Keep Moving

It's not coincidental (see last Sunday's blog) that I continue to hear challenges to transform our community. It's a tension felt by many and I'm grateful to be part of a church that is dedicated to doing something about it. I believe this tension is felt by many of us, but not everyone is committed to making something happen. I believe people have good intentions, but often get bogged down in a few areas.

Our lead pastor shared a message this morning that called us to action and to making a substantial difference in our community. There were three essential elements to that change: prayer, planning, and taking action. It doesn't seem mind-boggling to grasp this concept, but it's important to have all three of these without zeroing in on only one of them. Asking the following questions might help us stay focused:

• Are you spending so much time in prayer that you don't do anything?
• Are you planning so much that you never take action?
• Are you taking action so quickly that you neglect to pray?

We need all three of these to move forward with God's blessing, wisdom, and power. Our communities are waiting for us to do something about it.

On the Ground

My wife & I spent some time in a local community this evening as we look for ways to partner with the people there. We wanted to see the condition of their local community center and get a better feel for how we can help them. Our church has invested in this neighborhood in our town for a while and we are looking to increase that commitment. While I have had several recent conversations with people about what is needed, I knew that the best way for me to gauge the situation was to put my own eyes on it. I'm a visual person that needs to see things for myself as I process.

I think it's a valuable principle for almost all situations. If we want to make the biggest possible impact we need to have first-hand experience & observation as our guide. Once we've made an individual connection our desire to make a difference is more personal. It's after that level of involvement that we truly become passionate about transforming a community.

Three Voices, One Message

We had a three-headed message at Northridge today as our entire teaching team shared the Thanksgiving sermon. It was the first time all three of us had taught at the same time and it seemed to be well received by all. I enjoy it when we do things similar to this (Mike & I have taught this way several times over the last four years) as it presents a different challenge as a teacher, but also gives some insight into the relationship of the team. We get a chance to banter back & forth with some planned (and unplanned) conversational give and take while sharing Scriptural truth. It's also a way to break down some barriers between the congregation and our pastoral staff while stretching us as communicators. Hopefully this approach keeps people engaged at a deeper level as we keep the pace moving. It reflects one of our core values of teaching: to do whatever it takes short of sin to communicate the truth of Christ and see
transformed lives.

Side By Side

We hosted another "Northridge Cares" day as we left our church building and went into the

community to make a tangible difference. While we had five different locations there were specific intentions behind the choice of each one. We partnered with two schools, a national organization (the Boys & Girls Club), a community organization, and performed a random act of kindness. There were great moments of teamwork and the satisfaction of seeing the direct results of our efforts.

My wife & daughters were at a different location than I as they worked in an area called the Harrisburg Community. It is in an area that struggles economically, but also has a phenomenal resource through a playground, community center, and community garden. We had over 20 people from Northridge at this one location working together to accomplish our task list. The biggest blessing was when people from that community noticed our crews, grabbed their tools, and came to join us in the efforts. It was the perfect picture of what community involvement should be. It's not about a church coming in from the outside to bring transformation through their efforts. True community engagement is a partnership as we work alongside the people we are striving to help. Those that live inside and outside the community are equally important in making a difference. We share the resources we have for substantive, lasting impact when we work side by side.

Going Public

Today was Baptism Sunday at Northridge. While we firmly believe that there is no set time that a decision has to take place, we wanted to offer a special opportunity for people to go public with their decision to follow Christ. We have been praying for this day and asking God to lead people to commit their lives to following Him.

We've had several special-emphasis days like this in the past and you never know exactly what will happen. There will be surprises, introductions to new people, great moments of euphoria, and tears as some are overcome with emotion. There will be visible relief on their faces as they grasp the joy of their life-transforming decision, but we can't even begin to fully understand the complete depth of their journey and all that led them to this point. We choose to trust in what God has done in their spirit to bring them to the point of action. It's simply an honor to be a very small part in what they are doing and the bold proclamation they are making. Their authentic actions speak of the truth found in publicly choosing to follow Christ and our increasing passion to see even more lives transformed.

Bit By Bit

We had a clean up day at Northridge today with 35 dedicated souls, which was extremely productive

for a three hour period of hard work. It gave us the time to get some new things done, but to also deep clean and spruce up areas that had been neglected for some time. It's often easy to let things go for a while, but eventually the mess becomes great enough to do something about it. The problem with waiting and allowing it to progressively worsen is that it takes longer to get it back to normal. If we'd just work at it a little bit at a time we'd find it stays in better condition and doesn't take a comprehensive, intense cleaning session to improve it.

Sounds like a lot of different things in our lives, doesn't it?

Out of Control

One of the things that I like most about Northridge is the externally minded focus we strive to develop. We put that into action today through something called Northridge Cares. It's a time when we head out into the community to make a tangible impact in various ways. We were partnering with all of our local public schools, the Boys & Girls Club, and and another local church to improve their campuses. We planned out every detail that could be managed, but had no idea what the weather would be like. Naturally it rained all morning, but our devoted volunteers came out anyway. We had to quickly readjust our plans, but I feel confident in saying that the work sites were better when we left than we arrived. I am grateful for the hard work, the willingness to adjust, and the endurance for cold, rainy weather to get the job done.

Things do not always go as planned & there will be circumstances beyond your control. Each of us get to make the choice of whether we will adapt and forge ahead or have our emotions and intentions derailed by things outside of our control.

Connect

"It's not good for man to be alone." -God

I spent the morning with fantastic volunteers as we hosted a 5K race through Chick-Fil-A on our main

campus. A group of us met at 5:00 am to begin the setup and some stayed throughout the day to complete the tear down after close to 200 runners hit the course. The sense of community was strong, but in so many diverse ways. There was a camaraderie among the staff from Chick-Fil-A that was evident in the familiarity of their humor and organized responsibilities. Our church volunteers were comfortable with each other (although perhaps not the level of conversation at that hour of the morning) and shared chicken biscuits with each other as the wind picked up and the temperature dropped. The racers themselves shared a common bond of running in local races together. We were all part of one crowd as people crossed the finish line to cheers, high fives, and celebrations. We ended the morning with a group prayer with the race staff and the volunteer stalwarts and congratulated each other on a successful event.

It's all reflective of our need for community and the different forms in which we find it. It's not always perfect and it certainly never progresses exactly as we anticipate, but it's an essential part of our social development and it helps us maintain our connection to something that is real. We weren't meant to go through life alone and if we pay attention we'll see that we have more connections around us than we often realize.

Ebenezer: Relocation

In August 2009 our life as we knew it was thrown into upheaval. I was unexpectedly asked to leave my ministry position and the only church our family had really ever known. Our world had been rocked and the fallout from it would take us a couple of years to work through. Fortunately, God already had a plan in  action to rescue us.

Earlier that month I had visited a church in Milledgeville, Georgia to see a great friend & his wife. They had asked me to come up and spend the weekend to help them in their search for a youth pastor and to preach. None of us knew that it would serve as an interview weekend for me, but God knew that we would shortly be returning here for good. My wife and I laugh constantly when we look back and see how God was working each detail out to bring us here. When He makes His grand plan so visible to us, even in hindsight, we can't help but be amazed at how much He must truly love us. The story of God setting us up to be part of Northridge will be a tale that we tell our grandchildren and will hopefully continue to be told long after we are gone. It's a definitive marker of His provision and ability to work through all circumstances.

We Care

We sent around 100 missionaries into Milledgeville today to let our community know that God's Church cares about them. It took the form of mowing, trimming, weeding, cleaning, painting, a car wash and acts of generosity and kindness. We wore t-shirts saying, "Northridge Cares" and put sweat equity into helping our city. New friendships were made and stories are pouring in of the impact on the people and organizations we were able to benefit. 

My hope is that this is not a simple calendar event that brings us together and temporarily energizes a crowd. It should stir up in us a desire to be intentionally missional as a Church. This isn't a bucket list item, but a way of life as God's people.

Baptismal Truths

We are eagerly praying for Sunday, October 9th at Northridge as we make a big emphasis on baptism. The message that day in our "All In" series is titled, "Go Public." We are already praying for 50 baptisms to take place and are asking people to join us in that prayer.

I pray that people understand the power in baptism and the steps that follow.The video below is from Granger Community Church and is a powerful teaching on the significance of baptism and our obedience in following through. I pray it answers questions and inspires.

Influence: Mike Waers

I'm sure that a few of my readers were wondering why I didn't mention Mike Waers in the two previous posts about influence, but I thought that he deserved his own entry.

I knew of Mike from his days at FSU and the campus ministry that he worked in there. He would periodically come down to TCC and speak as we continued to support him. It was about five years ago that he joined the Tomoka staff while I was already there as youth pastor. I can honestly say that since that time he has invested more in me than any other person.

We spent countless hours in Florida talking in his office and asking each other tough questions and seeking better ways to do things. He was willing to push my buttons (and often did!), but after reflecting on what he had to say he was right more often than not. I was able to watch him there and see how he interacted with people and the approach that he took to ministry. When he and Kathy left to come to Northridge it left a huge, gaping hole in my accountability and mentorship. The benefit of my time with him was clearly evident in the year that we spent apart as I can honestly say that my best year of ministry at Tomoka was my last year. I was able to put into practice the lessons that Mike had taught me and I feel that I had finally become a real pastor.

When things ended quickly in Florida, Mike was the first person that I called on the way home. He and Kathy cried and prayed for us and God used those circumstances to bring us here to live and work together again. Our roles have shifted here, but he still continues to teach me-more than he is even aware of. I see how he interacts with people in public, how he cares so deeply for the people of this church and this community, how he strives to always make things better, and yet seek God's will through every bit of it. He makes me aware of things that I don't see at first and pushes me to think carefully before I make a decision. We have had our volatile moments, but we love each other through them all and again-he's right more often than he's not.

My wife and I are more grateful for Mike and Kathy than they could ever know. We are thankful for their patience with us as we have healed from the painful departure from Florida. It is a privilege to serve here alongside them and to see the stretching influence that they have on our lives and it amazes me how God has brought us both here to serve and grow together.

I couldn't ask for a better friend, mentor and role model.

Something New

I am often too contemplative for my own good. I get things rolling around in my head and create perceptions and arguments for and against things that aren't necessarily the most beneficial footholds to gain. I also fall into the comparison trap between the past and my current standing/situation.

As I seek direction from God for what to do next in ministry here at Northridge, it can be easy to fall into the trap of looking at the past and what has worked instead of trusting God for a new vision. I believe strongly in the fundamental principles of relying on the Word of God for teaching, a lifestyle of worship, serving in the area of your giftedness and a commitment to leading others to Christ. Those areas do not change, but the methodology will vary. I trust in God's great plan for us though-even though I need to remind myself of that sometimes. I know that He has something that is new and incredible for all of us-as His church and for all of us as individual families.

My heart is focused on the youth at Northridge this morning and I know that God has something new for us. It is time to truly seek what that vision is and to be faithful and obedient enough to step out and follow it-even if it is something we have never seen before.

"Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it? There it is! I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. Wild animals will say 'Thank you!' --the coyotes and the buzzards-- Because I provided water in the desert, rivers through the sun-baked earth, Drinking water for the people I chose, the people I made especially for myself, a people custom-made to praise me."  Isaiah 43:18-21

What a Weekend!

The title sums it up appropriately-it was truly an incredible (and quick) weekend:

• Left Milledgeville on Friday to drive to DeFuniak Springs, FL for a spiritual retreat with FSU and their Christian Campus Fellowship
• Spoke 4 times in 36 hours on the Holy Spirit & God brought it!
• Worship led by Dan Cole & Kelsie & Nathaniel was incredibly passionate
• The sound of 90 college students singing their hearts out in a small room blew me away all weekend
• Change of place + change of pace = change of perspective
• The ministry that Michael Mears is leading at FSU is beautiful to see in action-the compassion that he has for these college students is admirable and it was a true pleasure to be a small part of it all
• I am continuing to pray for Garrett-a young man that didn't anticipate coming to this retreat-in fact, doesn't go to FSU-but was there with a friend.  God is working on his heart!
• Northridge had 765 in attendance yesterday! Wow-just simply wow.
• 765 people brings lots of logistical issues-praying that we can work through these so that more people can hear what God has to offer
• The Arizona team ran a perfect BBQ while I was in Florida and Northridge blessed us by helping to raise $2400 for our trip in one morning!
• Last night at The Well was simple & yet powerful. I am so grateful to be surrounded by incredible servants & youth that want God's truth.  We are still figuring it out and maturing, but the future with God's Spirit is so bright!
• Thanks to God for having me here in this season to be part of what He is doing!

Mind Dump

I have to admit that I have not approached the regularity that I once had on the blogosphere since moving to Georgia.  I don't know if it is the new interface or just the hecticity (yep-that's the word I used) of life & ministry here, but I haven't kept up with it as much as I desire to do.  I am stealing the phrase "Mind Dump" from Michael Mears because that just seems to be the best way to get at this today.  So with my apologies to my brother at FSU, here goes:

• There were 752 people in worship at Northridge this past weekend-an increase of almost 500 since October 2008
• There is no explanation for growth like that except God.  Plain & simple.
• I am speaking at FSU's CCF "Family Vacation" this coming weekend-sharing on the Holy Spirit four times in three days
• I'm looking forward to this weekend, but also a little anxious.  It's a big responsiblity to share God's Word & I don't take it lightly.  I don't want to mess anything up or get in the Holy Spirit's way.
• The time frame for our mission trip to Arizona is dwindling-this is all new here & we still have a lot of money to raise.  It's going to be a God thing when it all comes together.
• Reculturing youth ministry is one of the most difficult things I have done.  We did it in Florida (by we I mean God), but I had zero clue back then.  Now I have a clue and I realize how hard it truly is.
• The rewards of youth ministry will come later-I know this.  God will reward our faithfulness through the struggles-just perhaps not in this life.
• Trying to balance working with youth and also working as an associate pastor is a very interesting act.  I have to remind myself daily that it has to be a God thing-I'm not that good.
• Spending time with our Florida friends as they visit us is always good for my soul.  I have spent a lot of time "in the trenches" with these folks and our hearts will be connected no matter the distance.
• Praying through the process of getting rid of our house in Florida-in foreclosure now, but hoping that our application for deed-in-lieu goes through.  Trusting that God will handle this last detail from the move northward too.
• I am a lucky man.  Married to my best friend and blessed with three incredible daughters.  Certainly more than I deserve & I pray as often as I can that I don't mess up the chance to be a godly father & husband.
• I have to work harder at establishing "margin" in my life.  The pace that we have been running at (and the one in front of us) is crazy.  I can't allow the schedule to dictate everything.  Got to set apart time for me & God and me & my family.
• To be loved by God in the middle of all of my faults, insecurities, weaknesses & sins is mind-blowing.  I don't think I'll ever fully understand it, but I pray that I will live as if I am grateful for it.

What's Next?

The pace never seems to slow down.  That is pretty typical of ministry-typical for a lot of life.  That doesn't mean that it is all bad, but it does mean that there are opportunities for distraction.  Distractions many times will keep us away from our true purpose and cause us to focus our energies in a lesser cause.  I see Satan trying to do that now. 

There is a great need for a revival here-especially within our youth-and that is the last thing that Satan wants to see.  He is going to do whatever he can do disrupt relationships, cause dissension, create stress, and increase doubt.  None of this decreases the power of God however.  None of that punk's work can take away from God's great plan. 

I know that big things are on the horizon-not because of our human abilities, but because the Holy Spirit is able to do all things.  I am praying and begging God for the souls of people & for those that have accepted the truth to have a fire ignited within them that will not go out.  We do not want to lose our focus on God and His power.  We do not want to lose sight of God's leading and His pathway for the church here.

Father, hear our prayers.  Bring revival to your people.  Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we may become more like You.

"The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy.  But I have come that you might have life and have it to the full."  John 10:10

Reflections

What a week it has been.  I am overdue on my Sunday reflections, but will blame it on the lack of internet in my hotel in Miami that night.  Not sure that I can get all of my thoughts in a somewhat brief blog-some will need further fleshing out in subsequent postings-but we'll give it a whirl.

• I don't like to drive long distances-I get bored in the car-but we managed to drive from Milledgeville to Ormond, Ormond to Fort Pierce, Fort Pierce to Miami and then back in five days.
• I was excited to get to see old friends/family in Ormond Beach last week-there was a hug-fest on Thursday night that lasted for 3 1/2 hours and did our hearts so much good.  I hope it was as good for others.
• I'm not too old to sit up until 3 a.m. talking with a friend.  I might be too old to be on top of my game 4 hours later unless there is good coffee.
• Brought the whole family by Mainland High School on our way out of town-what great friends & family are there that have loved us for a long time.  I miss them always.
• Dana & I were blessed to be at the wedding of my oldest friend-Paul & I have known each other since elementary school and were roommates in college too.  He is so obviously happy and we think Lesley is an incredible woman.  They are truly a blessed couple!
• Hanging with one of my college friends & his wife the night before the wedding was a great blast! It's been too long & distance (he is in Texas) makes it hard to do often.
• I am thankful for good friends on staff here at Northridge that are talented and able to carry on so that I can get a weekend away.  Matthew Orr & Mike Waers would be a blessing to any church, but selfishly we are glad they are part of our team here!
• Monday afternoon was simple-spending some time with my mom, sister, nephew, brother & our family by the pool was a great time.  I miss them & wish we could see each other more often.
• We're back at it in Georgia, but this past week has certainly shown us how loved we are!

Sunday Reflections in the Cold

Wow! What an incredible day at Northridge! My prayer is that God continues this great work and it spreads throughout all of His churches!

• Turkey Bowl was a blast yesterday-a blast of arctic air! 18 degrees at the start!
• What an incredible blessing today as we saw 703 people in worship!
• We had 3 scheduled baptisms today, but also saw 2 more people choose to join them
• Also had another couple parter with us after Discover Northridge
• A God-focused life doesn't happen accidentally!
• No Spectators!
• Started The Well tonight-new high school worship experience for high school and saw 36 people come to start our January series, "New & Improved"
• Looking forward to "Awakening" coming this Wednesday night for middle school-praying for God to fill the room.

Sunday Reflections

• Celebrating New Year in Georgia is also a new first for us-had an awesome low country boil meal at new friends' home
• The visits of Florida friends never gets old! It was a blessing to spend some extended time with the Lather family-love & miss them very much
• We are truly digging the cold weather here-not used to this extended cool weather, but you can't beat the fire rolling in the fireplace on a regular basis
• I am truly blessed with three incredible daughters and a beautiful wife and I want to remind them every day of how much they mean to me
• The people at Northridge are truly family to us now and I am reminded each week of how much we mean to them and how important they are to us in return
• The future here in Milledgeville is so bright-we are praying hard for God to do more than we could ask or imagine this year-looking for 100 baptisms!
• Mike's challenge to serve today was tough & a blessing to hear-if you aren't willing to serve then we don't need you here!
• He also challenged believers by asking if they thought the church was a luxury liner that we got to sit on and eat fine foods while people were drowing all around us
• I am thrilled with Craig & Brandi Sheppard & Chad Phillips and their dedication to teaching middle & high school Bible study each week-what great hearts and passion for the youth!
• Can't wait for The Well next week! Starting on Sunday night from 5-7 for high school!
• Also can't wait for Awakening for middle school on Wednesday, Jan. 13th!
• Praying for Joe Putting & his family-my brother in Christ was diagnosed with leukemia this week-looking for God to do a great miracle.

Final Sunday Reflections of 2009

We are at the last Sunday of 2009 and the last blog of reflections.  There will be a blog reflecting on all that 2009 has brought to us at some point, but we'll focus on the weekend a few Christmas thoughts for now:

• Our family celebrated our very 1st Christmas Eve service this past week-what a true blessing! We have always been out of town and it was incredible to take part in this worship with Northridge
• We are surrounded by an incredibly loving group of friends & family-they amaze me with their generosity and true appreciation for our family
• It was a great Christmas for us-blending old traditions and establishing new ones for our family
• My wife put on one heck of a feast on Christmas Eve after service!
• I love to watch the joy in the faces of those receiving gifts-that is why I prefer to give instead of get!
• Christmas with cold weather is just the way I think it should be done-I love that we can have a fire rolling in our fireplace all day
• I am so blessed to work under the leadership of a godly man like Mike-he has helped to make me a better pastor and communicator
• We had a two-headed sermon in service today as Mike & I had a "Fireside Chat" style of message
• I pray the people will take seriously their commitment to feeding themselves and feeding others this coming year
• I love a good acoustic worship set-something about the simplicity of it that is a nice change of pace
• I see great things in store for Northridge in 2010-can't wait to see God blow the doors off and do more than we could possibly ask or imagine