Sunday off - no Church

What a strange feeling it was this past Sunday (Dec. 28th) to wake up at 9:00 a.m. and not already be at the Chateau Theaters having the band rock'in out and preparing to step forward and speak. Earlier this year our leadership team decided to "shut the church down" for one weekend. We wanted to go big before Christmas and then give everyone a break from the routine of Sunday mornings and let everyone relax with family.

It was strange not to be together with our church family.
It was good to just relax with my biological family.

What do you do with yourself on Sunday morning when you're so used to serving and leading at a church (not just Journey but other churches)? It's such a strange feeling. I times I felt really lost on Sunday... I really desired to be at a place of worship, with my friends. I sensed that I was missing out on something that day. I still connected with God personally throughout the day, but the family gathering, the love, the laughter, the tears of a tough week was missing.

I wondered.... "does anyone else miss gathering together to worship this morning as much as I do?"

I wonder now.... "will it inspire us, refresh our passion to serve, invest and gather together for God's glory?"
Or will it simply be a day off, a pointless day off?

It was worth taking off, it was good for me, my family, our leadership team. It was good to go big and then relax and simply be still with our thoughts and God. I just don't want to do it too often. It's hard on a driven person.

Post Christmas DIinner

WOW!
I can not go to bed until I express my thanks to God for empowering such an amazing group of people (Journey Family) that started early, stayed late, cook, baked, cleaned and served at our first FREE Christmas dinner. No ever hesitated as the storm rolled and the temps dropped and dropped. The commitment and passion to reach out to others in the name of Jesus was too strong.
Then the entire day went off without a hitch.
Sunday morning attendance was strong in-spite of the weather.
Then the Dinner drew between 150 -200 people over the course of the five hours.
Laughter, music, conversations and no blown circuits :)

At this time of year it's easy to coast. just go through the motions. I am so blessed to serve along side a church family that desires to advance not coast. To each of you I give my deepest thanks and sincerely pray that God bless you, surprise you as you did soooooooo many others and me today.

To my wife Cyndi, and my three daughters (Abbi, Sarah & Hannah) thank you for sharing me with others, and for you giving so much of yourselves as well. You four set the pace so often and endure so much as we move with God and risk.
May you all celebrate with me the joy of seeing the risk be worth it all.

What follows, I don't know yet. New doors for Journey are already opening for the summer. I do know, that this will only fuel the passion that is already within us to really reach our city for Jesus.

Merry Christmas... or Savior has come.... and dwells among us... he dwells in you my Journey family.

Misfit toys

During our series on a Christmas Family I referenced the classic movie, "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" and the island of misfit toys. A place where all the mixup up, dysfunctional toys go. The King of the island seeks these toys out, gives them a new home, with other misfit toys. They are all wanting to be needed, loved, valued and a part of a real family.

It's that what we all want, and yet we find it so hard to admit that we're all "misfits".
We're dysfunctional in someway.

The church has long been said to be a place where "anyone can come." "Come as you are with hurts, pains, and dysfunction." Yet the church often communicates shock, awe and rejection when the misfits really show up.
Shame on the church.

The King of Kings (Jesus/ God's son) came to live among us and bring us into his family. He came to us in our dysfunction... "come as you are." It's not God that is pushing people away...it's the church, us. It's those that find it hard to admit or remember that they were once a misfit toy as well.

I pray that this Christmas, we return to that simple truth, revealed by God.
"Come as you are."
Transformation will happen as you live in this amazing family and develop a real relationship with God.
But it will happen over time.
So I put a challenge out to myself, my friends, my church and the church at large.

Open wide your doors, let all the misfits and dysfunctional people come and find faith, love and hope this year.
My your home and churches be an island of refuge for the misfits of the world, not those who think that they have it all together.
I'm a misfit. I admit it. Welcome to the island of misfit toys called Journey church.

Special blog for 2009

I just published a new blog for our first discussion series of 2009.
ELEPHANTS IN THE CHURCH.

I want your help in exposing and discussing the "seen" but never discussed big elephants with our churches.
Jump over to.....


http://elephantsinthechurch.blogspot.com


and enter a whole nee conversation. Then as we begin this new adventure on Sunday, January 4th... come back again and again to respond and add to the elephant talk. Don't be silent about it... get excited we're going elephant hunting in 2009.
Let the fun begin.

Family Christmas

As we launch into our December focus on "Family", I am hit by the fact that my family is not near us again this season.
Our closest family is in Iowa, where Cyndi is from. My family is scattered across the world from Colorado, to the former USSR.
So for us (me) as we explore "A Family Christmas" it has a different twist than some might think.

As great as biological family is to many, my church and spiritual family is actually more important.
The family of Journey, and family of church planting pastors that I know mean so much to me. They are my focus, my support team and where I feel loved and needed. Being a part of such a diverse family wonderful and challenging at times. But they are my family. I have picked them, and they for some unknown reason have picked me. It's almost a magical thing to be included in such a family.

Such it is with God. God invites us to join into his family. His family filled with forgiveness, hope, love, joy, long suffering and much more. God personally came to dwell with us, and blend his family with my family. Once together it can't be separated!
For those that read this blog and are a part of my Journey Family... you'll never fully get rid of me. Family is family. Thanks for giving me a family that I can not live with out. You all are near and dear to me and my biological family. May nothing ever separate this amazing growing family that we share in Christ.

Yes it's a mixed up family... but it's my family and I love it!

First snow

Today marks are first real snow of the season. Not the slush stuff, but real snow. So tonight in honor of the first snow... we begin go rearrange the house, put up the tree, and decorate. It means this is the start of Christmas cards arriving in the mail and feeling ok with that, plus the Christmas cook season has officially started as well. Yum yum.

The count down to our big Christmas dinner is officially rolling as well. Less than 20 days. Wow is that fast approaching.
Pray, pray, pray.

Facebook Power

Last night I was reminded how much we have become a internet, instant communication world.
I posted a comment on my Face-book account that I was going to watch MNF at BWW.
As several of us were hanging out, two others showed up that had seen the posting and wanted to join the fun.

It was a great night, chicken fingers only 75 cents!!, lots of laughs, and solid relationship building between men.

Churches today, must take advantage of things like Face-book, podcasting, IM, etc. If we don't we are missing out on a very powerful evangelism tool. People are creating community and building relationships in real time via these internet based networks. I hope and pray the more and more churches seek to make great use of these tools. They are free! They are buzzing with activity and as I found out again last night... they are working as a new doorway to gather people together in the real world and make disciples for Christ.

The internet age is here... is the church, it's leaders and pastors ready to embrace it and go on exciting mission?

Worship Night

Before I head off to bed I must express my deepest thanks to Dave Reynolds and the entire Journey Band. What a great night of Praise and Worship at RCTC. The venue was perfect, the people in attendance sang, clap, shouted and praised God freely.
The band's practice and personal prayer and prep really showed and added so much the experience. You could that they were really enjoying themselves and enjoying worshipping with all of the soul.

It was extra special to be back on the RCTC campus 4 plus years after we launched Journey publicly at the RCTC Heintz Center.
IIt made it extra meaningful to have us come back with such gifts, talents, passions and committed servants. I pray that beyond those that were in the Hill Theater, God's Holy Spirit was felt in a powerful over all of the college campus.

I look forward to our next worship night. And to our upcoming "Family Christmas" event at the 4-H Building on the Olmsted County Fair Grounds. May we also reach up to God and reach out at the same time.

Thank you EVERYONE that served, set-up, teared-down, prayed or played in the band. Your love of God, does not go unnoticed.

Faith, Love & Hope

What a week in the life of this young church family. We talk of being a church of Faith, Love and Hope. A family that really risks and goes the extra mile for those in need. Well the last few weeks and days have seen that lived out.

Our church family emotionally and financially invested big in Jen, a 24 year old here in Rochester for Medical treatment.
Then this week she totals her car, in a car accident with the bad weather. With a neck brace and sling, I drove her back to Duluth where her mom lives and she will be receiving more care.

Two of our own Journey family members seek help and try to get jobs. While our "We Care" fund helps them with food and gas.

Saturday, Mike and Karen Ellsworth's neighbors house burns to the ground, and the Ellsworth's home is smoked filled, so they must evacuate. The Journey family goes into action to help the Ellseworth and their neighbor.

Days and weeks like this are crazy and intense. How many of them can a church take on and survive? Far more than we can imagine if we really believe in being an Acts Chapter 2 type church. A church marked by Faith, Hope and Love. Not merely in words, but action and resources. "They shared everything that they had" (acts 2:43), "they shared everything that they had....They had no needy people among them, because those who owned land or house would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to them in need." (acts 4:32, 34).

As we talk about financial matters, as we talk about giving and supporting the church mission through our offerings we often forget how many lives are really impacted by what we give, or don't give. It's a real challenge to be a church marked by generosity when the world is in self-protect and apathy mood. Yet, if we trust in God, risk and invest like we have... and even more. We will be seen as a community of "Faith, Love and Hope."

Some day, could be your day when you need financial aid, support that can only come from our "We Care" fund and the generous gifts and offering that are given and received at our gatherings. Some weeks are more intense than others.
Even as we have helped those that we mentioned, there have phone calls for aid and help that we have not acted on.
The need is great, the committed workers and givers are few.

Thanks for giving and making this week possible. You have made an impact.
No let's do it again, with you give generously this week.

Generis

Sunday, we continued our mini-series on "Trapped". I shared about how early Jesus followers who appeared to have nothing gave generously to the mission of Jesus. It was through their own personal encounter with Jesus, healing, freedom, and passion to have others experience the same thing with Christ that drove them to give generously. Living a generous life, is based on an ever expanding heart for the "Kingdom of God." The more you are transformed, the more that you will want to help us meet Jesus, become free and start living fully alive. Read Luke 8:1-3. Look closely at three ladies that because of thier personal freedom in Christ, freely gave generously to advance the mission and movement of God.

Sunday we used a brief media clip to set up our conversation. Here it is for you to watch... I hope it inspires you as it has others.
Watch it on the side bar of my blog or cut and paste the link below.

http://www.sermonspice.com/videos/12463/closed-fist-syndrome--cfs-

I want to but....

Every week I get the chance to talk to a wide variety of people. Some are followers of Jesus and many are not. What amazes me is how often the subject of money comes up. Money and what people can and can't do with it. Money and how if they only had a little bit more they would finally be able to do such and such a thing. Money is often a limiter in people's lives... or so it seems. So many people are waiting to live and do something great... once they have enough money.

I hear it all the time... "I want to give but I just can't do it now."

Now I understand that many, many people are upside down in debt. But should that limit your giving to God?
Giving to God is directly linked to the heart. A heart that is free from sin, pain, fear, regret, etc. How free is free?

Is God's gift of freedom a great gift to you, or small left over.
Many people live giving from their left overs and never really growing in the faith.
While a few seem to grow and grow while living on the leftovers.
Which are you?

"I want to but".... never worked with Jesus. He was committed to show us how to give generously first... even when it didn't make sense. Yet, the eternal benefits of his generous gift is priceless. What if we stopped waiting for the checkbook to balance perfect, the credit card debt to gone, the gas prices to drop and we just started to give first?

What if we partnered with God and fueled the mission of Jesus to reach the lost, hurt, broken... even as we are being saved, mended and restored.

Sober Birthday

Last night I had the chance to hang with a new friend... Justin. Justin has just completed a re-entry program after serving time for crimes that he committed and drug abuse. Justin has become a Jesus follower and has begun to dive into serving at Journey. Last night, Justin invited several of his new "friends and family" to go celebrate his birthday with a night of bowling.
What a great time. THe scores were low, but the laugh count was high!

As we left, I asked Justin when was the last time that he had a "sober Birthday party?"
He said, at about the age of 12! Over 12 years ago!!!
How sad, but how awesome that he is not only free from prison, sober.. but that he is free of his past and living a whole new life with Jesus and the family of God. I look forward to many more nights like that.

Keep it up Justin. We're proud of you.

Strange Times

As I have been preparing my discussion outline for this Sunday (Nov. 2nd), I have been struck by some very strange and conflicting data. As I explored the depth of the pain and worry that people are facing in light of the current financial crisis I was very surprised. Overall there is a real sense that our entire world is in a global recession and hard times have only just begun.
Banks are broke. Homes are getting foreclosed on and companies are cutting staff left and right.
Yet, surveys show that people feel that they are living better than they have in a long time.

I'm confused.

Collapse of financial securities everywhere and yet families feel that they are doing better than a year ago or more!

Is this possible?
As Jesus followers yes, it is possible because our hope and worth does not come from the stuff of this earth.
Yet, it's not just Christians that feel better off... over half of the population, across the board feels better off.

I'm wondering if we have all begun to see and believe that trusting man and our man-made kingdoms will always fail us.
Maybe more and more of us are seeing the cup is half full and we're able to enjoy what we have, rather than what we don't have.
Or maybe, the skeptic in me says, we're all not buying into the gloom and doom story that we hear and read about each day.
Maybe... we're smarter than what the media and others thing we are.

What the case is... I'm confused. Do we celebrate this sense of "feeling better off" or do teach and prepare people how to deal with the stress, fear, and worries of a strange, strange world?

Men and video games

Friday night we had a great time going to Gameworks and just being men. Ok maybe we were boys again for the night.
15 people in all made the trip to one of the biggest and best arcades in the region. We raced formula one cars, shot zombies, danced, danced, danced to dance revolution and even battled it out in air-hockey.

It's always fun to see how a little bit of heart-pumping action and sound effects can help men bond and get to know each other in new ways. Half of our gang knew each other well either being long term Journey attenders or as apart of the Damascus Way re-entry program. But by the time we had eaten dinner, shot a few zombies... we we're all acting like bog kids together. No separation, just a gang of crazy guys out for a night in the big city.

Sometimes we make outreach harder than it needs to be. That's what I love about Journey. Even the simplest things, can be turned into high impact outreach,fellowship and discipleship opportunities. Keep it simple, keep it fun and open to all.
I can't wait until our next "guys night out".

By the way, we are looking at a Paint-ball day and a fun-loving contest with our daughter church the Crux in 2009.
Oh that will be awesome... men and paint guns. Splat!

Until next time men, keep training hard on the Wii systems and practicel, practice on the shooting range and any local arcade.

Hospital waiting rooms

Today I took a road trip with two good friends to have Bill get a surgery procedure done. I had the chance to see him in a hospital gown, look at a strange sculpture, and visit with his wife Sara all day. It was a long so, fast day all mixed together.
The waiting room environment has changed a lot since over the years. Technology plays a big part of patient care and family waiting. BUt the biggest change in the waiting room was when a golden retriever came up and befriended Sara and I ( along with others in the area). Reba the door brightened the, brought laughter and conversation alive. It was fun ton see how a peaceful, friendly spirit made such an impact on people in tense times.

Maybe the next time that we're in a hospital waiting room... we can have the same effect as Reba the dog.

Get better Bill, and thanks for allowing me to be of service and help you both today!

My Personal Faith

This Sunday we explored the Parable of the 10 Bridesmaids (Matthew 25:1-13)
Half of the bridesmaids we're fully prepared with extra oil and the lamp was burning bright when the bridegroom returned.
The other five, got lazy, bored with waiting for the grooms return and they were unprepared. No oil, no extra oil and there for the did not have a lamp that radiated any light.

It's hard parable, because Jesus teaches very clearly here... your faith is your personal responsibility. If you don't take personal responsibility for it, in the end you will be judged accordingly. Man that's hard to take in from such a God that is know for grace, love, and forgiveness.

The reality is, we live in a world low personal accountability and responsibility. We live in a world that allows for excuses and last minute bail outs, rather than having people take account for their choices or even lack of choices. Making no choice is still make a choice.

In the church, many of us rely others faith. Mom and Dad believe so I must be ok. I go to church, when I can, and I feel refreshed after words so I must go to go. This parable seems really harsh in verse 9, as the five bridesmaid who were prepared say to the other five, "We don't have enough for all of us. Go to the shop and buy some for yourselves."

May faith is mine, I can either keep it fueled, energized or I can run dry.. it's my choice.
The sad part is, if I let run dry, I may miss out on many amazing things that God would love for me to be apart of.
In the end, if my lamp is not shinning, it may effect eternity itself.

The maids all got sleepy, they all nodded off. Yet when the groom came, five still were prepare enough to burn bright and go with the groom (Jesus). I don't know how else to say it, I have to stay awake. I want to help others stay awake.
Everyone can take more responsibility for their own faith... if they really want to. But if you're sleeping life away... I guarantee you're going to miss out on so many things.

How's your faith, your lamp burning these days?
How do you get re-fueled when the faith journey gets long?
How prepared are you to go the distance?
How personal is your faith today?

Drivers License

Well today Cyndi and I entered into a phase of life... we have a 16 year with a drivers license!
It has not been easy for her to pass the final drivers test. Parallel parking.. who really does that anymore anyway.

But today she got-er done!

It's proud day for her and her parents. Plus it's a nervous day for us.
Now she goes on our insurance, can driver alone (when we let her), and she gains more independence and responsibility!

A a mixture of emotions and thoughts... mostly all good.
My little girl is growing up to be a fine young lady... the clock is ticking and today is just a reminder of that.

KINGdoms - Preamble

Week one of the our new discussion series got a lot of people thinking about our world kingdoms vs our heart kingdom.
The heart Kingdom is God's active, present Kingdom among those that follow Jesus and him Lord, Master, Savior, King.
Yet far too many of us don't believe that this heart kingdom can really exist now, or make a lasting impact. So so we continue to try and use man's kingdom to fix our problems and rely on.

Where do you put your trust in man of God?
Jesus taught that our attitude, our heart condition creates a new kingdom. It moves, it grows, it's seen and yet makes a lasting impact, a dangerous impact in the lives of those that are effected by it. It's a hard concept to fully understand I admit. Yet, you can not deny that's it's just as real as any earthly power or kingdom... even more powerful.

It all comes down to your attitude.
Attitudes define and control us. They our daily course in life so often.

So sound off... what's your attitude? Is it focused on earthly stuff or the unshakeable, eternal values of God?

Church planters retreat

I just got back from a two day church planters retreat in Whalen, MN... south of Lanesboro.
This annual get away has always been important to me and my wife. It's a time of relaxing, refueling and reconnected with like minded brothers and sisters that face many of the same highs and lows we have do each week, month, year.

This year EVERYONE physically tired. It was a two day... nap for many of the leaders and couples. We've had years when couples have come in battle weary and worn... this year it was simply a energy break for most people. It was really strange. No late night card games, no earth shattering stories or prayer request. It was like any of the 4 prior years that I've attended.

Yet it was great in a different way. I was able to share this time with Bill Ellingson ( Director at Journey/ best friend and great guy)
He just lost his job at Qwest and the timing of this retreat was perfect for him and his place in life. Plus he heard and connected with other crazy ducks like me. Yes, that's a good thing.

It was much needed get away as we press forward into fall and a extra special holiday season at Journey.

Crazy daze!

I really love what I do for a living! Yet, often I get questions (not jokes) what do you really do all day?
It's hard to explain how some days, even weeks are smooth, calm, organized and I read, dream and actually do what seems like very little "work" as most people may call it.

Then there are days and weeks when everything hits and hits and hits.
Yesterday was a great example of a crazy day after several days or peace, prep and dreaming.

9:00 - 11:00 met with another are Pastor.... great time sharing what God is doing in both of our church communities.
11:00 - 11:30 receive call that key leader lost his job of 7 years (BIG SURPRISE)
Noon - 2 p.m. lunch meeting with a new couple to our church that is facing major life/ family issues.
2- 4 p.m. - Visit guy who was let go from job and talked with another person about some major life struggles.
4:30 walk in house, my phone rings and I receive new that "uncle Bob" former attender of Journey just passed away after long battle with Cancer. 1/2 talk on phone with grieving young man about this family loss.
8:30 p.m. as I go to turn off cell phone (off by 9 each night), call comes in from teenager wanting to meet next week and has lost of questions about emotions he feeling and who is God.

I love these type of days. Really.
I feel that I am really serving, ministering, helping people in the name of Jesus.
I feel extremely close God because I must lean on Him, his strength and understand. I must stay linked with God or I would crack and be a nut case.
I'm also glad that God has wired me to transition quickly from joy to sadness.
But I'm also glad that I had several days of calm, peace and dreaming. My battery was spiritually and emotionally charged to face a day like yesterday.

I do not wish pain or hardship on anyone.... but I am glad that God has wired me to do this amazing job called Church planting and pastor a church or searching people.

Upside down teaching

This week we wrapped up our series on Relationship Tag and I lead a discussion God's radical call to forgiveness... not "I'm sorry".
What wild and crazy LIFE group we had on Sunday night as we went deeper into this topic. Real struggles shared and real desire to try and live out forgiveness at this Kingdom level.

Look at what Jesus says on this matter - Matthew 5:23-24
"So if you are presenting your sacrifice at the alter in the temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice at the alter. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God."

God cares more about relationships than our checkbook/ offering... WOW!
STOP... don't play religious games... address the issues of a strained relationship.
GO.... don't expect someone else to do this... you are called to action.
FORGIVE... release the other from the anger, pain, hardship.... even if they don't receive it... you do your part.
GIVE... then come back and give generously from a free heart... giving will be even more natural and important.

This idea is very personal and is a form or sacrificial worship in itself. You give up your rights to be be right and you give forgiveness, praying and working toward reconciliation. There are no guarantees...but Jesus says Go.

Churches may have some "small" giving weeks if we really live this out.
But in the long run, we may have freer people, and more generous, praise giving people.

Radical, risky, of a whole other mindset. A Kingdom mindset that comes from God, not this world.
What do you think?

FireProof the movie

Last night Cyndi and I went on a date and watched a new film called "FIREPROOF".
The film was produced, written and directed by the same people (church) that created "Facing the Giants" and "Flywheel"

The quality, acting, humor and depth that display in dealing the painful reality of a marriage gone cold and bad is incredible.
They pull no punches and they don't make it easy to simply come back together.
The film is coming out just as we wrap up our series on "Tag". And man are there several great scenes of tag played out in this story. It make be fiction, but it's based on so much truth.

Plus the 40 day love challenge show in the film will blow you away.

It's a 5 star film. It may not be "Family / kids film" this time, but it's an important film.
By the way, Kirk Cameron gives his best acting performance in this film. Really... he does a great job.

Invest in your marriage, deepen your desire to really love your spouse and go see FIREPROOF.

"never leave your partner in a fire."

Storms

I loved the weather yesterday! It was juts the right temp and I could feel all day long that we were in for a fun storm.
I got in the house at 7 p.m and the rain was falling, the winds were picking up and it was DARK.
So cool.
Then the thunderclaps began and it was even better. (Not all my kids agreed at this point)

Then storms fade around 9:30.
At 11 I went to bed and there was a cool breeze blowing in the bedroom window and a casual rain fall.
Then at Midnight... BANG! The storm was back.
It was so loud!

I loved it.

What can I say.... I'm a freak sometimes.

Church Growth

We are called to make disciples, God said that he would build his church.
I love that our focus is to be on people not organization and power. Throughout history the church has focused on power.... power over people and their lives by fear, guilt and sin.

We all sin. We all know that we sin. Sin is a never ending battle that we all face, and we all face the shame and regret that comes with it. We don't need religious leaders and organizations reminding us over and over again how bad we are.
The first century religious system had fallen into that and look how that helped people grow with God and one another.

Jesus came and exposed that fear power driven system. Jesus often could be heard sayings things like "you say, but I say.
Or "you say, but God says." Jesus was always trying to draw us back to original mission, of saving mankind by faith, hope and love... not fear and manipulation.

The church in the first in the first century exploded on the scene through people and personal relationship. Not a system. They had no system. They had not officially building to gather at. Read Acts 2:42-47.

I love it that within the last year Journey has grown through very personal relationships. 6 babies have been born in 12 months.
More families are coming than ever before... of all ages. If we continue to focus on real people, real issues, and develop real relationships we too may explode like the early church. Systems will come and develop out of need and natural gifts and passions... not out fear and control. In don't want to control people, God or the Holy Spirit. I want to see people live free full lives, that are passion-driven under God's love and directed by the Holy Spirit.

The church will grow... as long as we stay focused on the mission of making disciples... not making "churches"

Tough start today

I got this morning and started a new day. A happy Friday. It's been a good week.
This morning I was to meet with several fellow Pastors that sever in the SE part of MN. This is a monthly meeting a great time of fellowship and growth.

On the way to buying coffee and donuts for this meeting I hit a dog with my car.
Another driver and I picked up the dog, put it in my truck and drove to the nearby Vet emergency clinic.
Needless to say, the poor dog did not make it.

Not how I had planned to start my day. It's amazing how you can be moving along just great and then tragedy actually jumps out of front of you. In a church like the one I lead, death is such a forgotten thing. Youth is great, death is not on the radar.
Even though I did not know this dog, it affected my thoughts and actions for the day.

Today I killed a dog, the hard part is.... I have no idea whose pet it was. There is no one to report to, or ask forgiveness of.
That makes it even stranger to shake off.

Let's hope that aren't many days like this one coming around soon.

Pastor Greg Boyd

I just returned from the fall kick off of the our local Pastors fellowship monthly meeting. We had the chance to hear from Pastor Greg Boyd (Woodland Hills Church, Mpls). I have not always agreed 100% with what Greg has published or taught on. Yet, today I found his talk very much in line with how we are teaching people to transform the world through transformed lives. Not by a political agenda or pushing our way on to the world. Rather by living so radically different as Jesus followers, we will be seen as different and therefore bring about change.

Greg said it well there are two sets of kingdom questions. Kingdom questions of this world and kingdom questions of God's kingdom. How will we answer them? Under whose authority and value system do you live by?

Jesus lived a radical, counter-cultural life and yet did not picket and march on Rome. Rather he lived a life that created a power struggle that came through sacrifice, death, faith, love and hope. We have bought into the idea that we are called to reform the world, when we have been called to transform lives. The world will be transformed, reform will come.. as lives are radically transformed to follow the ways of Jesus. Die to self. Willing risk for others when it doesn't make sense.

It was refreshing to hear Pastor Boyd share how he lost 1,000 people that attended his church as he taught these biblical truths.
The church was to be a movement, not a monument. Movements make impact and shape the cultural and time that we live in.
It also is costly because it causes people to choice a value system. Therefore it will shake up our churches and lives. Jesus said,
"count the cost". It dangerous and exciting to hear another person today, speak with a kindred heart on these kingdom matters.

There is a battle raging... it's timeless.
It's not a war of flesh and blood... but of spiritual values and kingdoms.

Thanks for the reminder today... Greg.

Tag...the orginal relationship game

We all crave love, intimacy and deep friendships. So why is it that we so often find ourselves playing tag with those very same people? Tag... the game with very little rules, but can create very deep wounds. Tag..."I'm more right that you." Tag..."You're it and I'm". I can not count how many games of tag that Cyndi and I have played in our 19 plus years of marriage. What's strange is there have been times when we've known exactly what we're doing and yet we don't stop, we don't shut down the "game."

Why do we always have to be right?
Why don't we see protecting love, unity and oneness as more important that coming out on top?

Mankind started this never ending game of tag, and yet it was God who sent Jesus Christ to end the "game."
Jesus willing submitted to his fathers plan and died on the cross.
Jesus the one guy who was always right, always perfect, always loving... submitted unto death because restoring UNITY and ONENESS was more important to God than being right.

We may not like the word submit, because it means that we give up our "rights" to tag someone else.
Submit sounds like such a lower class word. Yet our greatest hero, freely submitted and gained victory.

Which is more important being "right" or living and loving in an amazing relationship built on respect, honor, and oneness?
You want to stop playing tag... step back and submit for the sake of the relationship.

It's the hardest thing that you can do... and yet it's the best thing that we can do.

NFL replays

Tonight I had some guys over to watch the Packer vs Vikings on Monday NIght Football. There were both Packer and Viking fans in the room and we all agreed that the broadcast lacked.... a lot. Especially when it came to showing replays. Replays are always fun to watch and you often learn a lot about a team or player. What made this nights replays... or lack there of ... was that on several key, questionable plays.... we never saw the replay!!!!!

Over the last few years there has been talk that since the NFL doesn't have paid "professional" officials, broadcast networks and replay system at the game sights must be careful not to embarrass the officials. Well there were over 20 penalties in the game tonight including a "offensive man down field" cal that cost the packers a TD!!!!

Even the Viking fans watching the game its was poor call and deserved a better look for everyone.

I don't if ESPN... "leader in sports" just had a bad broadcast night because of their double heard game night or what.
I just hope that the NFL hasn't forced the broadcaster to avoid showing us the tough calls. We deserve to see the tough calls and it's always been apart of the NFL process.

And what's up with the game number #2 game??? Can't ESPN get a better broadcast team than MIke, Mike and Mike?
Maybe that's another post.

NFL 2008 is here!

I always love it when the preseason is over and the NFL kicks off the regular season. You can feel the intensity rise... bang it's game on! What's hard is that the NFL schedule has become more disconnected. Thursday, September 5th was the first game of the new season. Not Monday NIght or even a prime-time Sunday game. It was so strange to watch the Giants play the Redskins on Thursday night and really believe that this was the start of something exciting.

None the less, the season is underway.

This Monday night my Green Bay Packers battle the Minnesota Vikings in game #1 of a MNF double header. (I still have issues that ESPN has the Monday night broadcast. But that's another rant). So much has been said and made about Brett Farve, his behavior, his passion to play again and his going to the Jets. All of that is behind us... sort of. The Monday night broadcast team will have plenty to talk about both on and off the field. I am actually excited to see what Aaron Rodgers can do in his first official NFL start. Minnesota isn't a great power house team and has many questions on their team as well. So anything can happen on opening night. Risks takers and dreams are coming to play it out on the grid iron.

It's a redefining year for many teams in the league. Who will emerge as the new star of the league? Who will fall from grace and become the team that blew it? So strap it on, and gear up on munchies and Mt. Dew it's game time again. It just makes you want to go tackle someone!

Friendships

This past summer I've several hard talks with long time friends. Talks over why it's gotten so much harder to stay connected like we used to. In every conversation it was agreed that part of the struggle is families grow, change and actual take over at times.
Jobs have changed and responsibilities have increased with the job changes. That is a blessing a a curse at times me and my friends have found out.

We all know that friends change over the course of a life time, it just doesn't make it any easier to see once strong relationships die a slow death. No one is to blame and yet everything is to blame. Life moves at mach 5 and relationships suffer. Each of the friendships agreed that each of us have said "no" to possible get togethers or have had stuff just pop up.

On the other hand I have reconnected with several old friends through Facebook and our website. It's been fun and exciting to reconnect, hear how life is and dream of actually seeing some of these "old friends" face to face again. But to do that, I'll have to say no to other friends.

Finally, I love meeting new people making new friends. But as each new person comes into my life, there is less and less for other friends. Not all friends need to be "deep friends." But those "deep friendships" must be protected.

I rant on this, because I have no easy solutions. Maybe you do.
I am a people person... for better or whose that will always create a blessing and a curse.
If you read this and see yourself as one of those "lost" friends or "weaken friendships"... understand it's nothing personal.
You are still loved, needed and valued.

Crisis of the heart

We often create our own CRISIS OF THE HEART.
Not a happy thought, but often a true one. I find it especially true for those that follow Jesus Christ and really embrace the heart change that comes from living life with him. The more our heart changes, the more our life will change and the more we'll set ourselves apart from those that we love the most... and there is the crisis of the heart.
We love to know God more and we love to avoid crisis and conflict so what do we do?

I learned something very cool this last week as I was preparing my outline for our Sunday morning discussion at Journey.
The Chinese symbols for CRISIS are identical to those that are for the word OPPORTUNITY. In fact it's literally translated , "Crisis is an opportunity riding on dangerous winds."

Is that how you see the crisis in your life? Are the opportunities are land-mines to avoid?

God can take anything, even crisis to help us grow, mature, and even be more effective in this world.
Now I'm not saying, let's go try and make crisis situations pop up for the sake of making more drama. Rather, as crisis come to our lives, embrace them and learn from them. Actually step into them. With each crisis you have choices to make. As Jesus followers often the choice that wants us to take will create more crisis between family, friends, co-workers. You have a choice, a tough choice. Follow God no matter the cost. Or side step it and avoid it all together.

My heart wants to beat with the things of God so badly. Therefore I am a person of crisis and conflict.
Crisis and conflict, because I have chosen paths different that very good friends and bosses.

Sometimes our heart lead to make bad choices and we have a heart crisis that requires us to go backwards, repent, fix relationships and return more committed to God.
Sometimes our heart is so in tune with God we make new heart crisis develop.

So how do you handle crisis of the heart? Do you feel the winds of opportunity approaching or are you wanting the winds to fade away and not require you to make a heart choice.

Jesus said count the cost.

Child of God - Narnia style

This Sunday I had the privilege to sit in the crowd (with my wife) and hear Rachel Strouf speak before our Journey family.
I knew that with all her hard work and prep. With her natural love for the story and her love for God she would do well on the platform. But wow... she did outstanding! Two services, one morning, first-time giving a message!!!!

Rachel shared about how a believers, Jesus followers we are "sons of Adam and daughters of Eve".
Sons and daughter of the most high sovereign God.
As she spoke on the deeper truth of how we can really live a life as Children of God, the Prince Caspian film helped her paint a clear picture of the life in Christ that can be ours.

As I heard her speak, I felt sad by how few of us... that call ourselves Christians stand tall and live as a son or daughter of Royalty. Not snobbish, but as chosen, gifted and willing to reclaim this world with God.
Far to many us, crawl through life and our faith.... rather than stand tall in Christ... a member of the eternal family.

Rachel was right, we live in a world full of all the great things that make great movies and stories. Love, adventure, drama, pain, hardship, battles and surprising victories. The adventure is now... it is real.... the question is are we willing to jump into the adventure, stand tall and show how being a child of the "King of Kings" makes all the difference.

Today could be the beginning of your adventure. Are you ready?

Olympic games

The 2008 Olympic games in China have been very exciting to watch.
Records are being not just re-written... but smashed.
Can we really see Mark Spitz swimming/ medal count record go by the way side. Yes.
Can we see Volleyball history be reset in the sand. Yes.
Can we see american gymnastics go in as the underdog, missing two key leaders, rise to the challenge. Yes.

Yet as amazing as these games are, something is missing.
There is a charm, a spark, a glow that certain athletes give off when Olympics come around.
I have not seen that spark yet. There is no "darling of the games" yet.
I'm not saying that haven't been special moments or amazing athletes. Because their have been.

Maybe it's partly because of where these games are being held. China has done a super job creating venues and acting as a host it would seem. But there is also a air of seriousness that seems to hanging in the air. It's like something is stopping the lid from popping of and blowing us away.

Maybe I'm just frustrated by how one of the all time olympic sports (gymnastics) has been turned into a video review conference call setting, rather than seeing what the naked eye and heart can see. Living under a microscope is no fun... having sport under a microscope is even worse.

I have to admit, I have had a blast watching the games live each night with my kids, taking about the judging, the history of the events and how much talent there is. It's been a fun family time if nothing else.

Farve

I have been a Green Bay Packer fan all of my life and have been fortunate to see the greatest NFL QB play the game and play it for one team and with a great amount of class. The last few months it has been extremely hard to see and hear how Brett Farve is behaving. I can understand his passion and drive for the game. Personally I think he never should have retired. I thought he had a least one or two more good years in him.

But once he retired... stay retired... stay a man of class.

Today his actions continue hurt the lasting image we all have of him. I wish Reggie White were alive, I believe Brett would listen to the wise counsel of Reggie and stay retired. The Packers are have done the right thing in this case. Farve retired, they drafted for Rodgers skills and moved on. You can't second guess yourself in August, in the NFL. Farve in his head knows this, but his heart and passions are over riding common sense. It's so hard to hear and watch.

I really hope he doesn't get traded, become a hired gun and go out looking ugly!
I really hope he wakes up tomorrow, realizes what a mess he making completely comes down to reality.

I have really enjoyed seeing Farve play the game with the freedom, love and passion of a kid. But now it's time to grow up and leave the field like a man... as he first said he was doing.

Brett thanks for the memories..... please don't tarnish them anymore.... please.

Fair Week 2008

Well yesterday the gates of the Olmsted County Fair 2008 offically opened to the general public. That means min-dounts, cotton candy, rides, smelly animals and the Journey Booth are all ready to go. Our booth this year got a face lift, thanks to our friends at Technlodgy Concepts! Throughout the week that booth will be manned by many different Journey volunteers. So this year I thought it would be fun to let you share your fair stories.

Who did meet?
What did you eat?
Was is a slow day or was it out of control crazy?

Simply share with us how your volunteer or family time at the fair went.
Let's hear what God is doing day by day as we reach out to our city in this special way.

Thanks for making an impact.

Rich

Dog Days of Summer

I can feel it in the air and in people... the "Dog Days of Summer" are nealy upon us.
Two of three meetings that I had this week, people appeared half awake, tired, run down, bored.
Church we had a strange Sunday with set up and organizational stuff. The last few weeks, we've had volunteers just not show up.
Man that's always so tough, but extra hard when you see others running down.

A week ago, my phone rang almost non-stop, and there were some major events in peoples lives that exploded all at the same time. I was feeling tired. This week.... silence. Those two extremes, remind me the Dog Days are almost here.
(Even the ski show we went to last night was fully of mistakes and went on and on and on)

I love Summer, I'll take it over winter any day. But when the dog days come, energy, focus, determiation begins to slip... I hate that. I know that we can't stay "jacked up" all the time, but can't we stay more balanced, focused and resolved to stay in the game and get things done. So if you're like me and you are feeling the dogs nipping at your feet.... give them a big swift kick and continue to press on, enjoy life and do what you do best!

Dark Knight rocks

2 and half hours... that's how long the latest Batman film is and it's worth every cent that I paid!
The last Batman film I thought really captured the Batman / Bruce Wayne of the comics. A man committed to protecting his dark, broken city at all cost. The Dark Knight.... goes even further into the original comic-book vibe and brings to life the Joker as he was meant to be.

The Joker was always an insane insane, character.
Jack Nicolson played the Joker like no other had... up until the late Heath Ledger took on the role.
My skin crawled at times as Ledger brought to life the raw insanity of the Joker. No history on who he really was, what made him the way he was.... simply insanity at it's best and worse. His only goal was to see or help a good man to fall.

Two- Face / Harvey Dent sub-story was so well crafted it amazed me. Two-face can be played so shallow and silly as we have seen in other Batman films. But the fall of Harvey Dent was played with real tragedy! "You either die a hero, or life long enough to see yourself become the villain." That's Harvey's story in a nut shell. He lived to long, survived the Jokers insane game and now is almost as crazy as the Joker. Even the make up at the end was right out of the comics. Amazing!

This film should get Heath Ledger an Oscar. Not from of a reaction that he died so young, but because his performance was so real and powerful. The Joker was a dark character and Ledger let us see that darkness as never before.

If you are expecting Adam West or Burt Ward to make a cameo and add a funny line somewhere.... don't waste your time looking for it. No this is action, drama, and a comic book film that gives us a powerful glimpse of our culture and world if it every went over the edge insane and dark. It has enough realness in it to keep you glued to your seat, and enough comic book history woven into to make you wish this type of insane criminal and dark reality never comes to be.

Now we must wait for the next Batman film... featuring the battle between Two-face and Batman.
The only question is.... who from Batman's vast rogue gallery of criminals will we see come to life and be played properly.
We can only hope that no one allows this current collection of Batman adventures to be cheapen, lightened up or made shallow. Forget the 70's Super-friends, 1960's campy Batman... this is Batman as he was always meant to be seen.

I can't wait to see it again, as I prepare to do my annual discussion series... "at the movies".
This August you can guarantee that THE DARK KNIGHT will be used as a spring board to help us explore and learn God's time truths.

Many Rivers in Trouble

Today I came across this new acticle on the KROC news site.
If this comes to pass it is a sad, sad news story because a group of these young men attend Journey almost every weekend and have become apart of our church family the best that their situation allows.

Read article:
07/16/2008 - LOCAL JUVENILE OFFENDER TREATMENT CENTER CLOSING
Andy Brownell KROC-AM NEWS
Budgetary pressures are being blamed for the expected demise of the Many Rivers Residential Treatment Center in Rochester. Olmsted County Community Services Director Paul Fleissner says the County Board will be presented next week with a recommendation to close the facility this fall. Fleissner says the treatment center, which is separate from the 12-bed Many Rivers Juvenile Detention Center, has run significant deficits since it opened in 1997 and will likely require a transfer of about $175,000 from reserve funds this year to cover the cost of providing sex offender and other treatment programs to juvenile offenders. It's estimated that sending those offenders to other treatment facilities in Minnesota would cut the county's costs by over 30-percent. Fleissner also notes that about half of the offenders housed in the 24-bed center are usually from other counties, which means Olmsted County taxpayers end up subsidizing their treatment. Closing the facility is expected to result in the loss of 20 regular and 15 on-call positions. In addition, the Rochester School District's Campus School, which serves the juvenile offenders at the treatment center, will close when the county discontinues the program November 1st.

I fully understand that such a program may seem to be too much, or not worth the investment... but these young men that have come through our church doors really need a place like Many Rivers. Society has hurt them, they aren't equippeed to handle the battles of life on their own at this time. Some of have been hurt and rejected by their families for what they have done. Shipping them off to another place, not as focused on sexual matters is not right. These young people need special focused help.... not a general criminla program.

We have meet these young men, meet their oversees and have seen them open up, interact properly and even worship God. Each week that I see these kids, we talk , laugh, give high fives and they tell me they want to attend Journey each week because they are getting something they never understood before. Yes it's a high price to put out... but we're seeing God things happen. Let's be praying for Olmsted County and the staff and offenders learning at Many Rivers. May God make away and let them continue to learn, grow and change.

Heaven on my mind

Kind of been a strange week... all week.
First my week started off with a strange dream.... read the posting on it.
Then I began preparing in detail my first discussion outline for our new series on Heaven.
As I began the process, my wife called and told me that a long time friend had passed away after a long battle with cancer.
Then just yesterday (Thursday, July 10th) I get word that another man that we knew from our last church had passed away.

Two men that knew and loved Jesus passionately and both went home to Heaven in the same week.
It really has added some extra meaning for me as I explore the scriptures and go deeper and deeper in prep for Sunday.

A few days ago these men both suffered, family and friends provided aid and comfort... today the two live a new life, in new bodies in a eternal home with their King/ Savior Jesus. Memories of pain now forever overcome with Joy.
Families talk, share and mourn and yet are not crippled by the loss.
No in fact the wife and daughter of one of these men attended their softball game as they always have on Thursday night. (they beat us.... maybe some extra angels in the outfield that night... or maybe just bad hitting by us again)

Heaven should be a source of HOPE.... I hope that this weekend and the next few weeks those who attend Journey, down load our pod-cast, get into a LIFE group catch the reality of that HOPE and see how very real Heaven is.

Don & Dennis... I hope you are really enjoying your new home in Heaven. We'll see you soon.

Strange Dream

Last night I had a strange dream.. it really emotionally hit me. As I came out if it in the middle of the night I was almost in tears... I had been in tears in the dream. My oldest daughter (Abbi) and I were packing up a cart, outside some place and she was asking me why Journey was closing, why no one else was taking my place as pastor.

No lie this is the real dream!

I was in tears as I said something along the lines of, "Well no one really seemed to care one way or the other."

This dream came to me the very evening that we had discussed catching Jesus Grander Vision, believing in the supernatural adventure of "Fishing for men" and how big it can be. This dream came at the close of a weekend where we had a huge fourth of July BBQ and baptized three people. We celebrated the "catch". This dream came after a LIFE Group discussion that was very free flowing and fresh and yet left me wondering how inspired, encouraged, amped up others were to see an even great catch for God be brought in.

I have to admit, I get even more jazzed up about reaching people, the more I see people far from God turn to Him and radically change. After weekends like this I feel a sense of urgency to make sure that we're really fishing as Jesus would want us to. That we're praying and expecting the supernatural to happen and our nets (churches, life groups) explode.

I feel so passionate, and I'm sure I look like a crazy dreamer at times like these.
Maybe that's why that dream hit me so hard last night. Maybe my own words, in my own dream are one of my deepest fears.
I have to care, I want to care. Half-way, lukewarm doesn't cut it with me.

I want to see what the disciples saw. I want to experience what the early church did. I want to to all of Olmsted County come to know Jesus as Savior..... that's 120,000 people.

So if you are one of those that look at me and say... "he's just a little to crazy about this God thing, or the potential of the church, it's people, our transformed life stories." All I can saw is, I'm sorry... I just don't to ever live out that dream with my daughter!

Power of Your Story

This last Sunday we discussed our personal life stories can be used by God in a powerful way to help others meet God.
The trouble is few of us believe that our story is of any value. Or we have no idea how to make it sharp and impactful.
I have to admit up front... not everyone is a story teller. Yet, everyone has a story, and anyones story could be used by God.

Compare your faith story to a movie or novel. Sometimes movies get hyped as amazing and great... yet the truth is they are boring, dull, lifeless and go on and on. I have seen several films and thought... can I somehow get my 2 1/2 hours back please.
(Miami Vice the movie was once such movie.... now that was a waste of time and money!)

Jesus was a master of storytelling. In fact read Matthew, Mark, Luke or John. Jesus constantly used short stories to teach, connect and challenge people to really follow him. Did you see the key thing... SHORT STORIES!!

Since Sunday I have talked with several people and they have shared some great stories. It was fun to watch them mentally edit their stories to keep my interest, make me laugh and communicate clearly. Now, can we do that with your faith story.
Movies have tag lines.... simple phrases to highlight what a film is about. Our life stories can have tag lines.

The women at the well...."Thirsty for relationship... quenched by Jesus"
Apostle Paul.... "Persecutor of believers.... passionate Jesus follower"
Peter..... "Fisherman turned fisher of men"

My tag line... "Professional broadcaster turned....communicator for God"

What's your tag line?

Figure that out with answering three questions...
#1 -Who was I before meeting Jesus?
#2 - What brought to believe in Jesus
#3 - Who am I now because of Jesus?

That's a powerful, simple, short story. 100 words or less. No more than five minutes... with a built in tag line.

I'll pay good money to hear/ watch a good story. Locked within each of us that knows and follows Jesus is a story worth hearing. A story that can help other person encounter the living God. Don't waste it. Practice it, edit it, use it.

The scriptures say that we should always be prepared to share the hope that is with us.
Are you prepared to share?

We want to help you with this process. E-mail us your story. 100 words or less. And allow us to read it for content... not grammar and share some insights and pointers into crafting a sharp, powerful story that you can always carry with you.

E-mail your story to..... stories@journeychurch.net

I love a good story and I can't wait to hear yours.

Hidden Potential

Last week as I began to really flesh out my Sunday discussion the idea of how Jesus (God) must see hidden potential really hit me.
We know that is driven by love. It was his love that sent us his son. But could it be that within that love is the idea he wants to unlock the hidden potential within us that he first created us with?

As I began to explore that idea, it dawned on me... part of the reason we don't intentionally reach out to people is because we don't see any potential at all. In fact all we see is a bunch of losers in our lives.

Then it hit me that what the religious leaders of Jesus day saw.... no potential at all.

How that must have hurt God and driven Jesus even more.

Sometimes I imagine and dream of what is hidden deep within me waiting to get out.
But do I see that within others? At times yes, I have... but only after I have developed a friendship with a person does that happen. But what if we mixed hidden potential with passionate love to help us really care about others in our world.

Starting today, try and really believe that within every person is something amazing and of great value.
Gifts, talents, dreams, skills, that will only enrich your life, the church and this world.
Starting today, look past the labels and see the hidden potential... let that inspire you to just hang out with people... just as they are so that someday, they can be who God really designed them to be.

You never know someone might surprise you with some day.

I know that this topic will develop into a full discussion series in the coming months.
So look out, we're not done with talking about HP.

Heart of line up

Last night we had our weekly softball and what a game it was! Due to several injuries and people being gone we had to field several new people and go without some of our beat atheletes. So last inning we're down by three runs..... bases are loaded and their pitcher starts walking people. Finally I come to the plate with the bags full and no outs.... normally not what you'd want to have happen. I took another walk and scored a run.

In the end we won by one run and I had my best night at the plate since..... well forever.

This weekend I had a birthday (43.. officially, but still feel like 24).

Now will I be placed in the heart of the line up again or back at the bottom next week.
If I were coach Jamie.... I'd play the averages, go with the history books....celebrate the one good game I had and put me back near the bottom.

I may feel like I'm 24 in my soul.... but my body knows the truth and won't let my fellow team mates for get it.

Eagle Bluff

Yesterday I went with my twins (Sarah & Hannah) to their safety patrol training day at Eagle Bluff resort near Lanesboro, MN.
It's a beautiful place that over looks the valley that Lanesboro is in. The day ended in a rain shower that kept some kids from facing the challenge of the "tree tops". Tree tops is a high rope experience / challenge that takes you 30 ft off he ground and allow you to zip line at the end. The 10 year olds faced the fears and completed the course in the morning. Man it cool to see my twins conquer the fears and fly down that zip line at the end.

My only regret is that the afternoon rain kept me from getting up in the trees beginning able to have the same experience.
So yesterday I lived the challenge and high adventure through my kids... next time I'm taking the challenge.

End of world?

This weekend I was riding with my kids as the rain continued to come down. It has rained for so many days now. The regional weather has been packed for tornados, hail, strong winds and more rain. My kids asked me "is this how God will destroy the world dad?" I had to explain, that in spite of how bad it seems... no God won't destroy the world this way... He already did that.
I explained, that in the end... God will destroy it all by fire.
Man did that get the attention!

But it got me thinking. There have been, many, many storms, earthquakes, natural disasters these past few months. For many people it would seem like their "life" is over, and yet they live among the pain and destruction. I wonder how many others out in the world are like my kids actually wonder, not knowing if this is the end of it all.

Gas prices keep rising, job market gets smaller and smaller, natural forces and spiritual forces are in battle.
Something has got to give, sometime, some day.

I wonder sometimes, "how close to the end of the age are we?"
But even as I think that, it ignites a fire with in me to stay on mission and reach this world for God. Time is slipping by.

I wonder, If I'm the only thinking these things.... or are we all having the same thoughts?

LIFE TEST - Jealousy

The Green-eyed monster. Have you ever been the Green Eyed Monster, or at least seen it destroy someone?
This week we looked at the classic story of Daniel and The Lions Den (Daniel 6). But we looked why Daniel got thrown into the Lions Den to begin with. We often explore Daniel's great faith and power of God, but not at Journey this week. No we looked at how Daniel's co-workers were sooooooooo jealous that they coached the king into making a stupid law that would trap Daniel.
These co-workers were so jealous it grew and grew until they wanted to see Daniel die.

The green-eyed monster can grow to be a dangerous, dangerous beast!

The truth is that there is a monster within all of us... fighting it's way to get out.
How are you dealing with the monster?
Do you feed it, like it, want to grow....
Or are you trying to tame it, and kill it?

If music can tame the savage beast... love can tame the green eyed monster.

It's final exam day... how's your monster?

LIFE TEST - Pride

I have to admit that when I began preparing the LIFE TEST discussion series for Journey and was I going to base it on the life of Daniel from the Old Testament, I was excited and concerned. Many of have heard the story of the fiery furnace and lions den. They are so cool of stories. And yet they often come off so simple sounding. My challenge was to represent those and other stories in a fresh way, away that applied to our everyday lives.

With this last weeks discussion I had a new challenge before me. Helping people see the spiritual of King Nebuchadnezzar as a key plot line in the total book of Daniel. Few, if any, of our people had every heard this side of the story for sure.
Yet the more I explored the Kings role in the entire book of Daniel, the more I saw a man on a spiritual journey and going nowhere because of his pride.

How would our people react to hearing and seeing how much pride can stop us from really being free and knowing Christ?

All I can say is WOW was I surprised!
Our LIFE Groups ripped into to pride and forgiveness big time.
It appears that this story helped them see and understand it in a new way.

Pride comes before the fall. We pray that this weeks discussion will help many of us not have to fall at all because of our pride.

Sound off... how do you wrestle with pride?
Are you and God separated because of your pride?

Double Vision

What an exciting, crazy, tiring Sunday it was this past week as launched our 2nd Sunday morning gathering! The band played and rocked out twice.... great job team! I spoke twice... man that was weird. And we have over 100 kid and adults come through our doors. Praise God!
Did I mention we did this on June 1st?

Recently I heard another church planter challenge a group of pastors on when and how we launch second services. Normally, churches and leaders wait until you’re well past the 100 barrier to make such a move. This man hinted strongly that churches should launch a second service... sooner than later. Provide another “door way” for people to seek, connect and grow with God. Plus... if you’ve got 200 or more people, it’s emotionally harder to launch a smaller, new service. If you do it at the 100 mark, gatherings of 45-60 aren’t that small. Emotionally people can risk and do it sooner than later.

So we’re trying a second gathering.
We’re committed to a long term test of this concept, not a one of two we experiement. It’s an exciting for us, to not settle in a play it safe... but rather stay on the edge and risk for God’s kingdom.

Great job everyone for staying focused and doing things so well this weekend. May we continue to move with God, expecting him to build his church as focus on serving and loving people.

New Website

Journey is four years old and a lot has changed since we began this wild adventure with God and friends. One thing that hasn’t changed drastically has been our website.
Before Journey was launched we were blessed by a man that underwrote all the expenses related to our website. Then a web-professional did all the work for us.
What an amazing God size gift back in 2004!
Since then we have several different people maintain and further develop the website. Over the years it has become one of our best outreach and connecting tools! That is because these dedicated people have kept the site fresh and ever changing. A site that is static and outdated is no good. One that is changing and fresh shows a church that is active and alive. So thanks to those that have served God, by using your gifts, talents and passions on our site.

Today, we launch a fresh look to our site! I hope that you like what you see and that it continues to be one of our best connection and outreach tools. Look for more additions and improvements with this new site.
One to note is that along with our audio pod cast we are beginning to experiment with video podcasting of our main morning discussions. Look for that exciting new ministry are to grow. For you can find both audio and video podcast on the same page. In the future that will change.

This website change is timely as we add a second (early) Sunday morning gathering time at the Chateau. We are looking for God to lead us forward and grow as a church.
I pray that this website, as a tool, helps us reach our city and make more disciples each week, month and year.

Welcome to Journey 2.0

But Even If He Doesn't

This weekend we celebrated Memorial Day, and remember the many men and women that gave all that they had for freedom. In spite of personal pain, suffering, and lose many have given there all for freedom.
This Sunday I referenced Nelson Mandela who spent 27 years in a South African prison because he refused to bow down and accept that apartheid was ok. Regardless of the person pain and the pain to those around him, Mandela would not waiver. Evidentially he was released and in 1994 was elected President of South Africa.
Amazing!

In the book of Daniel, Chapter 3... the scriptures tell us of three men that refused to bow to the Kings abusive power and authority. They knew the cost of not bowing BEFORE they said no and they still said no. The King gave them a second chance, and the still said no. They say in a strange way. They said, 
“O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” (Daniel 3:16-18)

“But even if he (God) doesn’t”

What a bold, radical, faith. Faith built on the knowledge and understand that God has real ultimate power and authority!

Where did we come to believe that God has to fly in, play superman and save us? Can God be seen, even if we go down? More and more I believe that God wants his followers, his church to not bow in the intense times, but rather stand no matter what! Standing in the “even if” moments is not going to be easy... but who ever said following God, believing in the power of Jesus was going to be easy. Certainly Jesus never said that.

My struggle is when the hurt and pain effects others that I love. I can deal with the heat pretty well... but when I see others getting burned by my stand.... that’s tough.

As yourself... as I have asked myself... “Will I stand firm, stay committed, give my all like Mandela, like these three Jews, like the disciples, like Jesus.... Even if he doesn’t save me?”

Can I do any less for my Lord?

Random Test

This week has been a week of random LIFE TEST for me, several people at Journey and a couple sent to Rochester for medical needs. In all of this I have seen God work in amazing ways, ways that I never could have planed, imagined or dreamed up.
This past weekend we held our annual Leadership Advance and as a group we explored some test that the church is facing now and some that are almost for sure going to come our way as we add a second service, increase of discipleship efforts, and continue to intentionally reach out to our city. What was so great this weekend was how the team openingly saw the test, and refused to fear them or retreat from them. Instead we prayed, ripped things apart and put them back together so that we had the best chance to pass test, What is driving the team in these current test and future test, is a passion for the lost and for God.
My test in this continues to be how do I best lead. I dream big dreams, I believe in a big God wanting to do what seems like impossible.... everyday. My test is to navigate that, teach that and be sensitive to my leaders, the family of God at Journey and of course the Holy Spirit. I can push to hard and snap people.... which equals a failure.
Or I can lead with purpose and passion... success.
Finally, I have the pleasure of getting to know a young couple that had to come to Rochester for medical advice, only to find that things may be more serious. I have seen them step into this serious and emotional test with grace and strength that can only come from God.
I have seen a two local churches communicate better because of the need. And I have seen two churches, three states away, link up and love on this couple.

Test are not fun most of the time, but it’s very exciting to see God do his thing if we step into the test and do all that we can. Test results are not all in yet on any of these random test.
Will the team really lead strong, take risk and stay on mission as we grow?
Will I cast vision, lead and explain things well or end up being too soft or too hard?
Will this couple feel lost and alone or love and cared for over the long haul of treatment, miles and uncertainty?

Oh God grant us wisdom in these test and what is yet unseen.

Exponential Churches

Well day one of the Exponential Church conference in Orlando, FL. is done. Today I attended a break out session (part 1 of 2) featuring lead Pastor Mark Batterson.
Mark pastors NCC which is a church plant the meets in Union Station in Washington DC. Mark was talking Creative Communication. I found it interesting that Mark stressed the power and important of Internal communication verse always external communication, promotions, PR.
Tomorrow Mark will be going deeper into how they use creative communication in the message series and how he prepares himself and his team for it.

On a personal note, I was happy and surprised by how much of what shared we at Journey are already doing or have done. I continue to feel that as a church we are doing many, many things right by church plant growth standards. As always... we’ll wait on God to grow us to the next level. Creative communication is a must for a church to clearly communicate the Gospel... but it does not mean your church will automatically grow.