"The Bible tells us to love our neighbors and to love our enemies; probably because they are generally the same people." -- G.K. Chesterton
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We were able to start our church in San Diego because a band of courageous Christ-followers took a bold step: they sold their church building. After years of declining attendance, the building was debt-free but little money was left over for ministry. Rather than just hold on, they liquidated their biggest asset and used the funds to start two new churches. The ripples of that decisions are still being felt. All across the country there are scores of faithful believers who meet in small numbers every Sunday. Their love of God remains unchanged. Their desire to see people come to know Jesus is still there. Unfortunately, they often lack the resources they need to make an impact in their community. Weekly offerings pay the utilities and a part-time salary. They are under-resourced with one exception: they may own their property "free and clear." At this point, I see four options:…
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Growing leaders in any facet of life are always trying to answer the same question: "What's next?" During a season of growth, it might be tempting to consider settling down, playing it safe. It might seem reasonable to rest and enjoy. What appears to be a summit may actually be a plateau. A good leader will be thinking ahead ... "What's next?" When we find ourselves in the midst of a struggle, it's easy to ask "What's next?" and to expect that the answer means a release from our tension and conflict. That may be the answer; it also may not be the answer. The answer may lie in what God wants to teach us during the journey. Emerging stronger, we ask again "What's next?" Asking "What's next?" keeps us focused on the future -- on growing, developing, learning, and maturing. What's next for you?
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"Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith." -- Henry Ward Beecher There are a number of anxious people in our world -- and I don't mean the larger, global world, but your little corner of the landscape. We encounter anxious people at work, next door, and around the kitchen table. What is anxiety? Anxiety is anticipating something bad or dangerous happening and worrying about it before it happens. And many times, it never happens. On the other hand, faith is anticipating what God is capable of doing and waiting hopefully for it to happen. Fear or faith. Anxiety over what hasn't happened or hoping for what could happen. The choice is yours.
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I'm biased and I admit it. Ever since planting a church in San Diego (a shout out to my LifePoint peeps) I've been a firm believer in the need to start more churches. There is something about new churches that I love ... the sense of mission, new faces, challenges, and opportunities. I absolutely love church planting and church planters. On October 10, 2010, there will be an explosion of new churches. It's called the 10-10-10 initiative (http://www.101010initiative.org/). New churches will hold their first service on that day and existing churches will renew their commitment to church planting. Be praying now for 10-10-10. Here in Denver, Elevation Church will launch in Aurora on that day. Scott Bloyer and his team have been working and praying hard. I've had the privilege of having coffee with Scott and getting to hear his passion for disconnected people. If you're in or around Denver,…
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