The LaunchPad

Planting Schools - Planting Churches

What an amazing concept!  Dr. Tom Wilson and his son Pastor Scott Wilson have started a very effective public charter school system and these charter schools are housed in their churches.  They started with just 266 students, but today they have over 3000 students in their schools.

These schools are public schools, but they are based on character training.  Every parent must attend a parenting class every month as a requirement of their children being accepted in the school.

The funds for the charter schools help pay for the facilities.  The new churches are often launched in these same buildings.  Awesome stuff!  Check out Lifeschools.net.

Creative Funding Forum

Thursday and Friday of this week, I am attending the Creative Funding Forum in Dallas.  The focus of this forum is to discuss and interact way to generate more finances for church planting and compassion-oriented ministry.

This morning I will have the opportunity to talk about how God has released resources to us through our planting and now through MCM Pittsburgh.  Here are some of the speakers that talked yesterday:

• Dave Mills - Compassion By Design.  Excellent non-profit expertise.
• Patrick Kucera - Marketplace Ministry.
• Joel Hunter - Senior Pastor at Northwood AG in Houston.  Very creative ideas for starting for profit businesses to fund church planting.

Looking forward to more good information this morning.  Flying back to Pittsburgh this afternoon.

thoughts from Melodie

I haven't mentioned it in a while, but my wife Melodie has her own blog called Noteworthy.  She took a little sabbatical from her blog for a few months, but she has been back and writing some great stuff.

She wrote today about the importance of 'rumble strips' in your personal and spiritual life.  Read her post here.

Support Ministries For Sexual Freedom

Here are a number of sites that provide information, support groups, and encouragement for those who are working to break free from some area of struggle.

Such WERE Some Of You Ministries (local)

Exodus International (specializes in recovery from homosexuality)

Pure Life Ministries (support for those with sexual addiction)

XXXChurch.com (specializes in victory over pornography and outreach to those trapped in this industry)

One Hr With God

David Santistevan leading worship @ tonight's event.

Series Launch

I am looking forward to this weekend's message as we launch the GOD OF THIS CITY series.  The text for the message is one of the most famous and oft quoted promises in the Bible...Jeremiah 29:11-14.

What I never understood until recently is the context of that chapter and what that context implies for the perspective of my life, my city, and of the nation in which we live.  We all can see the moral decay and the darkness that our culture is battling.

This message speaks directly to what a Jesus-follower can do and to what great plans God has for us in the midst of it all.  Can't wait for the weekend!

iphone

I am not very techy but I work hard at learning. So I bought the new iPhone and am posting this entry from it. Hoping this will make my workflow easier.

Joy Management (part 3)

Joy is cultivated by making a fairly radical choice.  It is the decision to adopt heaven's perspective regarding my present set of circumstances.  James 1:2-4 tells us this:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you might become mature and complete not lacking anything.

Here's the progression of thought:

• Choose joy in the middle of trial?
• Why?  Because the trial you are in will force you to persevere.
• Why is that good?  Because perseverance develops maturity and character which will sustain you through the rest of your life.

Heaven values my character more than my comfort.  Trials force me to choose what I will value most.  When I adopt heaven's values, I can become thankful for how God is using my difficulties.

Think of how Paul responded in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10:

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Why was Paul thankful for his thorn?

• It helped him understand God's sufficient grace.
• It kept him from being overcome with pride.
• It became a point through which Christ's power came to rest on him.
• It resulted in his ultimate strengthening (when I am weak then I am strong).
• He learned that nothing can stop God's grace...not weakness, not insults, not hardships, not persecutions, and not difficulties (impossibilities).
• It helped him overcome dread and fear because his life was in the hands of all sufficient God.

How about you?  Are you choosing to adopt heaven's view of your hardships and weaknesses today?  Are you allowing his joy to be your strength even when you feel weak?

Budget Adjustments

Mark Beeson recently wrote about his priorities and approach to adjusting his own budget during these changing economic times.  His thoughts were excellent and timely.  Melodie and I just had this conversation last week about ways to adjust our spending while maintaining our values and priorities.

Our discussion involved evaluating our driving habits, our insurance rates, our entertainment habits, and ways to conserve energy.  We were able to find some immediate ways to save which helps since energy and food costs are rising.

I'm curious?  What ways have you discovered to save and adjust?

Read Mark Beeson's thoughts here.

MCM Family Picnic

It has been a tradition for the past number of years to host a picnic for the pastors, staff, and their families of all of the MCM churches.  The weather held off yesterday afternoon, and we had a really wonderful time together.

There were well over 60 people gathered.  Kids swimming in the pool.  Many playing basketball. Conversations and laughter around every table.  It was a blast.  These kinds of moments are so important for those in ministry, because serving in the church can at times feel very lonely. 

It was also exciting to see worship leaders exchanging ideas with each other, and youth pastors talking about what's working, and pastor's wives being able to connect with one another. 

My kids absolutely love this event.  You can see in this picture, my youngest son Jonathan jumping into the pool.  In the background, several of my older kids are involved in a pick-up basketball game.  Thanks so much to Jim and June Gunst for hosting this event for us at their home.  We really appreciate it.

Saying It

This past weekend message was one of the more challenging talks to deliver.  But it was also very important in a number of ways.  The GOD QUESTION was 'what does the Bible say about homosexuality?'

And the Biblical text that I choose to speak from dealt with not only homosexuality but with God's view of our bodies and of our sexuality.  It provide me with the opportunity to do several things:

• Remind us all of the incredibly high opinion that God has of us.
• Specifically describe God's purpose for sex (partnership, pleasure, procreation) and how God has defined boundaries for the use of this gift (a lifetime covenant relationship between husband and wife).
• Talk about the definition of sexual immorality and why having sex before or outside of marriage is potentially damaging to your person.
• Recognize together that all of us need God's grace and that no sin, even homosexuality, is put in a different category.
• Declare that we are so much more than the sum of our urges or the record of our past.  The most powerful part of the 1 Cor 6 passage is the phrase that says...That's What Some Of You WERE!  But through the work of the cross, we are about to be forgiven and transformed.

This message was not the easiest to deliver but it was so critical for our spiritual health as a church and as individuals.   My hope is that many were making some healthy choices to surrender their lives to the leadership of Jesus and turn from the kinds of compromise that have been draining their spiritual life.

Later this week, I will list some links to organizations that provide support groups and other resources for struggle with sexual sin of all types.

Joy Management (part 2)

I began this series a few days ago, then got delayed due to travel and lack of Internet availability. : Here's the second thought on joy management.  (the picture below is Jonathan and Alissa playing GO FISH with their cousins.)

JOY IS IN THE JOURNEY, NOT IN THE DESTINATION.

We have a tendency to put off enJOYment until after the project is done, the trial is over, the struggle has past.  But God has designed joy as an 'in the midst' solution.  Joy is not just the exhilaration of crossing the finish line and winning the race.

Joy is the sustaining grace of God in the middle of the marathon when it seems like all is lost and we don't have the strength to go on.  Joy is distinct from happiness, which is an emotion that corresponds to positive happenings or circumstances.

Joy is not situation-based, it is Spirit-birthed.  So in the middle, of a grueling day, we can pause, tune into the presence of God, and experience the release of something in our soul that transcends what we feel or understand at the moment.

One of the ways that I practice this is something I like to call 'Milking The Moment'.  This means to slow down and force yourself to drink in and draw out everything good about the moment you are living.  Praise God for the scenery, for the smell and taste of your coffee, for your health, for the goodness and God.

Delay the problem your are dealing with for a minute.  Develop the joy of the moment.  Connect in the the person of the Holy Spirit and the perspective of heaven.

How about you?  What do you to to cultivate the joy of the moment?

Read List - June 08

This is a bit late, but here is what I was reading in the month of June:

1.  The Multiplying Church, The New Math For Starting New Churches.  by Bob Roberts Jr.  I absolutely loved this book.  The values Roberts explains are both Biblical and challenging.  I will probably read this again someday.

2.  imagine...God's Blog (insights from his site). by Lanny Donoho.  This was a fun little devotional book with a lot of creative thoughts.

3.  Forgotten Ways:  Reactivating The Missional Church.  by Alan Hirsch.  This book was stretching and paradigm expanding in many ways.  This is a book to make you think.  I did not necessarily agree that all of Hirsch's conclusions were practical.  But they are worthy of consideration.

4.  Chazown:  A Different Way To See Your Life. by Craig Groeschel.  This was a very practical plan of action to develop your own vision and action strategy for your life.  This is a book to read slowly so that you can do the homework.  We will probably begin to sell this one in our Resource Center.  Groeschel is one of the great leaders of our day.

Married For 21

Today, my beautiful bride and I are married for 21 years.

God has been so very good to us over these more than two decades together.

I can truly say that as the years go by, our relationships has only gotten better. 

Melodie is my best friend, and the treasure of my heart.  God has given me such a gift in her and I appreciate her more and more as the years go by.

Thank you God for such an amazing gift!

Can I Pray For You?

This story was sent to me by Noreen.  During the FULL FLAME series in the month of May, we had a week with a homework assignment.  Everyone was to find someone and ask the question:  CAN I PRAY FOR YOU?  This was one of the stories that came from this step of faith...

CAN I PRAY FOR YOU?

Your sermon was very very powerful on Sunday.  So much so that I decided to write a name of who I would pray for and I made a vow to do so.... I picked one of the girls I work with, Twila.  I wanted to make it a little difficult and pray for someone that I know would be a challenge... one of my friends that believes in the Lord but she may go to church once every two years... it's just not something we have in common... she knows that I believe but I can't seem to get her to go to our weekly bible meetings, etc., etc.

So, today while I was at work, I'm all set to tell Twila I wanted to pray for her... she's having some big financial troubles, the father of her children is still in jail and she's to maybe start a new job and her life is complete chaos... meanwhile... my boss, the dentist... who is a faithful practicing Christian is in her office... I went in to give her a message and she was sitting in total darkness... two pairs of sunglasses on her eyes (not one pair... two pair) and she waves me to close the door... she looked horrible.   I figured she must be having a migraine headache so I went back to the desk and told the patient the doctor would not be able to talk to her yet.  I sat down in my chair and I thought "what am I doing sitting here... she's in pain.. go pray now!"  

So I got up from my chair and went back into her office... she said "don't touch me... it hurts too bad."  I replied "Steph, I just want to pray for you... I don't know how to do this but let's give it a try... I've never prayed to heal before...."  She welcomed it immediately and took off her TWO pairs of sunglasses.  I placed my hands on each side of her head and asked the Lord to please heal her pain... I was nervous... not sure how to do this... but I prayed and I prayed sincerely!  I don't know what I said exactly (as I was extremely nervous)... but the Lord heard me Jeff... he heard me! 

Stephanie looked up at me and smiled slowly as if to thank me... she began to look slowly to her right and then to her left... she said the tunnel vision was fading... I smiled back and said "really?" she said "Noreen, I would not kid you on this... it's fading... honest!"  She told me that her husband had prayed for her before he left the office about a half hour prior and she had been sitting there waiting for the pain to cease... Jeff, between her husband and maybe me???? The Lord heard us... HE healed her and she was able to continue to see her patients for the rest of the day.  Glory be to God.... He is truly amazing!

Remember that this month is FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM MONTH.  So we are all taking steps to have a picnic, take someone to lunch, buy a coffee, or whatever creative idea hits you to build a relationship with someone that needs Christ.

Do you have any stories to share?

Final God Questions Message

I am spending time today preparing for the final message in the GOD QUESTIONS p2 series.  This weekend's topic is one of the most impacting issues in the church-world and in the culture:  What does the Bible say about homosexuality?

As we address this sensitive subject, I find myself thinking not just about the Biblical answer to that question, but about the Biblical attitude behind the answer.

Our perspective on this issue has so much more to do with morality.  It has to do with identity, humility, and with genuine empathy toward people in need.   We also need to understand the incredibly high view that God has of each us and how sins of the flesh work to diminish God's work in our lives.

Praying that this week will be a weekend of great liberty and hope for each of us as we consider the amazing and transforming power of the gospel.

IHOP Memory

David, Alissa, and I arrived home last night (Wed) after two days of travel home.  We had used some frequent flier miles to get down to Nicaragua, and the only way we could schedule the flight back was to have an overnight in Miami.

Sometimes the little inconveniences in life can become great memories.

Well, our flight was delayed in leaving Managua. By the time we got into Miami it was 10pm.  Then we waited for almost an hour for our FREE hotel shuttle bus to arrive.  After check-in, we had to walk about half a mile to find anything to eat.  We were starved...no meal on the plane, and we had not yet eaten dinner.

We happened to find an IHOP (International House Of Pancakes).  By the time we ordered it was about 11:30pm.  My daughter ordered a T-bone steak and devoured it along with the rest of her meal.  David loaded up on waffles.  I had a great cheddar chicken sandwich.

And in the middle of all this delay and travel hassle we found a memory.  We were so tired, that we were a bit punchy.  We told stories.  We laughed.  We ate.  And in the process, we formed a moment that I will probably remember for the rest of my life.

God Of This City Series

In just a few weeks we will start a four week series entitled GOD OF THIS CITY.  This series will take us right up to our big August project that we call CITYREACH.

The theme of this series will be based on a song that we will sing during our worship.  The chorus declares...Greater things are yet to come, greater things are still to be done in this city!'

What will make this series unique is that many of the MCM churches will be preaching along the same themes every weekend.  We will also hear some video testimonies from changed lives through the churches that have hosted CityReach in the past.

I am really looking forward to dreaming together about what Jesus can do through us in our city!

Breakthrough Celebration

Last night I was able to observe one of the reasons why the Hosanna Church has grown from zero to over 7000 people in the last 13yrs (and during that same time has planted 6 other churches).

A key part of the spiritual formation process of new believers is the Encounter Weekend (very similar to the APC Breakthrough).  During the Encounter they help people take steps to deal with whatever issues have held them back in the past.  They teach on how to get right with God and how to be baptized in the Holy Spirit.

They have a very unique way of concluding the Retreat.  Hosanna's final service for the weekend is a Sunday night service at 5pm.  The service ends at just about the same time the Encounter Retreat lets out. 

Last night there were about 100 teenage girls who had just gone through the Encounter process.  They were introduced to the congregation at the end of the 5pm service.  They ran in from the back of the sanctuary waving streamers, blowing whistles, and everyone went wild with applause.

Many family members had gathered in the 5pm service to wait for their daughter.  They had homemade signs they were waving with their daughter's picture on it.  When the clapping and shouting stopped, the entire group of girls made their way up onto the platform.

One by one about ten of them testified as to what God had done in their life.  It was very moving to hear them talk about being freed from hate, or some other addiction.

Now consider this:  Hosanna Church is holding one of these Encounter weekends every week right now!

They are literally taking thousands of people through this process every year!  Each weekend a different segment of the church holds their own Encounter.  One weekend it is the teenage girls, the next the women, the next the young adults, and so on.

I wish I could have had a video camera to post something for you to see.  Even my phone was out of battery power, so I couldn't take a picture with it.  It is so inspiring to see the evidence of changed lives!

Joy Management (part 1)

One of the most revolutionary thoughts in the Bible is that idea that joy is a choice.  We can make up our mind to decide to pursue and cultivate joy.  Now, technically joy is actually a by-product (fruit) of the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life.  It is not a natural emotion, but rather a supernatural one.

But what we decide to believe and the attitude we choose to adopt will either tap the flow of Holy Spirit birthed joy or it will diminish evidence of that flow in your life.

Because the Holy Spirit is always trying to birth joy in us, we have the opportunity to manage its presence in our soul.  Over the next few posts, I will discuss the skills necessary for effective joy management.