The LaunchPad

Quotes On One Thing

We are currently in series about the ONE THING that defines your primary desire.  I am reading, right now,  a book by Erwin McManus entitled WIDE AWAKE.  Here are some quotes from the book that really fit into this 'one thing' idea:

A part of living at yours highest level is developing the competency of focus - locking into your big yes, your mission for life.  Focus gives you the capacity to say no to all the other great and wonderful opportunities that come and say no to those devastating choices that will jeopardize your future.

Focus allows you to live a life of full intensity with all your passion fueling your momentum in a singular direction.

Focus isn't about less but about more.  It's the ability to interconnect all you are and all you do around a central life theme.

The nemesis of focus is distraction.
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Without a sense of destiny, you will diffuse your energy.  When you are focused, you are most powerful.  A destiny is not something waiting for you but something waiting within you.

Sometimes we need to focus by concentrating on where God is calling us and not get distracted by external pressures, circumstances, struggles, and problems.  We need to focus all of who we are until we have a convergence of all our energies and refuse to be overwhelmed by all the options out there.  We need to ask not only 'where am I going?' and 'what should I be doing?' but also 'WHO AM I BECOMING?'

God And Money

One of the pastors I love to read is Bob Roberts Jr.  Recently, he wrote a post on what we should be thinking about right now in the present state of our economy. 

The church is preaching a lot on money right now because things are tight.  You hear two kinds of messages.  One is the “pentecostal” message of give and be blessed - looking for the money miracle.  The other is the “presbyterian” message of organize and control spending - looking for money management.  While both of these have some truth in them - what if God is saying something different?  What if God is trying to teach us something?  What if God has orchestrated things to put us right where we are because all of life is discipleship and this is a chance to grow?

Read the rest of the post here.

Multi-Generational Challenges (p2)

What to do when there are so many different opinions on the way things should be?  In a multi-generational church people's preferences regarding music, dress, communication style, programming, etc. can become not just a preferential difference but a a point of division.  How can we avoid this?

I think there are several critical attitudes that hold a multi-generational church family together:

#1 - HONOR - Romans 13:7 says, 'Give everyone what you owe him...if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.'  A mature family or church learns how critical the attitude of honor is to unity and harmony.

• It's so healthy and important for a younger person to honor the sacrifices, investment, and experience of those older than them. 
• It's equally as healthy for an older person to honor the opinion, ideas, and dreams of the next generation.

Over the years, we have purposefully held Church Anniversary Celebrations to give honor to the leaders and legacy of those who have brought us to this point.  Saying THANK YOU and recognizing what has been done goes a long way to creating a sense of community between the generations.

#2 - DEFERENCE - this is a word that is not used often enough.  Deference means to prefer someone else in love.  It is an intentional step to put my relationship with you ahead of my own rights.

Deference requires patience.  Too often I have seen the younger generation dismiss the culture and style of the older generation as irrelevant and out of touch.  The older generation can be just as guilty of branding 'new' styles and ideas as 'unspiritual or unrighteous' simply because it doesn't feel the same as what they are used to.

Taking the time to listen and seek to understand the preferences of another is an act of love and always helps very different people work together.

#3 - AFFIRMATION - When differences are present, there is a human tendency to focus on the things that we don't like, things that irritate us or with which we do not agree.  Mature people look for common ground on which to build a relationship.

We seek to emphasize the areas where we agree and downplay our differences. 

It means so much to a younger person when someone older says, "I love your passion," instead of making a negative comment about the volume or the style.

It means equally as much to an older person when a young person says, "I can see where you are coming from...that has some powerful depth," instead of turning up their nose because it isn't as cool as they think it should be.

Verbalized appreciation is like oil in the engine.  It smooths out the function of relationships and makes everything work a bit easier.

What other attitudes do you see as critical to multi-generational relationships?

CityReach 08 Recap

What a great week we had last week.  Here are some totals:  Nearly 1000 people attended each night (total); an average of 200 people per site (five sites); 175 adults made decisions to follow Christ!

On Friday night, we had over 1700 people attend the Block Parties.  Then on Saturday night, there were 175 people who attended the Block Party in Millvale.  The city of Millvale is the site of our next church plant.  We hope to launch in the fall of 2009.  So to have over 170 people at an event was an amazing turnout.

We were able to give out 1300 Back Packs through the Running Start program at our Block Parties.  Thanks to all who volunteered, prayed, gave, and donated back packs.  We appreciate you.

Challenges Of Multi-Generational Church (p1)

Allison Park Church is now 42 years old.  The church was founded in 1966 and has enjoyed a little over four decades of effective ministry in our community.  I have served as the Senior Pastor for the past 17+ years and have led the church through several large transitions.

We had shifted from programs to small groups, from a single church to a church planting church, from an older sanctuary to new worship space.  But one of the greatest and constant transitions (in any church) is the transition to remain relevant and effective in a constantly changing culture.

Some churches (especially new plants) make a decision to focus on one culture.  They may target 'boomer families' or 'young adults' or some other specific sub-culture.  At APC we have decided to remain multi-generational.

We recognize the reality that the primary age group that visits our church are the 20-40 yr olds, but we also realize that there is a large population of senior adults that call our church home.  This presents a tremendous challenge to any church family.  The presence of various generational cultures in any organization creates potential frustrations for everyone involved.

Decisions have to be made regarding dress, music, media, communication style, information dissemination, and so much more.  In the next few posts, I am going to try to navigate through our approach on some of these issues and the values upon which we base our decisions.

Looking forward to some interesting discussion.  More on this during the week.

My Take On Warren Forum

I don't know how many of you watched the Political Forum on Saturday night.  Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church, interviewed both Barack Obama and John McCain for about an hour each.  The event was carried by CNN, Fox News, and I think MSNBC.

The format was such that Rick questioned both candidates, one at a time, and used the identical questions.  The focus of the questions were values, world view, leadership, and decision-making.  From the reaction of the news commentators, everyone was extremely surprised and pleased at how effective the format was.  Here's what I think was accomplished for the good:

1.  Faith was legitimized - Rick began the interview by declaring himself.  He said something to the effect, "I believe in the separation of church and state, but I don't believe in the separation of faith from politics."  He went on to explain, 'No matter what you are...a Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, or Atheist, we all have a world view.  We all live and make decisions out of that world view.'

2. The issues were framed based on values - Rick was very concise and yet bold in a number of the questions:

• At what point does a baby deserve human rights?
• What is America's greatest moral failure and why?
• How do you define marriage?
• Is there evil in the world and how should we deal with it?

3.  No one was demonized - So often in politics hostility rules the day.  The forum was handled with dignity and respect for both candidates.  Both were given the freedom to answer without being interrogated or interrupted. 

4.  Both were given the opportunity to show their human side - When Rick asked about how your faith works in your every day life, both gave answers that revealed who they are.  The question, 'what is your greatest personal moral failure,' was also very penetrating.  I felt empathy for both of them in this process.

5.  Evangelicals were presented as less narrow, angry, and monolithic - Rick Warren is a great face for the evangelical world.  So often the media has painted believers as frustrated, bigoted, narrow-minded, and a bit crazy.  At times, certain national Christian leaders have come across as harsh and overly political.  This forum gave believers a good name for being fair, kind, intelligent, and respectful.

Kudos to Rick on a job well done.  If you didn't get a chance to view this Forum, I hope they will rerun it again so that you have a chance to watch.  It may be the most informative two hours that you will watch during this election season.

If you did see it, what was your take on the Forum?

One Thing

This past weekend, we started a series based on Psalm 27:4:  'One thing I have asked of the Lord and this is what I seek...'

In the first message of this series, we talked about how important 'appetite management' is in your life.  What you choose to desire will determine your direction.  What appetite you feed will become a dominant force in your life.

So what do you want?  If you could ask God for ONE THING what would it be?

As I closed the message, I challenged everyone to adopt David's 'one thing' from Psalm 27 for this week:  One thing I have asked of the Lord and this is what I seek, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all of the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord, and to seek Him in His Temple.

Why do we want to adopt David's 'one thing' first?  Out of intimacy with God is birthed so many other good things.  In fact, Psalm 37:4 indicates that as we 'delight (ourselves) in the Lord, He will give (us) the desires of our heart.'

So as you try to discern your ONE THING take some time to delight in and pursue God's presence.  Out of that pursuit will come the clarity that you need.

Decision Making Keys

Dave Ferguson records notes from a talk by Bill Hybels on questions he asks during the decision making process.  I found it very insightful.  Check it out here.

Nite #4 - CityReach 08

Last night was the final evening event of this CityReach week.  Friday was our Block Party and Running Start Back Pack Giveaway.  The picture here is from Ambridge. 

We had a wonderful night with several hundred people gathered, playing games, having a free hot dog or some freshly popped popcorn.

At about 8pm we began to hand out the Back Packs and kids began to line up with excitement to pick out their gift.

Mel and I visited all five of the sites this week.  Each one was unique and thriving.  I am very thankful for all the volunteers, all the effort, those who gave through Generations and those who donated Back Packs.  It was a fantastic week!

Nite #3 - CityReach 08

Last night I visited Sharpsburg Family Worship Center's site for CityReach.  It was an incredible night.  The sanctuary was packed with elementary age kids for their Kidz Kaboom (VBS).  They had a crowd of pre-schools downstairs, and a strong number of adults out under the tent.

Daniel from Mission SOS spoke to the adults.  He talked about how God views us as priceless and how He demonstrated that through the death of the cross.  About 20 people came forward to dedicate their lives to Jesus!

Here's the overall numbers for night #3:  Total in attendance...989.  Total Kids...415.  Number of people who made commitments for Christ...45.

Tonight will be the biggest of all the evenings with the Block Party and the Running Start Back Pack Giveaway.  Hundreds of kids will receive a free back pack and some school supplies this evening.  Each of the sites will host an outdoor party with food, games, and lots of fun.

I am so proud of the Youth who are working so hard at each of the sites every night.  Last night at Sharpsburg, they were everywhere...working preschool, VBS, serving food, doing drama. 

Also a big shout out to Nick Poole for his effort in coordinating this week, and to all the Youth Workers and Staff.  Wow.  What a great effort!

Seven Year- Miracle Anniversary

Last night, as I attended the CityReach service at Ridgewood Assembly, I ran into Kevin Kutcha.  Kevin is pictured here (far left), with his wife Lori (far right), and Pastor Chris Hezlep (middle).

Seven years ago this very week, God healed Kevin's body.  It was during an evening service at Allison Park Church when the miracle happened.

• Kevin suffered from a kidney disease that had affected his entire system, especially the bones in his legs.
• For years, he needed walking crutches or a wheelchair to get around.  There were reinforcing rods that had been surgically placed in his legs.
• During the service a 'word' came that God was going to heal someone's deep pain.  Kevin took that word for him.  He used his crutches to walk to the front of the auditorium and laid face first down on the floor.
• No one prayed for him.  The service was over.  Most everyone had already gone home.
• But as Kevin laid before the Lord, God's power visited him.  He trembled under God's presence as God visited his physical frame.

When the season of trembling stopped, Kevin decided to try to get up.  He stood up without any help (impossible prior to that moment).  Then he walked over to me without his crutches (also impossible) and told me what had happened to him.

One of the greatest experiences I have ever had was walking beside Kevin as he carried his crutches out the back door.  Wow, Wow, Wow!

Seven years later, Kevin continues to walk without pain and without crutches. He has renewed his hobby of mountain climbing.  He serves on the worship team at Ridgewood.  Last night, we took a moment together to thank Jesus for his miracle working power in Kevin's life.

CD Update

David Santistevan's new recording is now in the final stages of production.  Sometime during the next month the CD should be available for purchase.  Check out his website to read the stories behind the songs and to get a preview of some of the music.

Nite #2 - CityReach 08

We had good momentum in the second night of CityReach.  Numbers grew...total attendance at the five sites was just shy of 1000 (979), 47 people responded to the challenge to become followers of Christ.  The VBS's grew as well.  Of the 979 who attended, 432 were kids who were part of a VBS.

I chose to visit two sites last night.  Pittsburgh City Outreach is really enjoying their new location.  The place was rockin during the worship time with Judah Praise Worship Team.  Pictured here is the drummer for Judah Praise.  He is six years old.  And he is awesome!

After worshiping with PCO, Mel and I drove over to Ridgewood Assembly in time to hear Greg Hubbard speak.  He gave a great word about the heart of God which has always been to seek out the lost.  Six or seven people responded to the altar call and walked forward to declare themselves as followers of Christ.

Both sites had a 'nachos' fellowship after the events and people were outside laughing and having a great time.  To hear about some of the other sites, check out Nick Poole's blog here.

Mel and I also enjoyed seeing two of our own teenage kids at the sites.  David, Alissa, and Joshua are a part of the Youth part of CityReach.  They are staying at the church and serving as a part of the workforce for the evening events.  Alissa is part of the VBS team at PCO and Josh the same at Ridgewood.

Two more nights and many more stories.  If you haven't been a part of one of these evenings, I hope you can join us during one of these final two nights.

Next Weekend - Breakthrough

Every quarter we host a TAKE A STAND WEEKEND which helps us focus people on taking significant steps with God.  This weekend involves two events:

Water Baptism which is held after each of the services.
Spiritual Breakthrough which is a 7 Session course that I teach with personal prayer application after each session.

If you have not yet signed up, but want to take some next steps, CLICK HERE for more information.

I will be personally teaching all the sessions of the Breakthrough.  If you have not yet gone through this course, let me personally invite you to be a part.

Nite #1 - CityReach 08

 I absolutely love this week!  Why? 

• Seeing young people out on the streets reaching out.  I love the fact that 120 teens are having such a life-changing experience with God this week.
• Visiting the MCM Churches and provide a boost of encouragement and energy
• Watching volunteers being used in the Vacation Bible School events.
• Connecting with people who are totally unchurched and helping them take steps closer to Christ.  Last night, I had a long conversation with a couple from Tarentum.  God was softening their hearts.
• Raising the visibility of each of these churches in their community.  By the end of the week, everyone in the community is aware that this is a church that is both family-oriented and is generous to help people in need.
• Hearing testimonies of how the churches are growing as a result of this week, and of how lives have been impacted by the gospel.

Here's some of the stats from last night:  470 adults attended the outreach services; 440 kids were part of the a VBS at one of the sites.  At least 41 adults made decisions to give their lives to Christ! 

Nick Poole provided some video footage of the event at Sharpsburg.  Check out his blog here.

The pictures on this post are from Bridgepoint Church's outreach in Tarentum.  I was the speaker for the nite and the APC Choir sang.  After the event we had a great 'hot wings' fellowship with many people from the neighborhood.

Two more outreach nights to go...and then the Friday night Block Party.  Check out what's happening at the sites tonight be clicking here.

CityReach Youth Service

During CityReach this week, there are about 120 young people from several states who are staying at the church and serving as a work force for this outreach week.  Every morning they gather for a worship service.  Daniel Elvelyck from Mission SOS in Sweden is the speaker.

I stepped into their service this morning and they were all gathered around the altar seeking God in worship and in prayer.  It was powerful. 

This afternoon, they hit the streets to make invitations to the evening events.  God is moving in the lives of these young people!

CityReach Services Tonight

This is going to be such an exciting week.  Tonight, we begin Outreach Services and Vacation Bible Schools in five different locations across the Pittsburgh region.  You can get an idea of what is happening, where, by clicking here.

Tonight, I will be speaking at Bridgepoint Church in Tarentum.  The APC Choir will be singing.  If you don't know where else to go, you are welcome to join us there.  Directions are available here. 

Every morning, I will provide updates on the previous night's result here on the blog.  You may also want to visit Nick Poole's blog for details.

What Do You Want?

It's been three weeks since I have delivered the message at Allison Park Church.  Therefore, I am totally pumped to get back into the pulpit this weekend.  I am going to start a four week series entitled, ONE THING.

After deciding on the direction of this series, I happened to be watching the old Billy Crystal movie...City Slickers.  The movie is about several middle aged men having a mid-life crisis.  So they travel out west to have an adventure by bringing in a herd of cattle across the plains.

The voice of wisdom in the movie is an old cowboy named Curly (Jack Palance).  While riding with the Billy Crystal, he unfolds the secret of life.  'You know the secret of life...well what is it?', asks Crystal's character?  To which Curly holds up his index finger...ONE THING.  You need to know the 'one thing' that your life is really all about.  When you know that, nothing else matters.

This is the question in the series:  what do you want most?  What is central to why you live and who you are?  If God appeared before you and told you He would give you ONE THING...what would you ask for?

Our study will take us on a journey with several individuals who were given that opportunity.  We will consider what they asked for and how God responded to them. 

So let's do this together.  Which Biblical characters do you know who were given an opportunity to ask for ONE THING?  Here's some hints...most of them are Old Testament figures (three men, one woman, and maybe several others as well).

Fine Arts Results

This past week a number of our young people participated in a National Fine Arts competition in Charlotte, North Carolina.  None of them won, but many of them earned scholarships and were rated 'superior' in their performances.

My daughter, Alissa, received 'superior with honors' on her short sermon.  Joshua, was part of a Worship Team that placed 7th in the nation.  To see the results of all the students and their performance, click here.

A HUGE thanks to Joy Robinson for her tireless efforts in coaching and leading this ministry.  We appreciate you.

Willow Creek - Leadership Summit

I didn't get to attend this year's Leadership Summit.  In years past it has been one of the most practical and inspiring conferences for both my life and my role as a pastor.  It's also convenient, because you can attend a local site and catch everything through simulcast.

Mark Beeson took notes on all the sessions.  But in this post, you can get an overview of each speaker and their main point.  If you are interested, click here.