A Funny Thing

I love blowing people’s images about God, church and religion. The other day, a funny thing happened at a local restaurant.

One of the places I go on a regular basis for lunch and breakfast meetings is

Over time I have also built relationships with the waitresses and hostesses there.

They all get a kick out of the fact that I don’t wear socks and like to tease me.

Last week one of the waitresses that have waited on my table for a long time finally asked, “Do you have a job? I always see you here.”

My friend who was sitting across the table said, “Yes, his job is helping me.”

She said, “No, seriously, do you have a job?” and I told her, “Yes, I am a pastor.”

She said, “You’re not a pastor. You look more like a janitor than a pastor.” I laughed, and she went on to tell me why she wasn’t attending church anywhere—“boring”, “people weren’t friendly”, “it didn’t make a whole lot of sense”.

She asked where I pastored, and I invited her Newpointe. I promised her it wouldn’t be boring, unfriendly and that it would make sense.

People carry around a lot of stereotypes regarding how church is, and often these images are not positive ones. At NewPointe it’s our intention to shatter those stereotypes and be fun, friendly and relevant to their lives.

After all, Jesus himself attracted people around him continually, knew how to have fun and spoke in ways that were completely relevant to their lives. As His representatives, should we be like Him to every person we’re around, and shouldn’t our churches be modeled after Him as well?

Successful Launch

March 15^th we launched a new campus in Louisville, Ohio. It was a great evening and a wonderful beginning of “NewPointe North”.


We are meeting at the Louisville Middle School every other Sunday Night and will be there this Sunday night, March 25^th, at 6:00 p.m.

The evening will include a great time of worship and a focused study of the book of Nehemiah emphasizing discovering God’s plan for your life.

The core volunteers are from the Canton/Louisville areas and have been driving down to NewPointe (Dover) for several months. They’re tremendously excited to be able to reach their own geographical area for Christ.

Join us for a great time whenever you’re available.

Here are the dates and times for the next couple of months:

April 19 @ 6:00 p.m.

May 3 @ 6:00 p.m.

May 17 @ 6:00 p.m.

May 31 @ 6:00 p.m.

Welcome

 

In that last two weeks, I have heard the comment several times, “If you are going to go to church, NewPointe is the place to go.”

I laughed when I heard the phrase “if you are going to go to church”. Sounds like a little hesitation there.

Jesus was “contagious” while he was here on earth, and His body, the church, should be too.

The other phrase that I just heard again was, “NewPointe is the church that will take anyone”. That makes me laugh too, but it also fills me with joy! Sometimes that comment has been made for the purpose of trying to insult us, but that’s exactly who we want to be—a place where anyone, no matter what their background, can come and feel accepted and loved.

Our founder and leader Jesus told us to go out and invite anyone we can find (Matthew 22:8-10). It’s our hope and intent to do exactly that.

Fasting & Prayer

 

Tomorrow, March 15, we kick off our 28 days of fasting and praying. This leads up to the greatest day of celebration in the Church--Easter.

Maybe you are not sure what a fast is. From a biblical point of view, fasting is abstaining from food, drink, TV, something that you enjoy to focus on a period of spiritual growth.

Specifically, we humbly deny something of the flesh to draw close to God, enhance our spirit and go deeper in our prayer and time with God by going on a fast.

I want to encourage you to fully participate in this spiritual discipline. Someone has said that you have not done all you can until you have fasted and prayed.

Fasting is a principle that God intended for everyone to be able to enjoy. By fasting you can get closer to God and grow in your spiritual walk like never before. Fasting is one of the most powerful weapons God has given us for our daily lives.

Through fasting, you can experience a renewal in your relationship with God that will help you to become more sensitive in hearing Him speak.

What I want to encourage is that you fast from something for the 28 days. It might be TV, sports, newspaper, chocolate, buying things for yourself, sweets, etc…. or maybe even something much more substantial.

In doing this you are taking control, with the help of God’s Spirit, of your flesh, your natural desires. This creates space for the Spirit of God to move and work in your life.

We are living in tough economic times, and I know that many people are under a financial burden. Pray that God will give you wisdom to know what He would have you do.

As you fast, pray for God's direction and guidance in your life (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Let me also encourage you to target your prayers during the fast. Be very specific.

Let me give you some specific things you can add to your list.

· You (Ask God how He wants to use you in helping NewPointe fulfill His purposes.)

· Staff /Church Board

· Volunteers at NewPointe

· Easter Services (Kicking off a new series that will deal with the uncertainty that we are facing in our world today. It will be a huge opportunity for “Invest & Invite”)

· Starting of third service

· Canton area campus launch

· Family and friends who don’t know Christ

If you set your will and heart to fully participate in this spiritual discipline for this 28 days of fasting, I promise you your relationship with Christ will never be the same. You will experience the power of God’s spirit in ways you have never before.

You can go to www.newpointe.org for more information.

Remember, "He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him!" (Hebrews 11:6)

Book Club

One of the biggest challenges of any parent is to make sure that your children are prepared to enter the world. We have to realize that it will be pretty hard for them to learn on the go. It will lead them down a path of brokenness and hardship.

I just gave our daughter a book to read. It is called “ Kissed The Girls & Made Them Cry”.

Guess what?  I am paying her to read it.

It is a book that is very straight forward about sexual purity.

Here are a couple of  quotes from the book:

“We must allow romantic love to rest and dream until the time of its awakening so natural passion will remain dormant, but at the same time we must arouse a passionate love for God.”

“If you want a guy to appreciate you for your mind, don’t overwhelm him with your cleavage and navel.”

"[As] women we always stand to lose so much more than men when we give in. Men love adventure and intrigue while women crave intimacy, romance and passion. We were created for so much more than a sexual outlet for men, and as women, we want and deserve more than just sexual release for ourselves. It is time to restore dignity, honor, strength-- and yes, even power-- to generations of women, young and old, who are no longer willing to lose."

Many times we reward our kids for doing chores, working on their favorite sports or practicing their musical instruments. I would encourage you to reward them for reading great books that will prepare for the challenges they will face when they leave home.

Don’t let your son or daughter leave home with out knowing how to

* Manage money

* Handle conflict

*Develop a personal relationship with God

* Develop a work ethic

* Sustain healthy relationships

My biggest and most important role is not at work , but at home.

It is also my greatest challenge.

What do you celebrate?

Last night the L.A. Lakers secured a playoff spot with a 102-95 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

The Spurs have been the No. 2 team in the West most of the season, and Los Angeles validated that pecking order with a road win that also wrapped up the Pacific Division with a month to play in the regular season.

Not that Kobe Bryant cared in the slightest.

"Oh yeah," Bryant cracked, "We're really big on Pacific Division titles."

When the Lakers go to their locker room, there were boxes with T-shirts saying Pacific Division Champs. They were never even opened.

Why? Because their goal is to be World Champions. Anything less is not successful.

It got me thinking about the church of today.

What do churches have a tendency to celebrate?

· Attendance

· New Buildings

· Cool Services

· Biggest Church

You go to most arenas in the NBA and you will find banners hanging that celebrate the divisional titles that they have won in there.

Not so with the L.A. Lakers. They only have two types of banners hanging. One for retired numbers of great players and one for NBA Championships.

That maybe why they have won 14 titles and are picked to win this year’s.

Oh, by the way, there is only one thing that heaven celebrates over. That is when someone’s life is changed by the power and love of Jesus Christ. Nothing else gets them that excited.

Unrealistic

 

Have you felt that lately? “That is just unrealistic!”

Maybe you think you have an unrealistic leader, boss, etc…..

You are saying that they are asking too much.

Limits would be set forever at one level if no one ever attempted the unrealistic. “Unrealistic” is a false barrier set by the limit of what was able to be accomplished or achieved in the past.

You have to be a little unrealistic to raise the standard of “what could be” or you will never know how great it can be. Nothing ever was achieved by not trying something “unrealistic”.

Remember the story of David and Goliath?

Unrealistic, right?

It changed how everyone looked at David from that point on.

Want more influence?

While everyone else is complaining about it being unrealistic, do the unrealistic thing. It will separate you from the pack.

Don’t run from your Goliaths. Run to them.

It is a quick way to make a name for yourself.

Ask David .

Sunday’s Headlines

Recession

Depression

“ Psychiatric cases up by 35% as the valley woes deepen.”

This was the leading story in “The Times - Reporter” which is the newspaper for the county in which I live in.

The article goes on to say “ More Tuscarawas Valley residents are seeking out mental health professionals in attempts to deal with the worries over loss of jobs or economy.”

Let’s take a look at what the bible has to say about times like these.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again : Rejoice ! let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you . Philippians 4:6-8

This was written by the Apostle Paul when he was in prison. One of the things we know about Paul while he was in prison was that he sang. The Christian faith is basically the only religion that really sings their faith.

I got an ipod for Christmas and my kids filled it with great songs. I have started listening to it, and it is amazing the effect that it has on my spirit and attitude. Let me encourage you to fill your hearts with God’s truth through songs. It will strengthen your spirit and your outlook.

Remember to keep the “Son” in your eyes !

“ You ( God ) will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3

Jesus gives us an incredible invitation in Matthew 11:28 “ Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.”

Cut !

Terrell Owens was given his release a few days ago by the Dallas Cowboys.

The question is, why?

It is not because he can’t play or contribute any more from a talent perspective.

It is not because he is physically unable. He is one of the top athletes in the NFL when it comes to sheer physical specimen.

So what is it? Pure old self-centeredness. It is good old-fashioned pride. Thinking more about yourself than your teammates, the organization and others.

That is the one thing that gets all of us cut in life.

They survey the country to find out who would want Terrell on their home town team. Over 70% said no thanks.

No one wants someone with an attitude problem. One commentator said that he would ruin any quarterback and would destroy any locker room.

Remember people don’t get let go because of talent usually.

Attitude check list:

_____Do you look for the good in people?

_____Do you view mistakes as an opportunity to learn?

_____Do you have goals?

_____Do you want to stretch and grow?

_____When you are feeling sorry for yourself, do you try to talk yourself out of it?

_____Are you flexible when it comes to your plans?

_____Are you able to let go of anger?

_____ Do you feel you are better than others?

­­­­­­­­­­­­_____ Are you thankful?

_____Do you view the glass as half full instead of half empty?

_____Do you speak politely to others?

_____Are you patient with other people's short comings?

_____Do you try to do your best?

_____Do you enjoy life?

_____Do you realize that you are in charge of your attitudes?

“God chooses what we go through; we choose how we go through it.”

“The attitude of the individual determines the attitude of the group.”

“Circumstances do not make you what you are…they reveal what you are!”

PS. I just learned the T.O. got picked up by Buffalo Bills. The salary was low, but I bet the price they pay as a team will be high.

Abusive Power in the Church

Todd Rhoades from www.mondaymorninginsights.com posted a blog about Abusive Power, which is from web site Great Leadership. Todd mentioned about how it related to church leadership.

I am taking it a step further and listing it strictly for church leaders.

1. Ask for constructive criticism. Most people won’t give it to you personally unless you ask for it repeatedly.

2. Make yourself available to people regularly. Intentionally meet and pray for people’s needs.

3. Read and answer your own email.

4. Be visible and accessible before and after the service. (You need to be already prepared for the morning. )

5. Meet regularly with lay leaders from different ministry areas and add value to them (monthly).

6. Meet with lay workers in specific departments to get perspective of what is happening, both positive and negative (quarterly).

7. Ask the staff regularly about how you could lead better. (Ask if you are doing anything that frustrates them or if there’s something that would be of help to them.)

8. Emphasize the church’s vision and values and give permission to hold you accountable to them.

9. Meet with a mentor who is courageous enough to speak the truth to you in love.

10. Do something outside your ministry description that helps another area of the church.

Up Close & Personal

We are kicking off a new series this week-end. It is called Up Close and personal: Getting to know the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is the most important person on planet earth. If there is anything you and I must understand if we are going to live life to the fullest, it is the Person and ministry of the Holy Spirit. We are going to be addressing the issues surrounding this most important Person in a biblical and practical way.

Billy Graham was once quoted as saying that 95% of all Christians live defeated lives. It can't be attributed simply to the evil of the world, because the One who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world. ( I John 4:4 )

If you are totally fulfilled in your Christian experience and life, seldom frustrated, and rarely dissatisfied with yourself, then you might want to pass on this series.

But if you are hungry for more and you desire to experience all God has for you, then it is time for you to get up close and personal with the Holy Spirit.

The Cross

Here at NewPointe we don’t have a cross on display at all times. I have gotten a lot of questions about this, and it has given me many opportunities to talk about the real meaning of the cross—in fact, more conversations about it than in all the 20+ years we were at Sugarcreek and had crosses everywhere.

Well, today at church everybody had a chance to pick up their cross, and we talked about the real meaning of the cross.

You see, the cross is not something you are to look at. It is something you die on. For anyone in biblical days who had a cross, it meant one thing and one thing only-- you were going to die on that cross.

I trust that you have answered the call of Jesus: “If anyone comes after me they must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of Glory died;
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
save in the death of Christ, my God;
all the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.

See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20