9:27 and see where their relationship began.

God will rarely send you out alone. He will usually send a spouse or deep friend with you. And this is where many of us realize that we don’t have many deep friends like Barnabas who have found their own true identities. But they don’t take a lifetime to build. In fact they're probably in your life or close to you already.

Lord please reveal that relationship to us now—put a name and a face in our minds and please will you grant us the courage to begin to feed that relationship?

Leg 2, Day 12

2009-09-06T09:12:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had an epiphany? A paradoxical shift? It’s where the very foundation of a belief changes and leaves you excited, but rebuilding. This is what has happened to Saul. Something had drastically shifted. For many this would cause an internal riot between what was and what was coming—how do I convince the people in my life of this change? Is it worth the energy or should I just retreat?

But see through Saul’s example that there was little need for convincing and a greater need to live it out. One of the greatest epidemics in America is fake Christians—ones that call themselves followers of God but don’t actually follow Him. See, you can’t call yourself a Christ-follower and not live it out.

Read Acts 9:19-31

List the different ways in which Saul “lived out” the change.

Are any of these happening in your life?

One of the greatest weapons Satan has against us is to convince us that we’re fine where we are and rob us of the sense of adventure. God is calling you… YOU… to live a life that preaches. Maybe you’re not a preacher—that’s only one of the gifts. But along this journey, strive to uncover the gifts that accompany your true identity… and use them. Ask God for the opportunities to exercise them. Then see those chances and chase after them!

Leg 2, Day 11

2009-09-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

You know that kid with the reputation for being a bully? Ok, maybe he was a bully (if you didn’t know him… it was you), but bullies reputation were always bigger that real life, often like our fake identities. They ate rocks, beat up teachers, and could grow facial hair in forth grade.

Saul had a reputation, and it was true. He had worked hard to become the one that people feared. But now everything had changed and he had to start off on a new journey, repairing the reputation he had set with his stolen identity.

God calls on us to not just become our true selves, but to help rescue others. It reminds me of the 2nd Matrix movie—The Matrix Reloaded— where Neo has been rescuing others that were plugged into the lie of the Matrix.

Read Acts 9:10-19

What fears do you think Ananias had running through his head?

Obviously it helps calm our fears when God directly speaks to us as he did with Ananias. But he doesn’t do this often even in The Bible. How else can He help us overcome our own fears to reach out to those still “plugged into” the lie?

This is where a shift starts to happen. You have been prepared to discover your true identity, but to continue means getting our hands dirty in the world gone wrong. Decide today before God to devote your energy to him, taking advantage of every opportunity he sets in front of you. Know that you are participating in the greatest rescue mission of all time.

Leg 2, Day 10

2009-09-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

Scar Story: I was playing football once with a bunch of guys. We had been practicing for this game for weeks—it was against the alumni—those that had come before us… the old dudes. They had never lost.

As the quarter back snapped the ball to start one of our plays, I ran down the line mirroring him and waiting for him to throw a little screen pass at the far end of the line. Then, I was on the ground. The next few minutes were out of a bugs bunny cartoon—swirling stars, everyone standing over me as I lay flat on my back. I got hit hard by I guy twice my size… on my own team. Eleven stitches left a scar trailing down my left eye that sill itches when it rains.

Saul got hit hard—horse-to-ground is a good four feet. But he got hit by a light. For some of us we will work to unearth our true identities over time, but for others, the light will knock us off the horse.

Read Acts 9:1-9

In verse 5 Saul asks “Who are you, Lord.” It’s time for us to do the same. Ask god to reveal to you continually who He is. There is a galaxy of knowledge about him and many of us have never even asked to see Him.

Matthew 7:9-11 says “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

God give us please the gift of knowing you so we can know ourselves.

Leg 2, Day 9

2009-09-03T09:09:00.000-07:00

We know little about persecution for our faith in Jesus, and we probably never will in America. But let’s try to imagine for a second that because of who you are, you are tagged as a threat to what’s right and accepted. Not only are things unavailable to you, but who you are is being physically threatened. This is the society that Saul helped to create. What we must realize is that the enemy—the prince of the air—controls many hearts on earth. But… he does not own them. What he means for harm God can use for good to help uncover our true identity.

In connecting with God over our true identity, persecution must become part of our lives—it is by pain and trial that we know “we can” through Jesus. As He says (in Bruce Almighty) “Triumph is born out of struggle, faith is the alchemist”.

Read Acts 8:1-3. See how even though we are surrounded by people lulled to sleep with stolen identities, God still changes the world through us.

Verse 2 talks about the “devout men” that came to burry Stephen. Devout... like him. Able to remain in the midst of persecution. This is a mark of someone living in their true identity.

Ask God for great strength in the middle of trial. Perhaps you’re in the middle of one now. If you see no persecution in your life than take this to heart: the enemy sees nothing in your life worth fighting against. Pray that God would teach you to fight… by having to fight. Embark on the adventure of struggle with God at your side.

Leg 2, Day 8

2009-09-02T09:08:00.000-07:00

There some embarrassing moments in my life that I look back on that I laugh about. But there are some that just make me want to cringe physically . Those are the ones that weren’t embarrassing at the time, but, as I reflect now, I get this immense sense of regret. One such time was a materialization of extreme pride. Another was when I felt the need for acceptance so bad that I was willing to do anything for it.

Saul’s Identity had been stolen and we first see him in Acts 7:58 saying “Stoning? Here! I’ll hold your coats!”. The again a verse later simply saying “Rock on” after the murder of Stephen. While reflecting later on these times must have brought him great regret, but he must have learned from them as well. So let’s do the same.

Read Acts 7:51-8:1. what about Saul’s small parts in this story stand out to you? What feelings do you think were running through him?

Write down your top three most embarrassing moments.

What were the feelings that you acted on during these times and what was your reaction to them long term—now looking back?

We cannot be distracted by the enemy’s ploy to get us to run backwards—following what we’ve done in the past. Keep the past close. Ask God to not let you forget it. Ask him for the opportunity to relive some of these events so you can choose differently. Then… get ready. He is a God of rescue and redemption. One that loves to give you what you need for success.

Leg 1, Day 7

2009-09-01T09:07:00.000-07:00

Anger is not bad—after all, God got angry. But how do you tell the difference between bad, selfish anger and Godly loving anger?

Read Acts 7:51-60

How can you tell that Stephen’s anger was the Godly, loving kind?

What characterizes the anger of the church leaders?

Phase 3: Angered

After being threatened and persuaded, we inevitably become angered. This selfish anger at the rendering and exposure of our true selves often comes out in very immature ways, which makes it easy to distinguish (see vs. 57—what are they? 7 years old?). Notice though that as selfish anger flares up, the true identity of Stephen calms down, leaving him crying out in vs. 60 “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!”

When was the last time you got angry? What was it about?

Notice that it’s hard to remember the selfish reasons for anger specifically, but much easier to recall the loving anger.

Ask God to reveal to you the strength of loving people because he made them. Ask him to anger you only over the things that anger him.

Leg 1, Day 6

2009-08-31T09:06:00.000-07:00

I was once at a Hibachi restaurant with some fiends and, while I don’t like seafood at all, I’ll try anything once. This is why I decided to share a sashimi plate (assorted raw fish) with a friend. It came with wasabi, a very spicy, green play dough-looking blob, to season the bland fish. I wanted to try it but had to have an accomplice. I pressed everyone at the table to try it with me and finally said I’d eat a large chunk if someone else would eat a small piece. After that, my meal was over for the evening as I fought nausea.

I’m a pusher. I press people into doing things a lot. I know the right buttons to push to validate myself… my false self, that is. The funny thing is, I was always on the other end growing up—the persuaded rather than the persuad-ee. I’ve recoiled because of that adolescent trial and perhaps you’re in the midst of that too.

Phase 2: Persuaded

After being threatened the enemy both persuades me and pushes me to persuade others to join me in me stolen identity. After all, if my fake identity is surrounded by others, temporarily, I’m comfortable. And that's what it wants us to believe—that that’s the goal.

The good thing is that at any point along this process we can resist it. He does not have power over you. But this is one of the hardest things to resist and here’s why: God built us with a strong desire for our true identity to be accepted. It goes wrong when we seek that acceptance in humans and not Him. If I can run to him at this point and cry “Do you accept me?” then the resounding embrace of “Yes!” will bring peace like nothing else.

Where do you feel pushed or persuaded?

Who have you persuaded people lately to make yourself feel accepted? Do those people deserve an apology?

Read Psalm 139 and be assured that you are accepted—the real true you—by the only one that matters

Leg 1, Day 5

2009-08-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

Bruce almighty is my favorite movie. Go watch it. Ok, now I can tell you one of my favorite lines. Bruce meets God and God is pressing him—making him uncomfortable. Bruce says “Wait, really. I'm warning you. When I'm backed into a corner, I'm like a wild animal!” to which God retorts “You haven't won a fight since the fifth grade and that was against a girl.”

When we are living with a false identity, which many of us are still in denial about, we will feel threatened when God attempts to reclaim our true identity for us. This begins the process of Identity theft. Discovering your identity is not a once and done kind of thing. As you are already discovering it, the enemy will continue to try to take it away. If we can recognize it’s tactics though we can prevent it.

Phase 1: Threatened

In Acts 6:8-10 we saw the religious leaders threatened by Stephen’s wisdom. It says “none of them could stand” against it.

Ever had that feeling that you were falling and unless you took the reigns there’d be catastrophic results? This is the enemy and his false you. God is asking you to let go. No matter who you are there is something that really excites you—sky diving, music, love stories. Notice that all of these (especially sky diving) have this sense of free falling.

Pray that God would challenge you in specific areas to let go of the reigns to your heart and future. Now… get ready to do it.

Read Acts 6:8-15 again and see the freedom that Stephen had through Christ—his true identity.

Leg 1, Day 4

2009-08-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you took some time just to reflect on the past? Often it is one of Satan’s greatest weapons against us. He says “Remember this failure and that one? You cannot succeed! You’re a fake and what lies beneath—the true you—is worthless!”. But that is not the way God sees it. If we spend some time looking back we will see God trying to unearth our true identity all along. This is what Stephen is about to do. The past of the Israelite nation has been misconstrued used to murder the Messiah.

Read Acts 7:1-50

Reflect over the past and ask God to show you where he has been working

The past day…

The past week…

The past year….

The past 5 years…

Stephen uses the past to put the present in perspective. Perhaps we should do the same. In light of what’s going on now in our lives, God is in control and lovingly trying to help us become us. Ask God to keep you aware of his movements in your life so that the process of finding your true identity can rely on Him alone.

Leg 1, Day 3

2009-08-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

I spill things a lot. I don’t know how it was for you growing up, but for my wife and I, spills incited family dinner table panic. I’ve determined though that, since I’m typically leading the way, spills in our house in should be seen the same way that we notice rain clouds coming in—”That’s unfortunate”. With four kids they are many, but we never wanted our kids to have an extreme reaction to something that was not extreme in light of our family values.

Stephen has just finished melting the faces of Jewish leaders and they have incited a riot because the theft of their identity was exposed. How do I condition my life to react the way that Stephen did?

Read Acts 6:11-15

The only way that Stephen had gained this quality of peace in the middle of slander is through his relationship with Christ. See how it mimics what Christ did on the Cross and how he reacted. Often our gut reaction is designed to cover up any exposure of the fakeness. If we were secure in who we were we would not react this way. However the only way to build this quality is to be with God.

Determine now before God to commit to be with Him daily. If you cannot, you might as well close the booklet now. All of this discovery is fed through His spirit and without him we will never be able to know truly who we are. The enemy is set against you—set a regiment in your schedule and find someone you can trust to hold you accountable

Leg 1, Day 2

2009-08-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

Wisdom is the often the one thing that is elusive to us in our Christian lives—we can know Christ, walk with him, but still not be making wise decisions. Perhaps it only feels like this because wisdom, like our knowledge of Christ, is never done growing (Proverbs 1:5). But the writer of Proverbs refers to it as a woman who “shouts in the streets” and “cries out in the public square”. It’s readily available to us. If we are going to expose the enemy for who he is in covering up our true identity, it must be something we seek after, look for, and long for. I’ve found it in the most awkward and weird places—embarrassing moments, restaurants, strangers. Stephen had it.

Read Acts 6:8-10

What was Stephen’s reaction to arguments?

What is yours typically?

We often feel a great need to puff the fakeness up in situations that threaten us, or the true “us” will be exposed. It’s the greatest cover up of the most beautiful thing. Wisdom is simply being able to discern the truth.

Ask God what decisions you’ve made recently were unwise and what would have been the wiser choice. Notice that the enemy will tell you that “wise” equals “boring” or “un-adventurous” while nothing could be further from the truth. The wise choice is often the most risky—either because it exposes your true identity in front of people, or forces you to not seek notoriety, as it is not part of your true identity.

Leg 1, Day 1

2009-08-26T08:59:00.000-07:00

You know that person that you look to for examples? The one that after watching them or being around them, you want to do things like them? Sometimes it’s it a parent. Sometimes it’s James Bond. Something awakens in us and sees, not bravery or beauty, but security. Let’s begin to unearth our true identities by looking at one who already had—Stephen.

Read Acts 6:1-7. Why was Stephen chosen?

What was the result of Stephen being part of the team? (v. 7)

List some characteristics you want people to notice in you.

These are things that God built into your heartbeat. Pray for the next few minutes that God would show you how to manifest these. Know this: God will never force things on you—even Godly characteristics—but only provide for you the awareness of the opportunities that are there for you to seize that will require that you rely on him to succeed. Through these, the details of your true identity are unearthed to build on.

Devotional

2009-08-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

We're in the middle of a series at Ignite that God's really been using in many aspects of my life called "Identity Theft". Bob Appleby, who led the Aid For The World aspect of our recent W.V. mission trip suggested something a little different after hearing the first message - a devotional to walk through the series. as I wrote it a few weeks ago the Spirit just poured out of me. So for the next month I thought I'd share it. Not to shine a light on me, but on The Word. I hope the transformation we're experiencing grabs you as well!

Identity Theft...

Point on map—a kingdom of comfort

Before you begin a journey you always must know where you are—the point on the map that you’re beginning from. We are beginning from a kingdom of comfort. Our world that swirls around us, as we walk seemingly untouched through it, has blinded us with this lie: “It’s all about your comfort.” But if it’s is all about being comfortable, then why am I continually searching for the next greatest thing to relieve the pain and discomfort?

It’s the lie. What if you could change the world by simply being who you are? I desire significance— people who know and remember me and a full funeral. What if the identity of comfort that I have been searching for is fake? What if I’ve been handed a stolen identity?

I have—we all have—had this sinking feeling, sometimes daily and moment by moment, that who I am is not real and that sooner or later someone will discover that and expose us.

This four week journey is only the first part of the trip. The trip to discovering our true identity in Jesus—The One who designed us. The only one who truly knows who we are. I’m tired of being scared that someone may expose me for a fake. Let us start this journey and discover security in The Everlasting. Faith is not believing. Faith is living the truth, not just knowing it.

As we walk, know that this is a spiritual battleground—the enemy has stolen your identity and will not let you recover it easily. Half way through writing this I had one of the worst days I’ve had in a long time. It was set to derail me for who knows how long. But these are not my words—it’s not The revelation of Tucker. It’s the revealing of God. Don’t run from the discomfort that the Holy Spirit will bring. Rather, embrace it. Discomfort is the solution that will wash the fake away exposing the depth of the theft. You are perfect the way you are.

Each week will be one Leg of the trip. It’s designed to go for 28 days straight. If you’re not ready, don’t start. But you are. Anything that tells you otherwise is not from God.

West Virginia update - Day 3

2009-08-06T05:31:00.000-07:00

So when 100+ people descend on a few small towns just to clean and serve, things change. There’s a buzz – not just in the town of Welch but also in the surrounding communities. Mayors are thanking the team for making towns more visit-able. Neighbors are expressing gratitude for doing what the town could not or would not do. So clean up – simple trash and washing windows - has been the focus of the last few days with more and more to come. The projects are escalating though and getting more personal.

Today we’ll be cleaning up around a house that has a “bear problem” due to all the garbage surrounding it. We’ll be finishing half of one roof and repairing another. In the days to come the team with be repairing a retaining wall that is threatening to destroy a house and fortifying the dwelling of a local 80-year-old community servant.

The amazing thing (well, the thing that we really shouldn’t be amazed at) is that the spirits are extremely high for the entire team. Each night the teachers and worship keep in front of them their identity in Christ and our mission to follow the servant of all.

Despite a small out break of poison ivy/oak, everyone has been safe. It’s inspiring to see the body – in all it’s parts from all over the Northeast – working in community to change the lives of God-made people. Keep praying for strength. We take a half day today to relax in a park and revitalize in the middle of the week, and then hit it hard for the final two days of ministry here.

West Virginia update - Day 1

2009-08-04T16:29:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how often I'll be able to do this but I wanted to give you an update after our 1st day of work here.

I'll post some pictures when I get back but I'll do my best to describe it to you for a minute while the band practices for tonight. For the last 40 miles of our journey here we were on back winding roads that took us deep into the mountains to Welch. It's honestly picturesque - set deep in a canyon of wooded cliffs - a small little town with two roads but only one main one.

We spent today revitalizing the community through cleaning up. There was no complaining despite cleaning a river where 60% of the surrounding houses dump their sewage (of couse they were in protective gear). Spirits are great and the trip is going well. More of the same for the rest of the week. I'll be in touch when I can

Guest Student Post: Katie Cole

2009-07-02T07:01:00.000-07:00

It was such a great experience to be able to go to Baltimore with Tucker and everyone. Being in Baltimore really opened my eyes to some of the things that other human beings live through everyday. When I first got there it kinda felt like I was in Allentown, but as the week when on and we fed the homeless, it was such an eye opener that said Allentown does not have these homeless people on thier sidewalks. Its the kind of the things you see and you can't help but feel bad for the people. Baltimore was worth my time so much because it showed that all of us take things for granted everyday and don't thank God for what we have just to survive. It taught me that I am not better or above anyone and that we all serve the same God. It was a great time to spend with everyone. We all became closer together and saw God working in new ways. I know that from this trip, I have grown closer with God.

Guest Student Post: Emily Theal

2009-06-25T10:25:00.000-07:00

Well where should i begin? Should i start with how we fed the homeless and prayed for the salvation and the hope of these people, or should I start with the girls breaksfast out in the park, which ended in worship that took my breath away. It would be an understatment to say that this trip, in these last couple of days, has opened my eyes and opened my hear to something so extrodinary. Sunday night when we arrived, we attended the young adult service at Grace Community Church and it blew my mind! The worship was great and we had an opportunity to get prayed over before we left for the inner city. That though was not what shook my day, it was when the pastor had us writting encouraging letters to each other. To say the least, that day was probably one of the most stressful days of my life! NO LIE. I could go on but i wont. By the time we got to the church everyone was just thankful we made it alive and that we had all students with us. Tucker came close a couple of times to pulling over and chucking some people out! Oh it was lovely! Getting those letters of encouragment was a breath of fresh air. From that day on, it has been nothing but amazing! Granted, we are tried and we are outside alot, but really, this is exactly what the Lord is wanting us to do. We have given out almost 3 times the amount of clothes in one day then i have in my life! I'm not joking at all. When we went to the park to hand out ice cream sundays to the homeless people, I met the most beautiful young women no older than me. While i was apporaching her, doing my smile and nod, I had this overwhelming feeling that her and i had a simular story. Well, talking awhile with her and listening to what she whas to say, it finally came into my heart and it just clicked. God has spoke so loud and so clearly that i was almost in tears. While "Muffy" was about to walk away, i came up and gave her a hug and told her that her Father loves her so much. Not her earthly father but her heavenly Father. She looked at me and her eyes were tearing up. This is one of the most memorable moment of the whole trip! I can go on and on about amazing stories that we have been seen and also will be doing tonight, but i will inform y'all when we get home. I'm sure Tucker will be blogging and twittering all through out the week. I am so blessed and honored to have this opportunity to serve alongside Colleen and Krystal and MetroKidz to rescue this community for Jesus Christ.

Baltimore '09 update

2009-06-25T07:07:00.000-07:00

It's Thursday and it's been an amazing trip so far. Why? Because the students that are here have been pushed hard and taken everything thrown at them with excitement and joy - even creativity. I hope that their stories inspire some of us adults. Here are some of the things they've done in 3 days:

- Steven and Alex gave their shirts to homeless people

- Jon sat and listen to a mentally unstable homeless guy for 45 minutes. Just sat and listened

- We scooped ice cream in Tent City - a homeless hot spot

- Katie and Chelsea taught the elementary MetroKidz

- Jon and Steven taught the Middle School and High School MetroKidz in a small group bible study

- We cleaned out and finished Pastor Mike's office - giving him access to his first office ever.

- Alex, Justin, Devin and Emily led worship last night

- Emily organized a menu and bought all the food for us for the week

- We gave away clothing on the street

- We stood on the corners and prayed for people

- We caught a mouse

It's been amazing. Justin and I have been blown away by these guys and girls, not to mention the staff here at Charm City. Today will be filled with flyering the neighborhood and planning for the blopck party (they're planning on 1500 people this year!).

I'm going to try to have them all guest post if I can find the time and give you updates in your own words. Stay posted.

Holyfire Luncheon

2009-06-16T11:48:00.000-07:00

Sorry - meant to get this up yesterday but I needed to get some more info.

Part of the Holyfire Ministries team will be here for a free luncheon on Tuesday June 30th at 1:00pm. Many of you know, if you know Holyfire and Out of Hiding, that they've been producing their own conference for the last few years, Brave Generation. Last year we helped bring a second production closer to us as it was always in Massachusetts. This year we're teaming up with them to do it again and even closer. Brave Generation will be in early November in Allentown (check out the link for more details) but we want to get as many churches involved as we can now. So Justin and the team offered to sponsor a luncheon and share their hearts about Brave with any leader that would want to come.

They'll also be hanging out for Ignite Students that same night. If you're interested just email me at tuckerhibbs@gmail.com and let me know. I encourage you to stay for the day as well and see their ministry in action at Ignite Students.

Grads

2009-06-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

Wanted to take a chance to say "Well done" to our five high school graduates. This is the 1st time I've seen students walk all the way through all 4 years of High School. It's awesome to see 2 of them going on to Bible colleges and one going on to ministry with Holyfire Ministries. Meanwhile, the others rocking the secular realm.

It's a happening that makes me want to pray for them - and cry a bit. II feel old. And soon they will be too... which makes me feel better.

Emily, Amanda, Chelsea, Devin, and Becca - I'm proud of you and eager to see the rest of your life.

Choose this

2009-06-08T07:34:00.000-07:00

What are our choices between? Right or wrong? Biblical or not? After going through a recent series of talks with Ignite I'm encouraged to ask a different question: what is the wise thing for me to do? When it comes to ministry in the body and leadership, it's just as vital as in the other arenas of life.

We recently decided not to have Vacation Bible School for, as far as we know, the first time in our 15+ year history. It was not a choice of morality - right or wrong. It wasn't a choice of biblical standards, though they influenced it. It would've been easy to secretly get competitive and look at all the other churches doing it.

But when we ask those questions we are not seeking a goal, we are only seeking the line. The line that, if we were to cross, consequences would ensue. So we're actually seeking comfort and notoriety.

VBS was not the wise thing for us this year. It may be next year. But stepping back and asking that question led us, as leadership, down a different path then we were used to. It's scary. But one thing it's not is wasteful. When we do things - in ministry or life - for any other reason, we waste resources, time, money, life skill. What if the goal is not to "pull it off" but to see life change - including mine?Jesus never did VBS. He never even built a church service. Relationships are the key that he focused on. Wisdom often brings that uncomfortably back to the surface.

Ask the question: Is it wise?

Wisdom principals

2009-05-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

I'm preaching through an Andy Stanley message series called "The Best Question Ever" and I've been learning so much. Here are some awesome principals from this weeks message on time:

1) There's a cumulative value to investing small amounts of time in certain activities over a long period

2) Neglect also has a cumulative effect

3) There are rarely any immediate consequences for neglect one installment of time into those activities

4) There is no cumulative value in the "urgent" things we allow to interfere with what's most important

5) In the critical arenas of life you cannot make up for lost time

Andy's the only teacher I've sound whose messages I'm extremely comfortable relaying to our group of students. This series has been life changing for me and I hope for Ignite as well. Check out the podcast of me doing it here, or Andy doing it here (it's part 4).

Christmas is canceled!

2009-04-26T01:35:00.000-07:00

It's one of The Office quotes that hangs on my fridge.

I'm still sitting in Ebenezer's trying to wait out a thunder storm and this thought came to me. It's a combo of the Andy Stanley discussion I mentioned in my last post and Wild at Heart that we're reading as a small group: Andy Stanley said that from the start of Northpoint he wanted to pick one Sunday a year and close the church. It would honor all the volunteers that made it happen and provide an incentive for people to actually believe that the church was people and not just a building to meet in.

Personally I think it's brilliant, but the response from many pastors and church elders, I know because I've suggested it, is "What? Close church?". As much as we'd try to manipulate our words, unfortunetly this response is primarily out of fear - most often of finances.

Most of what you encounter when you meet a man is a facade, an elaborate fig leaf, a brilliant disguise. John Eldredge - Wild at Heart

And it's true. We as men run from this question: Am I really man enough for what God requires? God requires faith. Do we have enough to cancel church if he calls us to? Stop the rationalizing about whether or not he would. That's not the question. Do you? What are we afriad of? If it's disappointing God then wouldn't He be more disappointed with our lack of faith that he could provide in a circumstance when only he could? What would happen if we canceled meeting at church so we could be the church to our families and communities?

Environment

2009-04-25T16:26:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting in Ebenezer's Coffee House - owned and operated by National Community Church. I just attended one of their services and besides my family, I couldn't think of a better place to spend some extremely rare alone time and catch up on blogging some thoughts.

Reflecting on N.C.C.'s service, I'm impressed with the environment. Before you crucify my shallowness and need for Jesus, let me explain: Jesus knew who he was speaking to and it reflected in his style. When he was in the presence of farmers he used the sower story, fishermen he used fishing illustrations, and pharisees he verbally slapped them around (I see this more and more and OUCH!). While we as the church must have a security in the sufficiency of Scripture, it says that we must be excellent in loving God with everything we are. We'll I'm creative and I like an awesome environment. I don't think I'm the only one.

Listening to Andy Stanley's teaching on becoming a student today during my mini car-conference I was reminded of how many times I've tried to stress my passion for the progressiveness of the environment in the church and been quieted.

Reality is this: participation in God's story and mission means bringing everything I have to reach everyone we can with life-changing information. While an older generation may not need an intentional environment, I do and so does my generation. There's little that helps me pay attention like an environment in a church that makes me feel like I'm not out of my element - I'm in what I would design. It is NOT an effort to mimic the world, but rather a use of talent and passion for the gospel.

National Community Church and Ebenezer's have leveraged those things for Christ and it was inspiring to see the impact. Church is not a building, it is people. We hear that all the time. Those people have environments that they are impressed and comfortable in and many churches are not them. Let's work on that and change even more lives.

Leak!

2009-04-09T19:21:00.000-07:00

Here's the video we're opening The Good Love Celebration with Good Friday...

Good Love Decripted

2009-04-08T06:35:00.000-07:00

We've done music in the past by non-Christian, or "secular", artists, but I thought I'd take a few minutes with the one we're using to open up The Good Love Celebration with, which also happens to be the song that we got the inspiration from for the title of The Good Love Project, and walk through it to show what we see when we look at the lyrics we're reclaiming for a better purpose.

Good Love Is On The Way - by John Mayer

I'm a lazy lover Undercover Wasting time
Then one day in summer I changed my number To cut my line

-The theme is "change". We've all been lazy lovers not just of people, but of God as well. We hide and waste time trying to find an easier way to get through life. But we realize it doesn't work and we have to change our line of thinking.

Good love is on the way
I've been lonely but I know I'll be okay
Good love is on the way

From now on "good love" will be on the way. Not the selfish kind I've been trying to sell. Good Love is unconditional and sacrificial, but it's also more fulfilling than we anticipated when we give it out.

3 years broken hearted But now her ghost is finally gone
Done with broken people This is me I'm working on (all i know)

The old me broke my own heart - but now I'm realizing it's not other people that can fix me - that hole can't be filled by people. I've got to look inside and work on me.

Good love is on the way
I've been lonely but I know' I'll be okay
Good love is on the way

Good to go for wherever I'm needed
Bags are packed and I’m Down by the door
You can take all the tricks up my sleeve I don't need them anymore

I'm through lying. I'm ready for a change. We all lie to others about who we really are to make them love us, but we end up lying to ourselves as well. There's freedom in "good love". Pure love with no tricks is really what I've been looking for all along.

Good love is on the way
I've been lonely but I know I'll be ok
Good love is on the way
I've been lonely, lonely but i know
Good love is on the way
Good love is on the way, on the way, on the way

I know at some points I may "feel" lonely, but that's what has controlled my actions until now. I know I'll be ok now that I understand what "good love" really is.

That was fun. See you Friday night.

Stay tuned...

2009-04-08T04:13:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I'll leak a little of what's gonna be in our Good Love Celebration Good Friday. It's one of the coolest elements we've ever put together.

Combined

2009-04-08T04:10:00.000-07:00

I had a full day yesterday and didn't have a chance to talk about this as I wanted to and said I would on Monday.

This past Sunday we had a combined student service with Cornerstone EV Free. I've never done anything like this before, but it was awesome.

See, there's some history with Cornerstone. Some people that left Carpenter's over the years have gone there and I knew they had, but Jason and I hooked up when we both played at a coffee house and then again at last year's Brave Generation Conference and hit it off. He's become a brother. As we've spent time together I've been able to spend some time with their lead pastor and the rest of their team and it's become a great relationship. We are heading the same direction in different locations and are eager to work in unity.

We canceled Ignite on Tuesday and had the service Sunday night at Cornerstone on their time and their turf. We lead worship and Jason preached. We're already talking about the next one - switching venues and roles and inviting other churches. It's an exciting time. I know this is basic unity, but there's passion in it that motivates.

If you're in the area and want in, email me and we'll get the details to you and get you involved. The idea is simple: change the lives of middle school and high school students. There's nothing as powerful in a community as combining resources and numbers behind a unified goal.

Addiction

2009-04-06T14:03:00.000-07:00

So my addiction to Vitamin Water has taken a turn. Last night Jason Burson, the Student Ministries Pastor at Cornerstone EV Free, preached on addiction. It was powerful (more on our 1st ever combined service tomorrow).

Right before the service I ran to Wawa to get some vitamin water and felt some serious emotions at the thought of them not having my flavor - Revive. I need it. Jesus is everything, but Revive comes with everything. Especially music... lately.

Sorry Jason.

Pre-Palm Story

2009-04-05T04:26:00.000-07:00

As I was reading the account of the triumphal entry into Jerusalem this morning, I noticed something I hadn't before. Luke 19 records the story of Jesus riding through the cities of Bethpage and Bethany on His way into Jerusalem on a donkey, but it starts by saying "After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples." After what story? The story of the "Ten Minas" or "Ten Servants".

Here' s what I never saw before: Jesus is about to begin Holy Week. A week that will see him tell the future about the fall of Jerusalem and the death of some of the disciples, eat the last supper, and culminate in his death. Putting this popular story of investment right before Holy Week spins the meaning (at least from how I always heard it). It's not about money. It's about how to invest your life. Jesus was about to show in one potent week everything he'd been teaching for his entire life: love is sacrifice and I am love. Invest in me and the people I made as I'm about to do.

Not sure if that hit you like it did me, but I had a moment.

Emphasis

2009-04-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

Where is the emphasis in your ministry? In your student ministry? Worship ministry? Work? Family?

I've been noticing a disconnect between what I intend the emphasis to be and what it really specifically in our worship ministry. Asking some hard questions forces us to re-evaluate and hopefully adjust priorities. Here are some I've been asking:

-What are the passions of the people in this ministry? Do I know them well enough to answer this?

-Are we feeling a constant spirit of challenge through the Word as a team?

-Am I spending more time preparing what I like to do (music) or what needs to be done (Studying the Word).

-Who has come and gone in this ministry and why?

-Would people in this ministry come to me for spiritual guidance, or are we simple acquaintances?

As a result of these we began a Bible study before rehearsal each week. It's mandatory for everyone on the team and I've decided that anyone that wants to join has to come participate there for a month or two 1st. Unfortunately we've seen a few people drop away, because their emphasis was on the music and not expressing the heart of God - that we must know in order to express it. But we are now left with a team devoted spiritually, then musically.

This applies everywhere.

Get Up!

2009-04-02T06:48:00.000-07:00

I argued with God this morning from 6-6:30 about getting up. I wanted to get up early for some alone time and as much as I preach it, I need reminding that time with the creator is always something the enemy has set himself against.

I've been in Luke with the intention of continuing into Acts. Here are some of the things getting up taught me from chapter 7:

7:36 - this pharisee probably had an ulterior motive (very few pharisees were like "Jesus! How about lunch at my place?"). Also we can see his heart by his treatment of Jesus in vs. 46.

7:37 - this woman, though a prostitute (it actually just means "immoral" and we typically associate that with a profession) had wealth if she was able to purchase that perfume. But forgiveness made that wealth worth the sacrifice. What will I do to to show God that I value his forgiveness?

7:38 - It seems as though Jesus and this woman had had some kind of encounter before - the Sumaritan woman at the well is recorded in John but it seems as though a similar encounter may have happened and this was an overflow of graititude.

-also - it seems to be a crowded room since Simon the pharisee didn't notice this woman for a bit.

7:40 - "Then Jesus answered his thoughts." (NLT) - WOW!

7:47 - do I know how much I've been forgiven?

7:50 - Her faith exibited a change - that is how he can call her saved. Not because of any prayer she prayed or raising her hand or responding to an alter call. It was the CHANGE that Jesus declared to be the faith that saves.

Thanks for listening.

Time

2009-04-01T04:52:00.000-07:00

What does your time rest on? This has been really convicting over the past few months. How would my life be different if I spent as much time resting on Jesus and the commands in his Word for his kingdom, like showing others love, as I did say... watching TV or texting?

For me personally TV is the one that really is an issue. It not only steals time from God and I, but my wife and kids as well, which I know God wants me to invest heavily in.

Hard decisions are always the ones that bring sacrifice of selfishness. What can we sacrifice today to bring us more intimacy with God and his kingdom?

Rock the hair

2009-03-31T01:00:00.000-07:00

I finally got my way - I gave Tate a Faux Hawk.

Vacation Pics

2009-03-30T15:19:00.000-07:00

[gallery link="file"]

Update

2009-03-21T17:35:00.000-07:00

It's been a while and to be honest I checked out earlier this week... mentally. It's been a long year and vacation was over 12 months ago and I'm feeling it. So tomorrow we're off to Williamsburg, VA to... do nothing. It'll be warmer and frankly, we won't know anyone so we can truly disconnect.

But just to give a quick update, last Sunday we voted in a new pastor. Bob Hampton will begin April 5th as our Senior Pastor and was voted in by 93%. I can't tell you how excited I am to follow this guy. He knows the Word, The Lord, and he can play a good joke.

Here's a link to The Good Love Project article in the Morning Call (which is going so well we've decided not to stop at the Good Love Celebration on Good Friday). If you get the actual paper today the picture of the hot dude is at the bottom of D7 just below the article on American Idol.

So I'm turning off my phone for the week. I turned off the Tweets. Really looking forward to some family RNR.

WBPH

2009-03-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

I've never been on TV before and I guess this is a good place to start - the local Christian station.

One of our Deacons hooked us up with a local pastor who does a show on the station and I'm going on to promo The Good Love Project. I'll be on with Gary Millspaugh, the director of the Allentown Rescue Mission. Check out how God has been behind this to bring our two ministries together - it's awesome!

I'll link to the show as soon as I get that info. We're taping Thursday and it will air Sunday night at 6:30 and Tuesday at 10 pm. The program is called "The Living Truth" and pastor Larry Burd is the host. He's the pastor at Calvary Baptist in Bethlehem.

Pray I don't make a fool of myself or have lettuce in my teeth.

The Good Love Project

2009-03-05T07:43:00.000-08:00

So you've heard about it at Carpenter's for the last few weeks and saw the video this week, but in Case you didn't, here's the vision for Good Friday this year...

We have been disenfranchised by people who call themselves Christians but don' DO anything but go to church. That does make you a Christian. I just doesn't. There's also this mentality in the church that it's a fortress to hide in and once you're strong enough or good enough or know enough, then you can reach out and serve. It's backwards from the scripture. We - the church and those who claim to be Christ-followers - should be moving on the pain and needs of our community... now. Not when you've been in church long enough. Not when you know a certain amount about the Bible. The key is this: if you're following Christ then you know LOVE and that's enough.

So we're setting out to show our community what love is - Good Love - real love. Unconditional sacrifice. And the timing is perfect. We're teaming up with other churches and organizations and focusing on one area - the living conditions of the people in the Lehigh Valley. We want to help improve the living space of those who can't be that for financial reasons, a physical disability, a parent or spouse is off at war, a single parent who doesn't have the time, or anyone who needs it.

I got the idea from a song by John Mayer, one of my favorite artists, called Good Love Is On The Way.

So now you've read this and you're hereby charged to get involved. If you're a Christ follower then get involved and make yourself available for the 4 weekends leading into Good Friday to serve at the projects we're lining up. If you don't have the time but have the cash then give it. If you have the time but not the money then give it. Not because anyone deserves it but because our God values people. For more info go to thegoodloveproject.com and click the email link to communicate more.

If you know anyone that is a good candidate to be served by this, go to thegoodloveproject.com or guide them to it and get them an application. It's time to become the church that we are meant to be - a sacrificing body because that was our example.

These projects will culminate on Good Friday with a party of parties to celebrate what God's done and the freedom we have to serve and continue to show Good Love because of His sacrifice.

Coming this Good Friday...

2009-02-18T00:12:00.000-08:00

Stay close later this week for the unveiling of our Good Friday project this year. It crept into the bulletin this week, but next Sunday we'll really tear it open for you.

I know I exagerate at times, but in all seriousness this has the potential to change the Lehigh Valley and the Christian name locally.

Twitter blush

2009-02-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

@loswit just started following my twitter. I'm flattered... and I feel that I need to talk about cooler things than my bits about Walmart. If you don't know who he is just look at how many people follow him. He's a pastor at Buckhead Church - one of North Point's campuses. Thanks for the bump los.

And if you haven't started twittering yet - come on. Not only is it fun but it's a great way to connect with people more regularly.

Students rise

2009-02-16T11:08:00.000-08:00

I've talked about it a few times that I'm just so blown away by what our student leaders are stepping up and doing this season. They continue to rise above and beyond what my dreams have been.

This week begins a whole new level. For the next two weeks at Ignite two different Student Leaders will be teaching. I love giving my job into capable hands and this is gonna rock.

We've been working hard at keeping our podcasts consistent - both on Sundays and Tuesdays - so check the Ignite podcast on Wednesday to listen to Jon Gonzales' debut and next week for Emily Theal's.

21

2009-02-16T10:56:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to take a moment to encourage you if you've jumped on our 21 day challenge. I challenged us last Sunday to spend 10 minutes in the Bible every day for 21 days to build the habit.

Remember, the goal is this: to know God better. I believe and have seen with my own life that the better I can understand who our creator is, the better I can display him for others.

One thought of caution though - don't be lulled into believing that there is no enemy or that he's not interested in this kind of thing. That would be exactly who he is. You will wrestle with waking up early and turning off the TV to take these few minutes - I did this morning. It is worth it to engage in the battle and fight for this.

I've been listening to this series called "The best question ever" by Andy Stanley and he made an interesting point that really hit home with me this morning in part 3 of the series - if we were to add up all the "urgent" things that we allowed to derail our call, we'd have nothing. The cumulative result of sleeping in and watching TV is worthless. But the cumulative regret that we will see and feel as our families fall apart and we fail under the pressure of fear is great.

So stay strong and build the habit. 13 days left.

New Little Big Church Podcast Episode

2009-02-09T07:31:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was nothing short of refreshing and passionate. Anything that Holyfire touches is. Jan. 30 through Feb. 1st was Ignition - our version of winter camp for Ignite Students. I sat down with their lead singer who also preached for the weekend to discuss the theme. If you've never heard of Out of Hiding and Holyfire Ministries this is your chance to partner with an amazing ministry.

ALSO - if you want to get a feel for their music and heart, we recorded two of their worship sessions and one of Justin's teachings from the weekend and you can find them HERE at the Ignite Students podcast.

Check out the Episode 8 of The Little Big Church Podcast - The Holyfire interview.

New Leadership

2009-01-22T00:16:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to say that I'm pumped to be working with our newest leaders. Sunday we voted in 2 new elders and 4 new deacons.

Mike has been an awesome leader in Ignite. It's through rubbing shoulders with him there that I saw tremendous potential for leadership. His calm wisdom and experience in the school system brings something we don't have to the elder team.

Dave has been instrumental since the formation of the Elder Advisory Team last year. Before that, I didn't know he existed. He exploded on our scene with unmatched personnel advice and guidance. He'll be the breath of fresh air the Elder Team needs. When it comes to team building and problem solving he is the man with the system.

John is Wink's dad. I got to know him through his family's hospitality and his servant's heart. His organization skill will bring some much needed structure to our... structure as the Deacon of Building and Grounds. He's a listener and a man of action.

Steve is gonna bring the finances to order - thank God! I know he will not "solve the problem" but his expertise with accounting is a huge weight of our shoulders. We need a numbers guy with a vision - Steve is that guy as Deacon of Finance.

Mark is my step dad. He's taking the reigns on our 1st impressions ministry as the Deacon of 1st Impressions and I'm excited to see this area that has long been lacking in vision and growth really take off. Mark's fresh perspective will bring some devotion to an area that gives people their 1st reasons to stay.

Scott... finally has a direction for all that energy to be put towards. His role as the Deacon of Connecting Points fits him to a T and I'm almost as excited as he is to see our community involvement start to take hold. He'll guide and direct not only our Connecting Points (small groups) but also our events.

Even talking about these guys relaxes me. Sharing the load is... nice. Thanks guys. We're behind you and next to you and cheering you on. Look out Valley.

Vantage point

2009-01-21T00:04:00.000-08:00

That's my brother. He's a talented photographer and this shot fits my point well, so... sorry about the copyright stamp.

I'm always itching to change things. Some as simple as my vantage point from where I usually sit. Cherie and I regualrly move our living room around. I moved (A.C.E.D. moved) my office around a few weeks ago. Maintaining freshness is important to not letting life get stale.

I finished Vince's book last week. I changed me. God spoke to me through it and reinforced this idea: following Christ should not be boring. Buy it here. Read it now.

So what do you need to change? What's become routine? What in your life is boring and something cries out inside of you that it shouldn't be? Try something. Failing is fun - you always get another chance to change it again. Do we want to end up old and stagnant, set in our ways? Do you have it all figured out? You shouldn't. I shouldn't.

Exciting Schedule!

2009-01-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

The next few weeks are going to be exciting. This week (1/25) Jake is going to be preaching for the 1st time and I'm excited to hear him bring the message. The following weekend Holyfire Ministries and Out of Hiding will be here doing the whole weekend for Ignition '09. BE HERE FOR THAT! There will be a public concert Saturday night (1/31) at 7:00.

Then I get to preach for 4 weeks straight! I've been working on the series and have decided to call it "The Mask". I'll be talking about faith and walking through Hebrews 11.

Then (this is really exciting) the 1st two weeks of March our 1st pastoral candidate will be preaching. If you didn't know, Jim Grimes -Carpenter's founding pastor - resigned and finished his time with us on Dec. 28th. Though it may seem quick to have a candidate in, God's been moving us through doors with little less than our permission! We're excited to see Bob Hampton be our 1st possible new pastor. Please pray that we walk wisely and on our knees through this process.

So if you've left or have just been lazy, you should come back... NOW! It's an exciting time in the life of Carpenter's and we're pumped about seeing this community change in the near future.

Why Wait?

2009-01-19T07:53:00.000-08:00

I met Andrew a few weeks ago for breakfast. He had been involved in other churches but had just moved to our area and had checked out Carpenter's a few times. He wanted to get involved and had a passion for small groups, or connecting points as we call them here.

What's been cool is to see him actually follow through on his interest in the past few weeks. He's shown a sacrificial heart that's willing to serve. He's jumping in after only being here a short time.

2 questions: Why do we often wait to put people in leadership or ministry and why do people wait to get into it? I think the 1st one answers the 2nd. We are not supposed to wait until supposed "Christian Maturity" (I think I've ranted on that concept already) to serve. I've seen the passage used from Matt. 10 to justify waiting to place people in leadership since Jesus had quite some time in public ministry prior to this, but that's not what Jesus did at all. He waited to send them out on their own, not to let them lead. Maturity is not for me to control, but to inspire no matter the case.

As a result of forcing people into our own version of maturity - which the only thought Christ gives to it is fruit in Matt. 7 - most followers of Christ shy from ministry scared of lacking maturity. Why are our volunteer forces waning? Because of our own pride. It takes humility to let someone serve beside me that has recently come to Christ. That is the real battle.

New Out of Hiding (Holyfire) song

2009-01-07T08:10:00.000-08:00

He Holyfire fans - they just released a new song on their website - one that they did at the Brave Generation conference called Door of Heaven.

Here's the link to it

They will be at Carpenter's the weekend of Jan. 30 - Feb. 1 doing Ignition '09. If you or your student ministry would like details on participating in Ignition '09 email me. Saturday night the 31st at 7:30 PM will be an open public concert for anyone not participating in Ignition '09.

WOW!

2008-12-28T03:58:00.000-08:00

I'm just continually blown away by our church family. I don't use the term loosely either - they really are as close as any family. Christmas wouldn't have been what it was without them and their financial gifts this season. Thank you all who were involved.

Christmas eve Cher and I cried like babies as they gave us a minvan. Not just any minivan, but THE one we would've bought ourselves if we could've - a 2006 Kia Sedona. We're told it will arrive next week and we're so excited it hurts.

Just wanted to say thanks for the WOW we're feeling. Thanks for making our Christmas amazing.

2 Jobs

2008-12-17T13:38:00.000-08:00

It's been a while. I've always said that as therapeutic and fun as this blog is, it's not a top priority.

I'm dusting off my tool belt and taking on a second job. Moving into the new year required budget cuts at The Carpenter's Church. We labored over them for weeks as the Elder Team and came to the necessary but unfortunate conclusion that salary cuts were imperative. I've taken a 25% cut in my salary beginning in January. I've been blessed over the passed year to have a friend that has let me join him doing construction and remodeling on my days off to earn some extra cash. I'll be splitting my time between him and the church. I've actually started already to get myself used to the schedule.

The fact is that God loves opportunities to show up... BIGGER. This is a church and it's his, of course, but what better story to tell than one of redemption from hardship. It's the stuff I think God loves to blow us away with.

We're trusting that this is temporary, but if my life really is rested in Him, what cause do I have to worry or whine ?

As for the other things that have transpired recently, the rumour mill is spinning just fine without my two cents. Frankly, it's not time to talk about it yet. There is hard work ahead and your sincere prayers for the leadership are desired.

Episode 7

2008-12-01T16:03:00.000-08:00

Got to hang out with some of my favorite people today - our Student Leadership Team. Today was our 1st of many SLT Adnvance's (it's the new cool word - it's a retreat that's moving forward). So I got to do something I've been wanting to for a while - throw down a podcast with them.

Check out littlebigchurchpodcast.com to hear Episode 7 - SLT.

Thanks and Giving

2008-11-30T05:02:00.000-08:00

I don't believe that you can truly be thankful without acting on it. It's one thing to say " I'm thankful for..." but it brings clout to it when we give sacrificially. Thankfulness is recognizing that it's outside of yourself that your circumstances are comning together. When true love is laying down your life for a friend, we've gotten preoccupied with a selfish way of thinking that says "Whew! Glad I conquered that!" If there is not consistant sacrificial giving in our lives, then we are not truly thnakful.

Fruition

2008-11-20T23:24:00.000-08:00

It's great to see things come to fruition. I've been talking for a long time about letting go of responsibility to people who are better gifted and equipped. There are two areas where I've seen this come to pass recently:

Production Director. I got this idea from Los. Basically I've turned over a large part of my worship and communications responsibility to Dan as our production director. His role is directing the production that is Sunday AM. It's taken some transition time, but Dan now schedules all our music and our musicians. He tells me what to sing. As we move forward he has a great passion for events that I'm excited to see come to frutition as well (our Good Friday benefit concert last year? That was all Dan's idea). He's also deeply involved in the creative process. It's exciting. And he's a volunteer. What a great example of giving someone a task that fits their gifts to combat volunteer under-commitment.

SLT. Last week we met as a leadership team for Ignite Students and I started the ball rolling on so responsibilities for the Student Leadership Team. I've been encouraged to see even in the past few days some efforts expanding. For example - our website is never up to date. That's now in the hands of a few students. and just like Dan, now a couple of students schedule all our music and musicians - they even held auditions (they learned a lot through that one!). I'm also getting some students ready to teach on Tuesdays.

One thing I'm really pumped about is our focus for 2009 - the environment for Ignite Students. Our goal is to create an environment with an element of shock due to the care and effort put into just the surroundings... that can be built up and torn down every Tuesday. I already have a student gifted at staging (she's been helping produce Nazareth High's theater programs for years - even helped host Ms. PA this year) coming into help adjust our stage lighting. It's my area and I'm clueless.And our 1st Impressions team is getting more and more creative.

Just talking about this stuff fuels me up. I never want to hog responsibility and ministry. This success helps me keep that in the front of my mind.

Spontaneous Baptisms

2008-11-19T23:47:00.000-08:00

We did it for the 5th time or so this past Sunday and it always blows me away. No matter how many people jump in... literally, it's always something that moves me. When you can combine the power of the gospel message with an opportunity void of excuses, something drastic is about to happen. We originally got the idea from Furtick and in August when they did it again at Elevation, then open sourced all their material. everything from Steven's talking points to instructions for the photographer.

If you've ever toyed with the idea of offering the opportunity to people to get baptized on the spot, download the file at the end of this post and check it out. It was very helpful.

What would have done differently? I think we need to change the feel of it next time. It's become redundant for the leaders. Fortunetly we have a lot of new people that haven't seen it as many times as we have, so they don't know any better. Next time I'd like to work hard at creating an environment that was more relaxing than a spa... somehow.

One thing that was huge this time though was passing off the responsibility to Marlene. She was A... wait for it... MAZING! She has a very blatant gift for caring and welcoming people and took this and ran with it. It's great to find people to do things that are better at them than you.

Water that plant!

2008-11-19T00:10:00.000-08:00

My dad was a church planter. He had 2 under his belt that he was deeply involved in. Neither were wildly successful in terms of numbers, but it was still very much a part of early life. In recent years Cher and I have developed a passion for church planting. No, we're not announcing any big move. At this point we simply love seeing people pursue God's kingdom with extreme risk and supporting them any way we can. Among some awesome ministries that we're involved with and know about are two church plants that I wanted to just highlight for a few minutes. I think both of these are going to change lives and communities on a big scale.

The Lehigh Valley Project (Legacy Church). I met with Richie Merritt about a month ago. He's coming from Forefront church in Virginia Beach to plant a church right here in the valley. He's got a persona and passion unmatched in the valley. He's from the area originally and he's coming back after years of being away. Why do I think this church will make a huge impact? I grew up in the valley and if Legacy Church is going to be anything like Forefront, there's nothing like it for 100 miles. It's a passion that echoes with my own heart of pulling out all the stops when it comes to changing lives. I'm looking forward to being involved and networking however I can. It's exciting stuff for this area.

The Baltimore Project (Captivate Christian Church). Tally has been a trench buddy - one of the guys I mentioned yesterday. We've been through stuff together and watching each others ministry journey has been a ride. He hooked us up with the Charm City Church in Baltimore where we were this past summer. He's planting a church outside Baltimore with the goal of captivating that city. I'm excited to see God blow that up! Why I think he'll succeed: He's spending a lot of time preparing. In fact right now he's touring the south hanging out with, in my opinion, some of the coolest people around in church ministry with the intent of just listening. His passion for the city where he grew up will fuel life-change in a big way. He's got an awesome blog too - tallywilgis.com.

These are 2 church plants that are on my mind daily and I can't wait to have a part in in some way. Visit their sites and get to know them. This is time with spending on a cause worth dying for.

Passion Drains - Lack of honest evaluation

2008-11-18T04:10:00.000-08:00

So... by tomorrow, i meant next week. I gotta stop doing that.

I want to wrap this group of thoughts up with this question: do we have a person or people in our lives that we can be our absolute true selves in front of and who will tell us what God wants us to hear?

This is probably the most uncomfortable lesson to learn, but it is coupled directly to growth on every level. Whether I'm in ministry on any level or simply human, I am too close to myself to always see objectively my next step. Paul had Peter and Barnabas. Timothy had Paul. Moses had Jethro. And even Jesus had the Father.

What we can see in all these relationships is a degree of awkwardness and discomfort because these people were willing to confront sin and expose weakness for the others good. But even more than that, they remained close to walk the journey together.

I honestly only have 2 guys in my life right now who can walk that path with me (besides my wife of course). They have not only critized, but praised, guided, and encouraged through every step of my recent life. A couple of things that are key to this relationship are regular communication and conversations that go both ways. I pray that we'd all have a person set on our mind right now that we could have a serious conversation with about growth and accountability this week. And when you do, be clear. It's not an opportunity for flatery, but for absolute honesty.

Twibbs Home!

2008-11-10T13:40:00.000-08:00

I'll get back to regular blogging tomorrow. It's been a nice break. After two and a half weeks, the twins are home. And no, it's not going to get crazy now. Now it's going to get normal and relaxing because we love our kids and especially love having them all home. Why do people keep assuming we either chose to have twins or hate kids? Anyway... happy family at home. (I've been waiting for 9 months for this first shot - the quintessential twin shot!)