WOW!

I had a great time at the Capitol Theater today with Dave White. Dave is the Children's pastor at Christ Chapel here in Macon. I called Dave after meeting with John Wood yesterday for some ideas on best use of space at the Capitol as well as help in making things kid and kid's parents friendly. Dave has already offered some great ideas, as well as some great stuff. What stuff you ask? Decorations, possibly some soft flooring, perhaps in the next month or so a pager system for the nursery and kids, their curriculum for little ones, and he's going to think about what else they might have available for us. He also invited me over to check out what they are doing and to rummage thru their storage and see what we might can use!

Dave also said that he felt confident that he could round up volunteers to handle all our kids needs for Sept 16th, if we want. IF WE WANT! ?!?!? Of course we want! So - not only will Christ Chapel be helping us with stuff - they'll be sending over a work force to lead our nursery, 3 and 4 yr olds and 5 and 6 yr olds. WOW! Thanks God. I don't really know what else to say.

God's Provision

I had lunch today with Pastor John Wood. John is the pastor of Christ Chapel here in Macon. John asked questions and heard my heart for New City Church downtown, and shared his heart for the kingdom of God. It was incredibly refreshing to talk with a pastor who shares in a passion for the gospel and who could care less about denominational lines. Rather than squabbling over secondary differences, he prefers to celebrate our union in Christ. It is true, the blood of Christ is far greater than denominational lines and boundaries.
John planted Christ Chapel 12 years ago (I think 12 years is right) and currently Christ Chapel has expanded to Zebulon Georgia, a Warner Robins campus, and they have very recently partnered with a church planter in Cochran, GA and another in Dublin, GA. John believes that it is true, "as you sow, so shall you reap." Christ Chapel is sowing!
John offered Christ Chapel as a sister church to New City. As a sister church, John said, "Whatever we have is yours. Come and get it, our doors are open." John said that he didn't know what all the future held for our relationship and their support, but without a doubt, New City Church is not alone. I look forward to seeing what God will develop here. I am thankful for all that he is doing around me - I am amazed! We also picked up a new family today - the Hunts. they are members at Christ Chapel and friends from the past. The Hunts will join us thru January as we strive together to see Gospel transformation!

Update on Amy's Dad

Thanks to all who have been praying for Lynn Ivey, Amy's dad. Lynn was in Atlanta for surgery yesterday to remove cancerous tumors from his liver. The report was not what we had hoped - though we are not without hope!
The surgeon said (as best I understand from Amy) that the right side of the liver is basically filled with tumors. There is also a large tumor that has grown from the right side of the liver into the left. The doc said that if he removed the right side and that portion of the left that included the large tumor, Lynn would not be left with enough liver to survive. The doctor said that he cut off about 95% of the blood flow to the right side of the liver, and re-routed it to the left side. He believes that this will help the left side of the liver to grow large enough that they will be able to more safely remove all the tumors. Lynn will be in ATL for a few days. He will possibly have more treatments until the next surgery. Pray with us that the left side of the liver will grow larger and faster than the doctors imagined so that this procedure can take place.

Praying, that the Gospel Might Go Forward

Paul wrote these words to Timothy, 1First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. 7For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. (I Timothy 2:1-7)

In these verse Paul connects his urging for prayer in the church to the advancement of the true Gospel of Jesus Christ - through lives that are tranquil, calm, quiet and godly. I was struck as I studied these verses that Paul lived on the verge of utter chaos for Christians. The ruler Paul urged the church to pray for was Nero - one of history's worst persecutors of Christians. Here in the US we have peace, perhaps like never before. The opportunity for the advancement of the gospel may be historically unparalleled. It seems in large part that we are blowing the great opportunity that we have to advance the Gospel - more concerned with growing churches, creating or re-creating a moralistic society, protesting Target, and Disney World, and WalMart, and gay parades.

I think about these verses and the mission of New City Church downtown - to see the Gospel transform everything within our reach - ourselves, our church, our city, and the world.

Updated Needs List

UPDATED 09/07/07

So here we go - 18 days and counting!!!!
God is incredibly good and continues to provide in amazing ways. I am updating our list for the kids needs. If you can help, great! We need to collect items by Sept. 9. Let me know if you can help.

PROVIDED - pack n play (2) *(ease in setting up/taking down is important)
PROVIDED swing - suggestion: Evenflo Rock a Bye Swing (59.94 @ Walmart) or one similar that will fold up easily
PROVIDED exersaucer
PROVIDED first aid kit
PROVIDED security tags / information sheets
PROVIDED toys (musical & push)
PROVIDED books
PROVIDED Coloring Books and Crayons
PROVIDED Coloring Pencils
PROVIDED Clorox wipes & disinfectant spray
PROVIDED Kroger bags (for dirty diapers)
PROVIDED diapers: sizes 2, (SIZE 3 PROVIDED) and 4 PROVIDED (one pack of each)
PROVIDED wipes
PROVIDED bedding: 3 Fitted sheets to fit portable 24"x 38" playard mattress
PROVIDED 2-3 receiving blankets
travel high chair - suggestions: Safety 1st Deluxe Care Fold Up Booster or Bebepod Plus (@ Walmart $54.00)
Kolcraft portable crib mattress (24"x38") @Walmart around $18.00
Bumbo babysitter seat (40.00)
Fold n' Go or Four sided Changing Pad (@ walmart 16.00-19.00)
1 @ $50 PROVIDED WalMart / Target gift card

Some money has also been provided, as well as 2 60+ cup Coffee Brewers for our Coffee Bar.

Praying for this week

Just a quick note here on some things to be praying for:

* Tomorrow our mailer should go out to about 10,000 homes. Pray that God will use the mailer to reach middle Georgia.

* We have a 1/4 page ad coming out in the next issue of The 11th Hour. Pray as well, that God would use that ad to reach 11th Hour readers in middle Georgia. (The b&w pic is the ad)

* Wednesday, Amy's dad has surgery in Atl for his liver cancer. The docs in Atl believe that they can remove the cancer by removing a good bit of Lynn's liver. Pray for the surgery and Lynn's healing.

* Thursday I meet with a local Pastor who is considering some sort support for New City. I know that he and the church have a real heart for reaching people with the Gospel and for church planting. One of the really cool God things here is that this would be the third denomination supporting New City in some way.

* Continue to pray with me for the city of Macon and the middle Georgia area. I am regularly amazed at the lack of understanding that we have here when it comes to the Gospel. It seems that we are a very religious city, but so far from the relationship that the is offered in Christ.

Thanks for your support and prayers.

God stuff...

I just wanted to share some amazing happenings this week as God does his thing with New City Church!
Last Weekend: The weekend had me worked up! The list of needs seemed to be growing and the cost of the needs is pretty high. I learned we might not be able to use the Capitol Theater's projector and screen - PANIC!
Ran into an old friend and former high school teammate at Robby's football practice. Our son's will be on the same team. We began to talk about the new church. He is a brother as well as a friend.
Monday: We get a check for just over $3,000 from a church supporter who said they knew there would be some last minute needs!
Thursday: My old teammate calls and we spend a couple of hours together riding to Perry and Warner Robins looking at tucks for his business.
We get back just in time for me to make my 2:00 appt with the folks at the Capitol theater to talk about screen and projector.
Turns out the screen and projector will be usable after all! (Whew!)
Shannon, the leader of our band really wanted me to ask about the band having a practice opportunity at the theater before our 1st Sunday. I told him a week ago that I would ask when I met with the Capitol crew, but I knew their schedule was crazy and just couldn't see them spending 1/2 a day with us for nothing - not mention that they would have to call in their sound guy for something like that. As we discussed the upcoming service one of the Capitol Theater guys said, "hey maybe we should do a run through with you guys, just to make sure we get everything right - like you want it." as if that wasn't amazing enough, they offered us the day before our service - nothing on the calendar for them that day so the band will have the whole afternoon - then all the sound will be set, and the instruments in place for Sunday! WHAT!?!?! Not only will we get a free practice - we'll have all afternoon and then we will not have the hassle and headache of Sunday morning set up! And I didn't even ask for it - they did!!! WOW.
Friday: Met Greg and Wendy Wood (and Asa) at Mercer University to set up a New City Church table to invite students to join us the 16th. Good time with Greg and Wendy, added several names to our mailing list, and handed out a good many fliers. Good stuff.
More Good stuff... My old teammate called me, he spent some time with his pastor and talked with him about New City Church, telling his Pastor he really thinks that they should help support us, his pastor said, I don't need to pray about this one, we're going to help. I meet with them Thursday for lunch to talk about how they might help us! WOW
Tonight we went to the theater to catch Surf's Up - the movie with the family. One of our NCCd families sent out an e-mail inviting anyone who wanted to to join us all there. We had close to 30 folks there as a result. Those 30 people purchased movie tickets and ate pizza and popcorn - positively impacting the theater's economy - awesome presence and positive impact.
What a week!

UPDATE: I e-mailed Leslie McNeil at the Capitol theater to let her know about how many were present Friday night at the movie. Here is her response:

Hi, Keith!

I saw the numbers for the weekend!! We had over 100 people here to see that movie, in LARGE part thanks to you and New City obviously!
We appreciate the support and look forward to offering New City the same.

Thanks,
Leslie

A New City Story in the Making

New City Church's purpose is to see the gospel transform everything within our reach - ourselves, our church, our city, and the world. One of the statements describing our vision states: We dream of a church that celebrates the arts and looks for creative ways to engage our culture, a church willing to cross traditional lines and take significant risks to bring Jesus into the public square. Engaging our culture.

As our band has been taking form, one of our band members introduced us to a friend of his who plays acoustic guitar and sings. The discussion before she ever came centered on whether or not we would have band members who may not be followers of Christ. We agreed that we would be willing to take that chance for her sake - hoping and praying that the words of the songs and the fellowship of the band might be just what God would use to draw her to himself. She came to practice, unsure that she would "fit in." She did "fit in." She had not been in church in 25 years - she stopped going to the Catholic church as soon as she could. And so week after week she has come to practice and sing some very Christ centered songs, even purchasing some cds on her own to hear more music. This week I received an e-mail from her. Here's what it said in part:

hey chuck, i've been thinking it over ... anyways i've decided that after the first church service that i would start going to church with my boyfriend and his boys. this means i am having to back out on playing and just try to learn more about what all this worship music is about. i kinda feel like a hypocrite up there. i'm having a great time but this is what i feel like i must do.

Her boyfriend is a follower of Christ. He e-mailed

She told me she doesn't understand the meanings of many of the songs... At this point she spends a lot of time asking questions about Christianity in general.

For her, a new journey has begun. God has stirred in her a new desire and given her (I pray) a new heart. I am glad we took the chance. I am glad to be a part of God's great and eternal Redemption Story. I can't wait to see what's on the next page! I can't wait to see this transformation as it takes place.

FOR SALE

2003 Nissan Xterra

Very Good Condition
62,000 miles
AC, Automatic Trans, Power Windows, Power Locks, Tow Bar, JVC Detachable Face cd
Good vehicle, needs a good home

$11,900

Church Planting - A Family Adventure!

The following post comes from my wonderful bride. I am so thankful that God gave her to me!

Monday, August 20, 2007

The Lord Will Provide
I have to share with you that God is amazing. The farther into this church plant that we go, the more I see that it is for His glory. I mean every step that is taken, every need that is met, every person that is touched is all for God's glory. He is doing everything in such a way that is only God...only God could orchestrate all of this.!! Yesterday, Keith was a little nervous about all of the unknowns and the first service quickly approaching. He just was a bit anxious. So, we talked about all of the things that needed to get done, the items that still need to be purchased and it was a rather long list. Then this morning we were talking about big things that we needed to order (divider curtains for the children area) and some other things. We discussed how much money was available to use and all of that. Well, he left for work with uncertainty about how we were going to pay for the big items and well...God already had that figured out and taken care of. Before lunch Keith knew that we had the $ to order these much needed dividers. He also has blessed us with someone who can help look over the technical stuff and help decide what else we will need for that area. AND, someone donated two large brewers for our coffee bar! - no way - I mean God is taking care of each area, one step at a time, one day at a time and He is not one bit anxious about any of it. You Go God! You are AWESOME!! You are INCREDIBLE! After all You are the I AM!!!! It also reminds me of when God called Moses, it was God who did all of the amazing things, He only required Moses to be obedient, it was the same when Abraham was called to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. He was required to obey and God did the rest, He provided the lamb.Wow, what a day in this adventure. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I also thought it was pretty cool that when I was doing my bible study today that I read the verses in Genesis 22 and when I got to verse 14 it said The Lord Will Provide! I thought it was pretty neat that I read that today. Just a simple reminder for me. So, I probably don't have to tell you that Keith came in on a cloud this afternoon all smiles. (See, I told you :) )

Sermon Application - The Right Questions...

I admit that I sometimes have difficulty in the preparation and delivery of sermons when it comes to APPLICATION. In school we were taught that the application must be solid, concrete, specific... The application answers the question, How does this passage/ sermon/ teaching/ truth apply to me? With that question in mind we then move to find different areas of our audiences life that this teaching might fit with.

Example: Jesus, with a word, was able to calm the raging seas and howling winds that threatened the life of his disciples. Application - Jesus can handle all the adversity that comes my way. More specific, Jesus can fix my marriage, job, lack of a job, kids, family...

Here is where my difficulty comes. While these things are true, is that really the point that Jesus was making with his disciples? Isn't the real point - HOLY COW, WITH A WORD JESUS CALMED THE RAGING SEAS AND HOWLING STORM! This guy did what no other person could EVER do! Jesus controls nature. Jesus is both creator and sustainer. Now live like it!

I just received a copy of Total Church by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis - had to order it from the UK, worth the wait. They quote Chris Wright from The Mission of God and talk about how Jesus IS the focus of God's story, not us. This radically impacts how we think of the Christian life, and how we think of application. Here's the quote I wish I had been able to write:

* We talk about 'applying the Bible to our lives'. What would it mean to apply our lives to the Bible instead, assuming the Bible to be the reality - the real story - to which we are called to conform ourselves?

* We wrestle with 'making the gospel relevant to the world'. But in this story, God
is about the business of transforming the world to fit the shape of the gospel.

* I may wonder what kind of mission God has for me, when I should be asking what kind of me God wants for his mission.

Wow! Those are the right questions! The gospel is transforming - not simply helpful! Ponder those questions and your life in Christ.

Another Precious Delivery

Welcome to the outside world Asa Joshua Wood - born 8/14 , (7 lbs, 12 oz, 20.5 in.). Congrats to Wendy and Greg Wood. Due to some last minute complications Wendy had an emergency C-section. Praise God for great nurses and a great doc. Wendy and Asa are both doing great!

New City Kids Needs

Here's a list of some of our kids ministry needs.

We would like to have donated items by September 9 so that we can purchase un-donated items. Donated items can be sent/delivered to our home or even to me at Mabel White.

Let us know if you can help us get started!

• pack n play (2) *(ease in setting up/taking down is important)
• swing - suggestion: Evenflo Rock a Bye Swing (59.94 @ Walmart) or one similar that will fold up easily
• exersaucer
• first aid kit (2)
• security tags / information sheets
• toys (musical & push)
• books
• Coloring Books and Crayons
• Coloring Pencils
• Clorox wipes & disinfectant spray
• Kroger bags (for dirty diapers)
• diapers: sizes 2,3 and 4 (one pack of each)
• wipes
• bedding: 3 Fitted sheets to fit portable 24"x 38" playard mattress
• 2-3 receiving blankets
• travel high chair - suggestions: Safety 1st Deluxe Care Fold Up Booster or Bebepod Plus (@ Walmart $54.00)
• Kolcraft portable crib mattress (24"x38") @Walmart around $18.00
• Bumbo babysitter seat (40.00)
• Fold n' Go or Four sided Changing Pad (@ walmart 16.00-19.00)
• WalMart / Target gift card

John Piper is BAD

Another must see Piper - turn up the volume and enjoy this short clip!



I love Piper and this one r e a l l y made me laugh.

New City Kids, a Philosophy of Ministry

Psalm 127 says, “Behold, children are a gift of the LORD…” and we believe they are!
Therefore we believe that the utmost care and concern should be shown for New City kids and we will take numerous safety precautions to protect these precious gifts.

In Deuteronomy 11:18-19, we read, 18 "You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 19 You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
Based on this and numerous other passages we believe:
1) the primary teachers and nurturers of children should be parents.
Therefore, we view our role as a church to be supporters of parents in the raising of children;
2) the greatest place for children to learn what it means to live as Christ followers is in the family unit.
Therefore we will intentionally structure services and activities that bring the family together rather than separate the family. We believe that families should worship together, enjoy community together, grow through discipleship together, and serve together.

What will this look like?

Sunday Mornings:
Newborns to Age two – A nursery will be provided with age appropriate prayer, bible teaching, and fun activities for the entire worship service.

Ages three – six – During the praise and worship portion of our main service these guys will join us! Just prior to the sermon they will be dismissed for age appropriate prayer and bible teaching in their own community groups (3’s and 4’s / 5’s and 6’s).

In the Not So Distant Future:
We plan to add KidStuf, a worship service designed for kids to bring their entire family to!
KidStuf is:
· Value Driven - where character and faith are taught by emphasizing a monthly value
· User Friendly - where your friends will thank you for bringing them
· Creatively Wired- where video, lights, sound, and drama are used to make a lasting
impression
· Family Centered - where parents and kids spend quality time together
· Kid Focused - where learning is fun and relevant for elementary age kids
· Volunteer Fueled - where everyone can participate and get connected

We will also expand community groups during the sermon portion of our main service to include New City Kids through fifth grade. This will allow our New City kids to worship with us as well as to receive age appropriate teaching and participate in prayer in the context of a small group community.

In all of this, our goal is to see the gospel transform New City Kids!

What's In Your Church?

I probably spend too much time on this, but I often find myself looking at the many pages of church websites from all over the country. I especially like to check out young churches and church plants. I think that you can learn a great deal about what's inside a church by checking out its web site. Here are some observations:
What beliefs does the church hold to? I am amazed at the number of churches that tell you all about the activities and atmosphere of the church, but nothing about what it believes. This always leads me to conclude that maybe beliefs aren't important to that church.
Do you find Christ or the Gospel ever mentioned? I am also surprised on this one. Again I often find much on activities and atmosphere, but nothing on Jesus! A good atmosphere is good (yes I meant to use good twice), but atmospheres don't really transform - Christ does! Sometimes it almost seems as if the churches intentionally avoid the name of Christ and the Gospel. I wonder, are they ashamed of the gospel?

I just read 14 plus clicks of one church plant's site - I think Jesus was mentioned once and God was mentioned 3 times. Not one orthodox belief was mentioned, neither was the gospel. There was a great deal mentioned about how much you will enjoy being there - but little more. It saddens me because there are a lot of people at this church, enjoying being there - great, but are they hearing and seeing the gospel of Jesus Christ? Its good, I guess, to go to church - but is it really church without Christ? Is it really good if there is no true transformation?

What are we "advertising"? What are we "selling"?
If it isn't Jesus Christ, and the transforming power of the gospel, then what separates us from every other cult, community group, or club?

Some people think that I am just rebelling against "traditional church" with the planting of New city Church downtown - not true. I am rebelling against the departure of churches from Jesus Christ and the life changing power of the gospel! Sometimes that happens in traditional churches, sometimes in young churches and even church plants.

So - What's in your church?

Info Meeting Update...

Whew...what a week, what a day! Both have been busy, full, and good. I had no idea what to expect from today, not really a publicized event. We had about 25 there today. We heard a couple of acoustic songs from some of the band (Shannon, Chuck, and Anny). I had an opportunity to share some vision and answer some questions from those present. With the exception of 1 couple, who will not even be able to be with us in September, everyone present volunteered serve - including working with our littlest children!
Thanks a ton Shelly - I hope as a show of gratitude some of our New City folks will be eating with you soon!

Curious?

Curious about New City Church downtown?
Got Questions?

You're Invited to the New City Church Informational Meeting, this Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at Shelly's Corner Cafe. Come learn more about who New City Church is, what New City Church is about, what the New City music will be like, and more.

Shelly's Corner Cafe
440 Martin Luther King, Jr Blvd
downtown Macon
1/2 block South of Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, In the Techinicon Building
Convenient parking behind the building.

For My Out O Town Friends

I am still amazed about this (as you probably will be as well) - but the Macon Magazine Aug-Sept edition is out and God has seen fit to include my mug and an interview. For my out o town friends you can check out the magazine at http://www.maconmagazine.com/index.cfm - but to read the article, you have to come to Macon!

Who is NCCd? A Gospel Centered Church

The following is from a 2006 Acts 29 Boot Camp. It is a beautiful approach to Scripture, viewing all through the lens of the cross. It is an equally beautiful approach to church.
The "Resolutions" following the "Conviction" are fast becoming my resolutions for New City Church as I already share the "Conviction."

If you want to know who New City Church downtown will be and how we will be shaped - this is largely it! This is worthy of much chewing!

A GOSPEL-CENTERED CHURCH by Richard Kaufmann

Conviction: The whole Bible is the Gospel of Christ!
Luke 24:25-27 – He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

Luke 24:44-47 – He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

1 Corinthians 1:22-24; 2:2 – Jews demand miraculous signs [power] and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God… For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

Commitments

We resolve to read the Bible as the Gospel.
Since the central theme of the Bible is—the sufferings and glory of Christ, we resolve to read the Bible as the story of salvation, not moralistic lessons.

We resolve to see how the law, the ceremonies, and the history all point us to their fulfillment in the coming of the Deliverer promised in Genesis 3:15 and throughout the Bible.

We resolve to preach and teach the Gospel to believers, not just unbelievers.
We become Christians and we grow as Christians by grace through faith in Jesus. Therefore, we resolve to preach the Gospel as the means to grow, not ‘biblical principles for living’ (which means ‘the law’) to believers.

We resolve to preach and teach the Gospel in every sermon and every lesson.
The most desperate need of both unbelievers and believers is to hear and appropriate the Gospel to their lives each and every day. Therefore, we resolve to point people to the Gospel in every sermon, lesson, small group meeting, etc.

We resolve to receive the Gospel as the “milk” and the “meat” of God’s Word.
Since the whole Bible is the Gospel and Christ crucified is the wisdom and power of God (1Cor.1:22-24), then we never move beyond the Gospel to something deeper. There is nothing deeper than the Gospel. Therefore, we resolve to view the Gospel as both the A-B-C’s and the A-to-Z of Christianity.

We resolve to view the world and the church through the lens of the Gospel.
Since the Bible is our ultimate authority and the Bible is the Gospel, we resolve to know nothing except Jesus Christ and him crucified (1Cor.2:2). This means our understanding of the world and church and how to address its needs and problems will be based on the Gospel.

Train Wreck, Anyone?

building, BUILDing, BUILDING! That's the anticipation I feel - building more and more. Not a bad anticipation, a good one. Its a growing level of excitement. Do we have it all together? Hardly! Yet, I have this feeling of readiness.

I had a great conversation last week with a pastor at Community Pres. while in B'ham. I got to unpack a glimpse of the New City vision - I love doing that. He said, "that sounds great," and it does, if I do say so myself!

Then I added, "but what it will look like September 16, and then in October and November and December - WHO KNOWS!"

"Probably a little like a train wreck," was his reply.

I know. That sounds a little frightful to some, but at this point, I'm excited about it! I know how cray that sounds but it will be awesome! Trust me. It will all unfold in God's way and in God's time - and for His glory! He will provide all that we need when we need it. And if a train wreck is what he wants to use - GREAT! Let's do it, and then unpack it, and work it out, and be the body that he wants us to be. Maybe it was the good night of prayer we had tonight. Maybe it was the excitement I sensed in those who came tonight. Maybe it is all the great stuff God is doing around us, and in us, and through us.

As frightening as a train wreck sounds, for some reason the thought of this one brings me a smile...

Church planters really are crazy!

YIKES! spread the word...

We took a little trip to see friends in Birmingham this past week. We left Wednesday night after church - packed as much visiting as possible in and stayed as long as possible on Saturday having dinner with our former next door neighbors. Needless to say, it was late, late, late (or early) last night before we got home and into bed.
After a good night of sleep I awoke not so early but very quickly. My first thought - NEXT SUNDAY IS OUR INFORMATIONAL MEETING!!! (Did all CAPS and 3 exclamation points communicate the urgency of my first morning thoughts?). We are 1 week away from our informational meeting.
I know, most of you probably think - A N D ? What's the big deal? My heart began to pound a little harder because the informational meeting means we are basically one month away from the first service - still soooooooooooo much to do! Then there's the information at the informational meeting - WHAT information do I need to communicate? What do people need to know - or want to know about New city Church? Will anyone show up? Is the band going to do a song? Do I need handouts? What info should I send people home with? O V E R L O A D ! ! !
I think I'll have to figure that out a little later.
Don't forget - next week is the informational meeting! It'll be fun. We'll have a good time and I'll get to share the vision for NCCd. Spread the word - it's all about to really get going- and I really CAN'T WAIT!

Tuesday Prayer - Wednesday Answers

On Tuesday night we prayed for many, many things, and many people. I asked our group of committed to be in prayer for 2 specifics:
(1) Workers - we are expecting a BIG turnout for our 1st service and will need help. I asked our people to listen out for Sunday School classes and churches that may offer help. We prayed that God would raise up those groups.
Wednesday night before our service I was approached by someone from Mabel White who said that their Sunday School class had talked and wanted to help us for those first months, if we needed it! I later had 2 individuals offer the same. I am amazed.
(2) Partners - I am working on a 2 to 3 year plan for the church which anticipates expenses and giving. We will need some help! I am hoping that we can put together 10 partnerships with other churches and/or individuals who will buy into the visio and mission and commit to support our start. I asked our people to pray for those partners and we did Tuesday night.
Wednesday afternoon I received a check in the mail for $300 from a friend who hasa church home but believes in our vision! I also received a call from someone else who wanted to know where they should send a check.
I don't know how God's sovereignty and our prayers work together. But I am amazed, overwhelmed, and humbled by his provision and for answered prayer.
So New City - know that God is mighty, that he hears our prayers, and answers according to his will! Be encouraged in the place he is taking us!

Reason For Leaps of Faith

So, here we find ourselves in the midst of the apparent unknown. A good friend will soon enter - and take his family - into a similar unknown. Here's what it looks like for us both:
We are about to do something that we have never done before. Within a short period of time we will be without a SUBSTANTIAL portion of our income (as far as we know). Neither of our ventures comes with a guarantee - no guarantee of pay, no guarantee of acceptance, no guarantee of "success." Literally, it seems, our families are on the line. Our homes are on the line. Our vehicles - its all on the line.
Are We Crazy!?!?!? Sometimes that is a question we are asked - often it is the unasked question! The reasonable thing to do would be stay at your current church/position where you and your family are taken care of. The reasonable thing to do would be to make sure you have EVERYTHING in place before you step out there. Be reasonable!
Here is what I want to say to all the questions and to "reason"
Yes there is an unknown. With FAITH there is always a degree of the unknown - the unseen. YET this FAITH is not without reason. The reason we can take the steps we take is that God is faithful and true! Jesus said, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things (food, water, clothing - your provision) will be given to you. Not only do we have the promise of One who cannot lie and who is always faithful and true, but we also have the evidence of our past, and the past of our friends and families, and the history of the world, and the Bible - they all testify to the countless ways that God has been faithful to provide and take care of us. Sometimes those are in simple ways - sometimes they are in HUGE and tremendous ways! God has done this before, so I have every REASON to believe that as I take this seeming LEAP of Faith God will do it again!
Hebrews 11:6 - Without faith it is impossible to please Him...