Simply put, Married Life Live was a great evening of fun, laughter, and truth.
Our first one was a huge hit. If you weren’t there some one needs to call the cops because you got robbed. It was an exciting evening.
John, great job. You did a great job on leading the group to create an environment that was conducive for a relaxing and enjoyable evening, one that enabled people to build into their marriages.
David, you and John did a fantastic job of hosting and getting people to participate and unwind. I even enjoyed your humor.
Teresa, everything came together and worked out very well. From the decorations, to serving the meal, to the clean up and getting ready for Sunday. You are good.
Kevin, thanks for the challenging talk. You asked us to go for the extraordinary marriage. I looked at Patty, she looked back we connected with a blow kiss and it is on.
Thanks buddy!
Danny, what can I say? You and April and the band knocked the ball out of the park. It was great, to see people hugging, holding hands, even dancing on a few tunes.
The Volunteers who did the set up, served the food, waited on tables, cleaned up, etc….. You guys are awesome. It made my heart rejoice to see people who have a passion and are willing to play different roles in seeing people touched with the love of Christ. You folks deserve props! I am proud and thankful for all of you. I know it was a long afternoon and night.
I feel blessed to work and serve with such a group of great people who get it and are committed to the core to leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ by creating environments that are conducive for God to speak, work and move.
As I have said before, the key to America is not the white house, but my house and your house.
Next Married Life Live --- August 18 ---- don’t miss it. Better get tickets sooner than later.
April 30, 2007
Truth and Time
Recent headline - Man arrested in mugging of 101 year old woman.
Do you remember that? When I saw it on my laptop, I couldn’t believe it. It really made me angry. I thought will they ever catch the person who did this?
Well guess what? They did. And I was reminded of the scripture. “But surely your sin will find out you out” Numbers 32:23.
In life there are many things that happen that are just wrong, sin if you will. We have a tendency to get angry, fret, mad etc…. ultimately worrying that people are getting away with something.
If that is where you are today, let me encourage you to read Psalm 37 – all of it. It is both encouraging and convicting.
I’ll sum up Psalm 37 with this: Truth and Time don’t always run hand in hand. If I didn’t believe that I would have already gone crazy or mad. You see especially when you are leading, you are asked to lead people who don’t always have all the information (maybe you aren’t able to share all of it) or don’t get the big picture. It is only after the fact that truth catches up with time …. That is why it takes enormous amounts of courage to be a leader for God.
So whether you are leading a group of people or just plain old living life in general, there will be times where you will say … I can’t believe they are getting away with this . . .
Remember: Truth and Time don’t always run hand in hand. The one you serve, Jesus Christ is the Truth and He holds time in his hands.
Do you remember that? When I saw it on my laptop, I couldn’t believe it. It really made me angry. I thought will they ever catch the person who did this?
Well guess what? They did. And I was reminded of the scripture. “But surely your sin will find out you out” Numbers 32:23.
In life there are many things that happen that are just wrong, sin if you will. We have a tendency to get angry, fret, mad etc…. ultimately worrying that people are getting away with something.
If that is where you are today, let me encourage you to read Psalm 37 – all of it. It is both encouraging and convicting.
I’ll sum up Psalm 37 with this: Truth and Time don’t always run hand in hand. If I didn’t believe that I would have already gone crazy or mad. You see especially when you are leading, you are asked to lead people who don’t always have all the information (maybe you aren’t able to share all of it) or don’t get the big picture. It is only after the fact that truth catches up with time …. That is why it takes enormous amounts of courage to be a leader for God.
So whether you are leading a group of people or just plain old living life in general, there will be times where you will say … I can’t believe they are getting away with this . . .
Remember: Truth and Time don’t always run hand in hand. The one you serve, Jesus Christ is the Truth and He holds time in his hands.
April 25, 2007
Leaving a Legacy
Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin passed away recently, and is now being remembered. He became president of Russia in 1991. He engineered the final collapse of the Soviet Union and pushed Russia to embrace democracy and a market economy. He was 76 years old.
In an article that I read, He was ultimately described as a contradictory figure, rocketing to popularity in the Communist era on pledges to fight corruption — but proving unable, or unwilling, to prevent the looting of state industry as it moved into private hands during his nine years as Russia's first freely elected president.
In an article that I read, He was ultimately described as a contradictory figure, rocketing to popularity in the Communist era on pledges to fight corruption — but proving unable, or unwilling, to prevent the looting of state industry as it moved into private hands during his nine years as Russia's first freely elected president.
- I want to be Leader of character, commitment and courage.
Yeltsin's greatest moments came in bursts.
- I want to be a Leader of consistency.
Yeltsin was an inconsistent reformer who never took much interest in the mundane tasks of day-to-day government and nearly always blamed Russia's myriad of problems on subordinates.
- I want to be a Leader who takes personal responsibility.
Yeltsin damaged his democratic credentials by using force to solve political disputes, though he claimed his actions were necessary to keep the country together.
- I want to be a Leader who influences not forces
As the country lurched from crisis to crisis, Yeltsin often appeared increasingly absent.
- I want to be a Leader who is present no matter how tough it gets.
Where he failed was perhaps, most ironically, in his choice of a successor. For reasons having to do primarily with protection of his own interests and his family interests (Yeltsin's family was under suspicion of corruption in the late '90s), he ran through a series of prime ministers and heirs apparent. Being out of touch, he handpicked Vladimir Putin, who has gone a long way toward reversing many of the reforms that Boris Yeltsin started.
- I want to be a leader of discernment
- I want to be a leader who is does what is best for the group
WOW --- It is humbling to read an article of that summarizes a leader’s legacy. Though it’s just one person’s perspective, it challenges me to want to lead better. You see though Yeltsin was president of an entire country, a pastor leads the most important group of people on planet earth. We have the only message that can change a heart forever, which leads to all the other changes that are needed in our world. Remember our stakes are higher than a democracy and a market economy, it is eternal.
Lead on, Lead well.
April 24, 2007
Mentoring
My 13 year old daughter Sarah just got home from spending a night at a local hotel. She went with two other of her friends with an older friend named Dondra. Dondra and her husband have been pouring into Sarah’s life since she was in Kindergarten.
When Sarah was in Second Grade Dondra and her husband Paul asked these three girls if they would help them teach and lead the kindergarten class. The girls took them up on it.
One of the most significant relationships that Sarah has today is with Paul and Dondra. She loves them, values them and enjoys being with them. She has been mentored, since she was 8, that means for the last five years, complete with camping trips, lunch after church, shopping trips, nights at the movies, and even an overnighter at a local hotel.
I was convicted when I saw Dondra pull into our drive way. I thought to myself - Dwight you mentor, disciple, apprentice adults, but have you ever really built into someone like your daughter is getting.
I realize that the pay off is not quick, fast or instant. But I started thinking. It is much easier to impact a young person in grade school and lead them into young adulthood than to try to impact an adult.
The tendency is to quickly think - I am not a children’s pastor, youth pastor. I am the lead pastor….. But I don’t think God is pleased with that type of thinking.
I confess, I feel convicted….. I am starting today to begin to pray for God to lay three people on my heart that I can begin to be a friend to and mentor. Not because they are able to give back to me, the church, or community now. But because I believe it is how God intended it to be.
So I ask you to pray for me as I take this step in my life. I just might be able to shape a young man’s life, who cures cancer, aids or discovers some other great medical need in our world, or maybe he becomes a missionary, pastor, or the President of United States. But then again he might just grow up to be a man who loves God, is faithful to his wife, serves in his church, and is a godly example to his children. That’s not bad either is it?
When Sarah was in Second Grade Dondra and her husband Paul asked these three girls if they would help them teach and lead the kindergarten class. The girls took them up on it.
One of the most significant relationships that Sarah has today is with Paul and Dondra. She loves them, values them and enjoys being with them. She has been mentored, since she was 8, that means for the last five years, complete with camping trips, lunch after church, shopping trips, nights at the movies, and even an overnighter at a local hotel.
I was convicted when I saw Dondra pull into our drive way. I thought to myself - Dwight you mentor, disciple, apprentice adults, but have you ever really built into someone like your daughter is getting.
I realize that the pay off is not quick, fast or instant. But I started thinking. It is much easier to impact a young person in grade school and lead them into young adulthood than to try to impact an adult.
The tendency is to quickly think - I am not a children’s pastor, youth pastor. I am the lead pastor….. But I don’t think God is pleased with that type of thinking.
I confess, I feel convicted….. I am starting today to begin to pray for God to lay three people on my heart that I can begin to be a friend to and mentor. Not because they are able to give back to me, the church, or community now. But because I believe it is how God intended it to be.
So I ask you to pray for me as I take this step in my life. I just might be able to shape a young man’s life, who cures cancer, aids or discovers some other great medical need in our world, or maybe he becomes a missionary, pastor, or the President of United States. But then again he might just grow up to be a man who loves God, is faithful to his wife, serves in his church, and is a godly example to his children. That’s not bad either is it?
April 23, 2007
Live like you were dying
We come together for prayer at 6:00 a.m. every Monday morning here at NewPointe. All are welcomed.
This morning, someone mentioned a friend of hers who is battling cancer and going through extreme radiation. During this difficult time this woman has become very close to God. As these women were talking she quoted the verse that states, that you must lose your life if you are going to find your life.
The lady, with cancer, responded that she has found that to be true. It’s amazing what happens to us when we know that death is knocking at our door. Someone has said that you really aren’t ready to live until you are good and ready to die.
I can relate. I had open heart surgery. Ever since, I approach life differently. I always thought I would like a long life. My grandfather lived to be 101. But since I went under the knife, my attitude has changed. I think about dying every single day. An experience like this makes you ask yourself some really serious questions:
This morning, someone mentioned a friend of hers who is battling cancer and going through extreme radiation. During this difficult time this woman has become very close to God. As these women were talking she quoted the verse that states, that you must lose your life if you are going to find your life.
The lady, with cancer, responded that she has found that to be true. It’s amazing what happens to us when we know that death is knocking at our door. Someone has said that you really aren’t ready to live until you are good and ready to die.
I can relate. I had open heart surgery. Ever since, I approach life differently. I always thought I would like a long life. My grandfather lived to be 101. But since I went under the knife, my attitude has changed. I think about dying every single day. An experience like this makes you ask yourself some really serious questions:
- Is this the way I want to be remembered.
- Is this really all the important, in light of eternity?
Thinking like this has changed my focus. It has helped me be more courageous, more compassionate, more daring etc…..
Though I am not a big country music person, I remember the popular song by Tim McGraw Live Like You Were Dying. It’s amazing sometimes how the world speaks to issues that the church is so familiar with yet doesn’t fully get. Maybe we have become so familiar with scripture that we think because we know it means that we don’t have to embrace it.
I am not saying that we need to go through cancer, or open heart surgery to really appreciate life, to live less for self and more for the eternal. But I do know this, I wouldn’t trade my open heart surgery for anything. It changed my focus which has led to changing my behavior.
Are you really ready to die? If not you’re probably not really living.
Thinking on the Tragedy
What an unbelievable tragedy at VT. I can’t believe what happened and all through one person. The question that lingers - “How could some body do something like this? What would possess a person to do something like this?”
What can we do to assure that something like this never happens again?
Jeremiah tells us that our heart is desperately wicked, who can know it ? Proverbs says, that it is out of the heart the issues of life flow.
Wherever you turn, the media, government, leaders …. No one seems to have an answer.
Ultimately, I believe that this whole thing is a spiritual issue, and therein lies some answers.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12
And connect that passage with this -
"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! Matthew 16:22-23
We are becoming exactly what we watch, participate in, and allow in to our homes and hearts.
Scripture repeatedly warns us to Guard our heart. Why? Because you can not act in a way that is inconsistent with how we think (see) …..
My heart goes out to all of the family members, and the people of Virginia Tech.
They have repeated said, that this young man was isolated, felt unloved, made fun of and unwanted ….. So how do I respond?
This has challenged me where I lead to be more intentional with the hurting. Jesus said when you have done it unto the least of these you have done it unto me.
I am committed to leading a place where people feel welcome, accepted, loved . . regardless of status, race, economic position, education etc………
Never, Never, Never forget what we are really up against. It is not an Education problem , Economic Problem or even a White House problem ……
I believe it is a spiritual problem…SO…The Greatest gift you can give to your community is to be a relevant biblical place where people are accepted, loved and led into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
What can we do to assure that something like this never happens again?
Jeremiah tells us that our heart is desperately wicked, who can know it ? Proverbs says, that it is out of the heart the issues of life flow.
Wherever you turn, the media, government, leaders …. No one seems to have an answer.
Ultimately, I believe that this whole thing is a spiritual issue, and therein lies some answers.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12
And connect that passage with this -
"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! Matthew 16:22-23
We are becoming exactly what we watch, participate in, and allow in to our homes and hearts.
Scripture repeatedly warns us to Guard our heart. Why? Because you can not act in a way that is inconsistent with how we think (see) …..
My heart goes out to all of the family members, and the people of Virginia Tech.
They have repeated said, that this young man was isolated, felt unloved, made fun of and unwanted ….. So how do I respond?
This has challenged me where I lead to be more intentional with the hurting. Jesus said when you have done it unto the least of these you have done it unto me.
I am committed to leading a place where people feel welcome, accepted, loved . . regardless of status, race, economic position, education etc………
Never, Never, Never forget what we are really up against. It is not an Education problem , Economic Problem or even a White House problem ……
I believe it is a spiritual problem…SO…The Greatest gift you can give to your community is to be a relevant biblical place where people are accepted, loved and led into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
April 18, 2007
Our Focus
Sunday night, we had Focus 101, where you learn about the Vision, Values and Mission of NewPointe. It gives you the FOCUS of what we are about. I always enjoy teaching it, because it gets me fired up … It is always a challenge for me to stay in the time frame, but I feel so passionate about what God is doing here.
For those of you who are reading this and attend NewPointe, I want to encourage you to come and learn. As the saying goes, I wouldn’t get on a train unless I knew where the train is going. That is why we have this class. See if you don’t understand our vision, values and mission, no doubt you will battle frustration in a big way.
We know that as a Church we will be misunderstood and criticized. I am ok with that because not everyone understood Jesus either. When Jesus came he shook up the religious world and all kinds of people took pot shots at him. He was perfect and still got cheap shots. We don’t always get it right so we are bound to get it.
Here’s my point, we do not want to be just another church. We have enough “churches”. What we need are churches who will set aside their wants, take up their cross, and be Jesus to a hurting and helpless people who have no direction.
Here are my thoughts about the criticism: I take it as a nod that we are fulfilling scripture: Be ware when all men speak good of you. “ Luke 6:26
There is nothing probably more frustrating than to be apart of something and not realizing it full intended purpose. Our goal is not about building a large church, it is about building people, leading them into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Let me give you a taste of what I teach at FOCUS 101:
- We will do anything short of sin to reach people for Christ
- Our Vision is to Reach People not Keep People (Luke 15:1-10)
- Our ultimate goal is not to meet your need, (though that happens) but to help you take your next step in your relationship with Christ.
- Our goal is not to be perfect, but to be a healthy Biblical community.
- Jesus was irresistible, so the church should be irresistible too.
- Sinners loved Jesus, but the religious people despised him. If we are His body we will face the same thing. (Matthew 9:9-13)
- NewPointe Functions on the basis of Spiritual Gifts not Seniority
- Every member is a minister, meaning people are ministers & pastors are administrators.
- NewPointe operates on the basis of relationship not rules.
- Our Message never changes, but our Methods always will change
- Here is how I summarize our statement of faith
In the essentials --- we have unity
In the non-essentials –we have liberty
In all our beliefs -- we have love
The Next FOCUS 101 class is in May - come out if you want to learn more about NewPointe
Proverbs warns us to get all the facts before making a decision. To help with those facts, here are a few message series, available in our bookstore, that will help.
Why We Do What We Do & Building a Contagious Church .
April 17, 2007
Tour through Scripture
Every year I try to read through the bible as a part of my personal devotions and time with God. I choose a different translation each time; this helps me by creating a sense of expectation as I read God’s Word. This year it is the New Century Translation.
One more reason - Everything in life and ministry flows out of my personal walk with Jesus Christ. Reason enough for me.
I just finished Ecclesiastes and wanted to share scripture that impacted me. It is unbelievable what God’s word has to say ….
1:18 With much wisdom comes much disappointments.
3:10 He (God) does everything just right and on time, but people can never completely understand what he is doing
3:14 everything God does will continue forever.
4:4 The reason people work hard and try to succeed; they are jealous of each other.
5:4 -5 If you make a promise to God, don’t be slow to keep it. God is not happy with fools, so give God what you promised. It is better not to promise anything than to promise something and not do it.
5:6 Don’t let your words cause you to sin.
5:10 Whoever loves money will never have enough money, whoever loves wealth will not be satisfied with it.
6:9 It is better to see what you have than to want more. Wanting more is useless—like chasing the wind.
7:2 It is better to go to a funeral than to a party. We all must die and everyone living should think about this. … A wise person thinks about death, but a fool thinks only about having a good time.
7:5 It is better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool.
7:7 Even wise people are fools if they let money change their thinking.
7:21-22 Don’t listen to everything people say, or you might hear your servant insulting you. You know that many times you have insulted others.
8:5 A wise person does the right think at the right time. There is a right time and a right way for everything, yet people often have many troubles.
8:11 When evil people are not punished right away, it makes others, want to do evil too.
8:12 Though a sinner might do a hundred evil things and might live a long time. I know it will be better for those who honor God.
10:4 Don’t leave your job just because your boss is angry with you. Remaining clam solves great problems.
10:10 A dull ax means harder work. Being wise will make it easier.
10:14 A fool talks too much.
10:15 Work wears fools out; they don’t even know how to get home.
10:18 If someone is lazy, the roof will begin to fall. If he doesn’t fix it, the house will leak.
11:1 Invest what you have, because after a while you will get a return.
11:4 Those who wait for perfect weather will never plant seeds: those who look at every cloud will never harvest crops.
12: Honor God and obey his commands, because this is all people must do. God will judge everything even what is done in secret, the good and the evil.”
Wow! That’s a lot to digest. If you aren’t in the practice of reading God’s Word, I want to encourage you to begin. This is important for us even in the ministry, as someone has said … sometimes we get so busy being a servant, we don’t take time to be his friend. That is really what he desires.
One more reason - Everything in life and ministry flows out of my personal walk with Jesus Christ. Reason enough for me.
I just finished Ecclesiastes and wanted to share scripture that impacted me. It is unbelievable what God’s word has to say ….
1:18 With much wisdom comes much disappointments.
3:10 He (God) does everything just right and on time, but people can never completely understand what he is doing
3:14 everything God does will continue forever.
4:4 The reason people work hard and try to succeed; they are jealous of each other.
5:4 -5 If you make a promise to God, don’t be slow to keep it. God is not happy with fools, so give God what you promised. It is better not to promise anything than to promise something and not do it.
5:6 Don’t let your words cause you to sin.
5:10 Whoever loves money will never have enough money, whoever loves wealth will not be satisfied with it.
6:9 It is better to see what you have than to want more. Wanting more is useless—like chasing the wind.
7:2 It is better to go to a funeral than to a party. We all must die and everyone living should think about this. … A wise person thinks about death, but a fool thinks only about having a good time.
7:5 It is better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool.
7:7 Even wise people are fools if they let money change their thinking.
7:21-22 Don’t listen to everything people say, or you might hear your servant insulting you. You know that many times you have insulted others.
8:5 A wise person does the right think at the right time. There is a right time and a right way for everything, yet people often have many troubles.
8:11 When evil people are not punished right away, it makes others, want to do evil too.
8:12 Though a sinner might do a hundred evil things and might live a long time. I know it will be better for those who honor God.
10:4 Don’t leave your job just because your boss is angry with you. Remaining clam solves great problems.
10:10 A dull ax means harder work. Being wise will make it easier.
10:14 A fool talks too much.
10:15 Work wears fools out; they don’t even know how to get home.
10:18 If someone is lazy, the roof will begin to fall. If he doesn’t fix it, the house will leak.
11:1 Invest what you have, because after a while you will get a return.
11:4 Those who wait for perfect weather will never plant seeds: those who look at every cloud will never harvest crops.
12: Honor God and obey his commands, because this is all people must do. God will judge everything even what is done in secret, the good and the evil.”
Wow! That’s a lot to digest. If you aren’t in the practice of reading God’s Word, I want to encourage you to begin. This is important for us even in the ministry, as someone has said … sometimes we get so busy being a servant, we don’t take time to be his friend. That is really what he desires.
April 16, 2007
W2's at NewPointe?
I celebrated the end of spring break with our kids by going out to lunch together and stopping by the mall. It was fun.
I was sitting by the fountain and a man stopped by to chat. I don’t know his real name. He told me that he had a question for me. He said that he didn’t want me to get mad, but he was going to risk it any way.
The question, “Is it true that you have to bring you W2 forms to show how much you make before you are allowed to become a member at NewPointe?”
I asked him - what do you think? He said, “No I am serious, I have heard this from a number of people.” Well it wasn’t the first time I have heard it, but I asked anyways…
I shared with him that it wasn’t true…. He said I would hope not, and that he wouldn’t join a church that did that. I wouldn’t either. And then I started to ask some questions.
I asked him - why he thought people would think that way. He said he wasn’t sure.
I asked him - do you remember when you fell in love with your wife? He said yes.
I said did you start doing things that you thought you would never do? He said yes.
I asked him - what his friends thought about it. Well – they thought I was hen-pecked …. And that I had a ring in my nose …
So I asked - do you know why? Because they had never experienced being in love with someone So they tried to describe from their own experience, making a poor effort at guessing why someone would response that way …..
Same is true in this situation with the W2 as well. I told him, when you truly fall in love with Jesus Christ and have an experience that is personal and intimate, it causes you to do things that you have never done before.
When you fell in love, you would buy the love of you life all kinds of things. Money was not and problem, and there was no one you would rather be with.
I told him that what was happening at NewPointe was a God Thing. It is supernatural … his friends had never been in love with Jesus Christ and simply couldn’t comprehend what would move people to do something so outrageous as willingly giving to a church in a generous way.
So they tried to explain best they knew how in a twisted natural way – that we ask for people’s W2’s. Now that is silly.
The two things we struggle most with in life are time and money, both of which were never an issue when we were in love. So, the issue isn’t time and money …… the issue is that your affections have waned. And how we react to money and time just tells us where our heart really is.
Let me encourage you to ask yourself where your time and money is going …. It is the best way to find out who you are in love with ……
Well ---- I got to go spend some time and money on my babe – Patty.
I was sitting by the fountain and a man stopped by to chat. I don’t know his real name. He told me that he had a question for me. He said that he didn’t want me to get mad, but he was going to risk it any way.
The question, “Is it true that you have to bring you W2 forms to show how much you make before you are allowed to become a member at NewPointe?”
I asked him - what do you think? He said, “No I am serious, I have heard this from a number of people.” Well it wasn’t the first time I have heard it, but I asked anyways…
I shared with him that it wasn’t true…. He said I would hope not, and that he wouldn’t join a church that did that. I wouldn’t either. And then I started to ask some questions.
I asked him - why he thought people would think that way. He said he wasn’t sure.
I asked him - do you remember when you fell in love with your wife? He said yes.
I said did you start doing things that you thought you would never do? He said yes.
I asked him - what his friends thought about it. Well – they thought I was hen-pecked …. And that I had a ring in my nose …
So I asked - do you know why? Because they had never experienced being in love with someone So they tried to describe from their own experience, making a poor effort at guessing why someone would response that way …..
Same is true in this situation with the W2 as well. I told him, when you truly fall in love with Jesus Christ and have an experience that is personal and intimate, it causes you to do things that you have never done before.
When you fell in love, you would buy the love of you life all kinds of things. Money was not and problem, and there was no one you would rather be with.
I told him that what was happening at NewPointe was a God Thing. It is supernatural … his friends had never been in love with Jesus Christ and simply couldn’t comprehend what would move people to do something so outrageous as willingly giving to a church in a generous way.
So they tried to explain best they knew how in a twisted natural way – that we ask for people’s W2’s. Now that is silly.
The two things we struggle most with in life are time and money, both of which were never an issue when we were in love. So, the issue isn’t time and money …… the issue is that your affections have waned. And how we react to money and time just tells us where our heart really is.
Let me encourage you to ask yourself where your time and money is going …. It is the best way to find out who you are in love with ……
Well ---- I got to go spend some time and money on my babe – Patty.
April 13, 2007
Young at Heart
I just celebrated my 46 birthday. Most common question that I got - “Do you feel old?” I have to confess I really don’t. I am the father of four great and wonderful children. I have to pinch myself when we are at the dinner table. I can’t believe that I am blessed to have such wonderful kids, and yet I still don’t think I am old enough to have four kids.
I have heard about the mid-life crisis …. I haven’t sensed or even had a smell of it in my life. I was wondering why.
Here is my conclusion. I have purpose. Plain and simple - significance in my life. I am doing my very best to embrace the NOW in my life. This gives me a great sense of destiny and energy. I told my my doctor that I have a lot of energy. She told me, that you run on a different fuel than most people.
I believe that fuel is doing what God created me to do.
I’m 46 (at least that is what my birth certificate says) but I don’t feel like it. Probably a lot of people would say I don’t act like it either. Anyway I’m really having fun with my beautiful wife, and kids.
I also get to be apart of an incredible family called NewPointe.
Want to stay young at heart? The secret is really no secret - discover your God Size Purpose in life.
I have heard about the mid-life crisis …. I haven’t sensed or even had a smell of it in my life. I was wondering why.
Here is my conclusion. I have purpose. Plain and simple - significance in my life. I am doing my very best to embrace the NOW in my life. This gives me a great sense of destiny and energy. I told my my doctor that I have a lot of energy. She told me, that you run on a different fuel than most people.
I believe that fuel is doing what God created me to do.
I’m 46 (at least that is what my birth certificate says) but I don’t feel like it. Probably a lot of people would say I don’t act like it either. Anyway I’m really having fun with my beautiful wife, and kids.
I also get to be apart of an incredible family called NewPointe.
Want to stay young at heart? The secret is really no secret - discover your God Size Purpose in life.
April 12, 2007
No Cross?
I had another unique conversation the other day. Someone asked me why NewPointe doesn’t have a cross on its building. I get this one often.
I was so excited to answer. I can’t tell you how many conversations I have had with people about the cross in the last six months. These always lead to spiritual conversations, more so than any one topic in the last 20 years of ministry. (sorry for the long post, but this is important)
I find this very interesting. I always like to ask what people know about the cross. The conversation usually moves into a direction that eventually becomes uncomfortable.
You see in most people’s mind a church isn’t a church until it fully looks like a church (at least in their eyes). It is like a pastor isn’t really a pastor unless he wears a suit and tie.
You see we live in a day and age of in congruent values. We might say we value something but it’s not really apart of your life. Translated - people are more interested in looking the part, than really playing the part.
The central metaphor of the Christian faith is death, exhibited through the cross, baptism and the Lord’s Supper. All of which are about death, dying to self, to your preferences, etc.
Here’s what Jesus said to his disciples on this subject, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it" (Matthew 16:24, 25).
Though often quoted, I believe that this is often misunderstood. People have come to believe the idea that to take up your cross means to deal with the problems of life ….. my poor health, my kids, my finances etc….
But in reality, a cross is not something you are assigned or given. A cross is something that you have to personally pick up…. It is something that you willfully choose to carry. It involves denying yourself.
Whenever the Scriptures say anything about the cross, it carries with it the idea of dying.
You see I don’t think people are attracted to the church because it has a cross. I believe people are attracted because the people of the church are bearing a cross.
When you and I live a selfless life, the cross bleeds through and it is seen by the whole world. I am more interested in people seeing the cross in me and than on a building.
I confess we don’t have a cross on the building. But I do call people to die on a cross. I do call people to deny themselves, and in doing so represent Christ as he called us to.
Come this Sunday and here about the cross I am asking you to die on. It is called the “Cross of Forgiving the Person.”
Where is the cross you are bearing and does anyone see it? What you are dying to make God more visible? Or do you rely on the church to show that? Any one interested in dying to self?
I was so excited to answer. I can’t tell you how many conversations I have had with people about the cross in the last six months. These always lead to spiritual conversations, more so than any one topic in the last 20 years of ministry. (sorry for the long post, but this is important)
I find this very interesting. I always like to ask what people know about the cross. The conversation usually moves into a direction that eventually becomes uncomfortable.
You see in most people’s mind a church isn’t a church until it fully looks like a church (at least in their eyes). It is like a pastor isn’t really a pastor unless he wears a suit and tie.
You see we live in a day and age of in congruent values. We might say we value something but it’s not really apart of your life. Translated - people are more interested in looking the part, than really playing the part.
The central metaphor of the Christian faith is death, exhibited through the cross, baptism and the Lord’s Supper. All of which are about death, dying to self, to your preferences, etc.
Here’s what Jesus said to his disciples on this subject, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it" (Matthew 16:24, 25).
Though often quoted, I believe that this is often misunderstood. People have come to believe the idea that to take up your cross means to deal with the problems of life ….. my poor health, my kids, my finances etc….
But in reality, a cross is not something you are assigned or given. A cross is something that you have to personally pick up…. It is something that you willfully choose to carry. It involves denying yourself.
Whenever the Scriptures say anything about the cross, it carries with it the idea of dying.
You see I don’t think people are attracted to the church because it has a cross. I believe people are attracted because the people of the church are bearing a cross.
When you and I live a selfless life, the cross bleeds through and it is seen by the whole world. I am more interested in people seeing the cross in me and than on a building.
I confess we don’t have a cross on the building. But I do call people to die on a cross. I do call people to deny themselves, and in doing so represent Christ as he called us to.
Come this Sunday and here about the cross I am asking you to die on. It is called the “Cross of Forgiving the Person.”
Where is the cross you are bearing and does anyone see it? What you are dying to make God more visible? Or do you rely on the church to show that? Any one interested in dying to self?
April 10, 2007
A God Thing
Friends of mine recently went to China to finalize the adoption of their children and bring their new babies home. Throughout the trip they blogged to keep everyone up to speed. It was fun to follow along with their story and see all of the pictures of their families.
Lots of people were following this blog. Specifically, one couple (the Engstroms) followed along because they had adopted a child from China and had gone on a mission trip to China last July. As it turns out, their guide on their missions trip – Evelyn – was in the photos on the blog. Both groups had the same guide!
But it gets better – here is what is truly amazing. While on their mission trip, Evelyn began asking about God. Now, Evelyn is a Buddhist and her family is very prominent in the communist party. Despite the risk, the Engstroms shared the gospel very openly.
Evelyn was amazed and said that our God sounded very loving and good. Later, she was experiencing heartbreak over the loss of a long-term relationship, and one of the team members offered to pray with her. She eagerly accepted, and they prayed together twice. The Engstroms and their team all became close with Evelyn.
Evelyn wasn't there to take them to the airport on their. Needless to say, they were disappointed. Suddenly, a taxi sped up behind them in busy traffic and drove side-by-side with them. To their shock, there was Evelyn, hanging out the window, waving like mad. Because of the traffic, they sort of just slowed down and grabbed her onto the bus they were on. At the airport, they exchanged tearful goodbyes and promises to E-mail.
The story still gets better. Strangely, Evelyn never responded to any of their e-mails. They sent her an E-card and received a message that it had been opened, but still no word from her. They all wondered if she was told not to have further contact by the communist government. You can imagine their amazement to see her in the picture on the blog of the adoption group.
Well, as the story unfolded, the second group in China there to adopt, and not knowing of the Engstrom’s experience with Evelyn, made friends with Evelyn and left her with a Life Application Bible.
Amazing in this huge world that two small groups of people would meet the same guide!!! Let this remind all of us that God is good and the Holy Spirit is certainly working. God’s story is still being written!
The Apostle Paul wrote “some plant, some water, but God gives the increase.” Never forget that God is great and is always working whether we see “evidence” of it or not. This causes me to believe God for even greater things in my life.
Lots of people were following this blog. Specifically, one couple (the Engstroms) followed along because they had adopted a child from China and had gone on a mission trip to China last July. As it turns out, their guide on their missions trip – Evelyn – was in the photos on the blog. Both groups had the same guide!
But it gets better – here is what is truly amazing. While on their mission trip, Evelyn began asking about God. Now, Evelyn is a Buddhist and her family is very prominent in the communist party. Despite the risk, the Engstroms shared the gospel very openly.
Evelyn was amazed and said that our God sounded very loving and good. Later, she was experiencing heartbreak over the loss of a long-term relationship, and one of the team members offered to pray with her. She eagerly accepted, and they prayed together twice. The Engstroms and their team all became close with Evelyn.
Evelyn wasn't there to take them to the airport on their. Needless to say, they were disappointed. Suddenly, a taxi sped up behind them in busy traffic and drove side-by-side with them. To their shock, there was Evelyn, hanging out the window, waving like mad. Because of the traffic, they sort of just slowed down and grabbed her onto the bus they were on. At the airport, they exchanged tearful goodbyes and promises to E-mail.
The story still gets better. Strangely, Evelyn never responded to any of their e-mails. They sent her an E-card and received a message that it had been opened, but still no word from her. They all wondered if she was told not to have further contact by the communist government. You can imagine their amazement to see her in the picture on the blog of the adoption group.
Well, as the story unfolded, the second group in China there to adopt, and not knowing of the Engstrom’s experience with Evelyn, made friends with Evelyn and left her with a Life Application Bible.
Amazing in this huge world that two small groups of people would meet the same guide!!! Let this remind all of us that God is good and the Holy Spirit is certainly working. God’s story is still being written!
The Apostle Paul wrote “some plant, some water, but God gives the increase.” Never forget that God is great and is always working whether we see “evidence” of it or not. This causes me to believe God for even greater things in my life.
April 9, 2007
Easter Reflection
Easter service was unbelievable. Our largest attendance yet 2,790 (2,800 with people in our control room!). God’s presence was very evident, energy was great and expectation was running high. The stories are coming in, and they all talk about how God spoke and family members were impacted.
The worship/celebration was fantastic. Danny, Stephen and the gang did great. I personally felt God helping me to convey His message of hope and forgiveness. I was so proud of NewPointe staff and every single volunteer (you all are incredible). Most important, I believe God was proud.
It was a great kick off to the series No Strings Attached. I really am excited about this series on forgiveness. A doctor come up to me after the service and mentioned that he couldn’t wait for it either. He mentioned that probably 95% of his patients deal with un-forgiveness in their lives, and he can tell by how their body is responding.
WOW! That is incredible that he would come up and share that information. It really confirmed in my heart that forgiveness (or the lack of it) needs to be talked about.
He went on to say that he grew up in a church where they didn’t handle the issue of forgiveness. Forgiveness was basically something that was pushed to the side. Well --- it is coming front and center at NewPointe.
I truly believe that this is probably the central reason why people don’t grow in their faith. You might say how…. If you are not right in relationship with people you are not right in your relationship with God. I know that conjures up many questions and push back – mostly because most people don’t really understand forgiveness and what God is really asking of us.
If that is you – I strongly encourage you not to come alone next Sunday. This is too important, to come alone. It affects everybody you know. Be sure to be intentional in asking people. Tell them you will do lunch together either back at your place or go out together after the service. I promise you, you won’t be sorry and your friends will thank you.
Oh by the way, this Sunday kicks off our second KidStuf (Double Stuffed according to Bunn). 10:10 &12:10 ….. Not for sure what I am talking about? Go to KidStuf and get a taste. It’s off the hook.
The worship/celebration was fantastic. Danny, Stephen and the gang did great. I personally felt God helping me to convey His message of hope and forgiveness. I was so proud of NewPointe staff and every single volunteer (you all are incredible). Most important, I believe God was proud.
It was a great kick off to the series No Strings Attached. I really am excited about this series on forgiveness. A doctor come up to me after the service and mentioned that he couldn’t wait for it either. He mentioned that probably 95% of his patients deal with un-forgiveness in their lives, and he can tell by how their body is responding.
WOW! That is incredible that he would come up and share that information. It really confirmed in my heart that forgiveness (or the lack of it) needs to be talked about.
He went on to say that he grew up in a church where they didn’t handle the issue of forgiveness. Forgiveness was basically something that was pushed to the side. Well --- it is coming front and center at NewPointe.
I truly believe that this is probably the central reason why people don’t grow in their faith. You might say how…. If you are not right in relationship with people you are not right in your relationship with God. I know that conjures up many questions and push back – mostly because most people don’t really understand forgiveness and what God is really asking of us.
If that is you – I strongly encourage you not to come alone next Sunday. This is too important, to come alone. It affects everybody you know. Be sure to be intentional in asking people. Tell them you will do lunch together either back at your place or go out together after the service. I promise you, you won’t be sorry and your friends will thank you.
Oh by the way, this Sunday kicks off our second KidStuf (Double Stuffed according to Bunn). 10:10 &12:10 ….. Not for sure what I am talking about? Go to KidStuf and get a taste. It’s off the hook.
April 5, 2007
More on Church Hopping
Found these stats from Barna to back up what I was just blogging about:
- 9% of people tithe to their home church . The Bible says "where your treasure is there your heart is also." Can’t have much intimacy with God if this is out of whack.
- 22% of people participate in a small group. Proverbs tells us “Iron sharpens Iron “ James states "confess your sins to one another so that you might be healed.” Not able to do that if you are not in meaningful relationships where accountability is high.
- 49% of Christians have invited a friend who doesn’t know Christ to church. But, in the Northeast it is 30% . Philemon says “ I pray that you will share your faith that you might know every good thing we have in Christ." WOW ! One of the ways we grow is by investing in people who don’t know Christ.
- 27% of Christians volunteer at church. Jesus said if you want to be great serve.
- 18% of people said that completely understanding and carrying out the principles of their faith was the highest priority in their lives. Wow again! What about the other 82%?
Churches that challenge us to grow in these areas are deeply interested in seeing your faith grow. Go somewhere that asks this of you.
Church Hopping
I read Monday Morning Insights frequently. They just posted their latest findings listing the top 10 reasons adults switch churches.
The number 1 reason: The church was not helping me to develop spiritually.
I thought about this in terms of our community at NewPointe. Could that be said of us? Could that be said where I lead? For some sort of answer, I revisited the three things we emphasize:
The number 1 reason: The church was not helping me to develop spiritually.
I thought about this in terms of our community at NewPointe. Could that be said of us? Could that be said where I lead? For some sort of answer, I revisited the three things we emphasize:
- Helping people develop intimacy with God
- Helping people with involvement in community (Small Groups)
- Helping people influence the world (Serving & Sharing their faith)
Our ultimate desire at NewPointe is not to meet people needs, though we do. Our main goal is to help them take their next step in their spiritual journey with Christ. I believe that this is the reason that most churches are dysfunctional. They see themselves only as in the business of meeting needs. Doing this is unhealthy because taking responsibility for someone you can’t control will drive you crazy.
I believe that we must be responsible to, but not for people. As a leader I feel responsible for helping people take their next step, but I can’t make any one grow. I can only lead in a way that creates an environment conducive for growth.
How do we create that environment - we provide opportunities (in abundance) for people to give, to serve, to experience community and to invite others to experience this same thing. This is something we measure at NewPointe - how well we are helping people in these 4 areas.
So, back to that church hopping thing - If your church is not giving you the opportunity to give generously, serve generously, experience community ( small groups ) or if you attend a church where you wouldn’t want to invite your friends to your church, then I think we have a legit reason for saying that your church is not helping me grow spiritually. Other than that I would say we are playing the victim card.
I know - DD says it's supposed to be a blog, not a book - but this stuff gets me going.
April 4, 2007
More Easter Thoughts
Yesterday, as I was thinking about Easter and our upcoming No Strings Attached series, I was reminded again about how few people really get this – the need for forgiveness and freedom.
I was talking to two different people and they were asking questions about NewPointe. I shared with them our purpose and goal - lead people to Christ. Both mentioned that this goal was nice and yet as they did so they conveyed in a subtle way that it wasn’t for all churches.
I thought WOW --- and in just a few days they will no doubt celebrate the resurrection. So sad that for many it is just an event, instead of life. I mean, if we limit the celebration of Easter to just one day that means we wait 365 days until we think of and celebrate Christ’s sacrifice.
I can’t wait that long to celebrate. God has solved my greatest problem, conquered my greatest enemy and given me the greatest opportunity. That is worth celebrating every day. It is actually my personal goal to celebrate this freedom every time we gather as a church family.
By the way, that is why we do what we do here at NewPointe. We point people to the resurrection every week, not just on Easter. We need to experience the freedom of forgiveness daily, not just when the calendar tells us to.
I was talking to two different people and they were asking questions about NewPointe. I shared with them our purpose and goal - lead people to Christ. Both mentioned that this goal was nice and yet as they did so they conveyed in a subtle way that it wasn’t for all churches.
I thought WOW --- and in just a few days they will no doubt celebrate the resurrection. So sad that for many it is just an event, instead of life. I mean, if we limit the celebration of Easter to just one day that means we wait 365 days until we think of and celebrate Christ’s sacrifice.
I can’t wait that long to celebrate. God has solved my greatest problem, conquered my greatest enemy and given me the greatest opportunity. That is worth celebrating every day. It is actually my personal goal to celebrate this freedom every time we gather as a church family.
By the way, that is why we do what we do here at NewPointe. We point people to the resurrection every week, not just on Easter. We need to experience the freedom of forgiveness daily, not just when the calendar tells us to.
No Strings Attached
Easter is a great time of year – weather changes (not always for the good!), spring is here, and this holiday has tremendous opportunity to be able to reach out and touch the community. Churches should be paying attention and leveraging this opportunity to connect with the community.
NewPointe certainly is. This Sunday we are kicking off a new series called – No Strings Attached. This series is going to be huge. Why? We are talking about two words that everyone deals with – forgiveness and freedom.
Who doesn’t want to experience those words? Oddly though, I am finding out that very few people are really free or forgiven – mostly because we don’t understand either of these two. And we pay for it emotionally and physically, living with guilt and shame.
Know this: If you don’t understand, experience, and extend forgiveness you are the loser. And the people around you suffer too.
But God did not make us to live in that state. He created us to be free. We cannot and will not experience this freedom until we experience forgiveness from God and extend forgiveness to others. The fact of the matter is that People who feel forgiven by God, forgive other people.
Have you been hurt? Has somebody, in your past rejected you in such a way that you still shudder when you see them or hear their names? Were you promised things that you never received? Did you suffer through your parents’ divorce as a child?
If you answered yes to any of these, don’t want miss any of the messages in No Strings Attached.
NewPointe certainly is. This Sunday we are kicking off a new series called – No Strings Attached. This series is going to be huge. Why? We are talking about two words that everyone deals with – forgiveness and freedom.
Who doesn’t want to experience those words? Oddly though, I am finding out that very few people are really free or forgiven – mostly because we don’t understand either of these two. And we pay for it emotionally and physically, living with guilt and shame.
Know this: If you don’t understand, experience, and extend forgiveness you are the loser. And the people around you suffer too.
But God did not make us to live in that state. He created us to be free. We cannot and will not experience this freedom until we experience forgiveness from God and extend forgiveness to others. The fact of the matter is that People who feel forgiven by God, forgive other people.
Have you been hurt? Has somebody, in your past rejected you in such a way that you still shudder when you see them or hear their names? Were you promised things that you never received? Did you suffer through your parents’ divorce as a child?
If you answered yes to any of these, don’t want miss any of the messages in No Strings Attached.
April 2, 2007
Interesting Stats
I read something in Newsweek that got my mind turning.
- 91% of American adults claim that they believe in God
Wow - at first glance - outstanding. but I along the way, I filter this stat through some other stats that I have heard:
- as high as 50% of Americand don't attend church regularly
- on the Sunday after 9/11, church attendance peaked
- in the following months after 9/11, church attendance resumed to normal numbers
What do we do with this? Well - my first thoughts go to the local church and one of the primary functions of leadership.
One of the most foundational responsibilities of any leader is to define reality. In light of these statistics - the leaders of local churches must begin by defining why so many people believe in God, but so many don't attend our churches. No doubt this is painful work. But the stakes are high.
What a perfect time for this realization - Easter - one of the greatest times for the Christian faith. Easter is the most attended weekend of the year, and a great opportunity to help define reality for our community. It's a great opportunity to have a creative, thought provoking, Biblical, challenging, and fun experience in church.
Let's do the painful work, and make the church irresistible - just like Jesus when he walked the Earth.
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