Looking Back-Moving Forward

I remember serving on a comittee that was asked to write a history about the journey of the unification between two conventions of churches. As comittees do we chose a chairman and off we went. We did research, shared our thoughts and we left the writing to our chairman. The finished product was one mans version of events and the people that where significant in his experience. Needless to say I came away from that project with the understanding that people can see history through different lenses and come to different conclusions. These thoughts and conclusions are mine and may not reflect the reality of others but here goes.

In the late 1980's and early 90's there was what some have labeled Post Denominationalism. Post denominationalism was a movement of some who were serving in churches of denominations and left them due to doctrinal reasons, polity reasons and others for personal reasons. The non denominational movement continues today and networks of churches have emerged as a result.

It is no secret that mainline churches are declining(with the exception of the Assemblies of God). Southern Baptist have been in decline for several years in a row. At there last convention held in Phoenix some of the new leaders even questioned the validity of current numbers.
(more coming...to be continued)

Thoughts on a Random Sunday

We need to learn how to operate at the limits of what we are capable of delivering.
Breaking the piggy bank is a picture of our inability to living steady
We need over the top commitment
RESET!


To stand out from the Crowd we need to:
Do different things
Do things differently
Stir emotion…spread happiness
Be consistent

Don't wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great.

Weak men wait for opportunities, strongmen make them.

Light the fire!

one of the worst mistakes anybody can make is to bet against the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Unoffered Prayers
I think it was FB Meyer who said the greatest tragedy when it comes to prayer isn’t unanswered prayer. The greatest tragedy is unoffered prayer. I’m more and more convinced that prayer is the best and highest use of our spiritual energy. We certainly need to work like it depends on us, but it’s the “pray like it depends on God” part that makes all the difference in the world.
It’s all about the power of a single prayer. It can change anything. It can change everything. I think the next year of our lives should be dedicated to personally practicing and teaching people how to pray for their goals, their families, their jobs, and most importantly, the promises of God.

All for the Lord

Today I had an awesome day of just letting God use my life. Here are some of the highlights.

Got up early and had my morning cup(s)of coffee while watching Fox and Friends. I love that early news show and I love how coffee kicks me into gear early. I went over my note for todays messages.

I got to church early and got things ready for the day. Did some last minute things to get the building ready(the day will come when someone steps up to take that job from me, but until then what an honor to make sure things are ready.

I was able to help Pastor Herbert Halbeisen of the Exchange Church today. Brother Jon was ministering at a youth camp so I helped lead praise and worship. I love leading praise. Pastor Herbert was on call all week while at the same time working 8-5 and then preaching Friday night to a youth camp in Buda, Texas so I felt honored to fill in for him today and preach the morning message. I preached on leadership princples found in 2 Kings 6:1-8. Very awesome new church with great people.

Before the service started at the Springs Sister Debbie informed me I would be playing the drums for worship. Wow! that was a nice challenge for me and the people who had to listen to it. Literally I was making a joyful noise unto the Lord.

I brought the message Transformation bring Transparecy and God really spoke to all of us. We had a great altar call.

After Service we had our monthly dream session and it was great to see the cooperation from our partners. We had another round of gifts come in for our worship center expansion.

After service we went to lunch with Elder Paul Taylor and family. We had great fellowship. I think I found someone who like chips and salsa more than me.

Came home and caught the interview that we did with the Nehemiah Initative called Urban Missionaries.

So glad that I live i America. Thankful for my family and friends. Thanks to all the comments made on facebook about todays sermon.

Well its time to kickback and enjoy the rest of the Lords day. God Bless.

Transformed by what we Believe

Here are 7 questions to consider when asking yourself about your belief system. We all have a worldview. The question is what determins what you believe.

Transformed By What Believe
James 2:14-26
We have a lot of questions posed to us by this issue
1. Is saying we believe in something transforming? Or are we transformed by what we believe
2. Who determines what you believe?
3. Do you think what you believe makes a difference?
4. What determines what you believe in?
5. Is it possible to believe in something that is false?
6. Is it possible to believe in something, but not really believe it?
7. We cannot dictate what others believe - we can only have the conviction to believe something that will make others ask what it is that they believe.

Big Day Ahead

When do you plant a shade tree? You plant it today! On September 18th, 2011 we are going to have a Big Day @ the Springs. We are going to blow away our highest attendence day ever. On this day we will have over 150 in worship attendence and one of the greatest services ever at the Springs. Why? Because we want to see the lives of people transformed by the power of Jesus Christ who is able to save, heal, deliver, restore, do miracles, move mountains and anything that needs to be done. When you jump over a hurdle you always take a running start and that is what we are doing this summer at the Springs. We are praying, we are planning, we are preparing to make the Springs the Church that God has called us to be for this hour in our city. The partners of the Springs are on mission to be a growing and effective ministry on the border of the NW and the SW corner of 1604 in San Antonio, Texas. Make your plans to be a part of a historic and significant day @ the Springs. We have some exciting news to unfold along the way so stay tuned.

The Springs has begun its worship center expansion project so we ask for your prayers and patients as we will have dust on our pews over the next few months. In the mean time join us every Sunday at 11am and ever 3rd wednesday during the summer months as we continue to be "A Gathering of Transformation"

Mission Partners

Today at the Springs we did away with church membership and started mission partnership. What is the difference and why even address it? Here are some of the reasons.

We have become so comfortable with the term "church membership". And after all, isn’t the idea of “church membership” biblical? Paul does say ”so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another” (Rom. 12:5).

Despite it’s historic use and traditional use I think its time for a shift. In fact, I think churches would benefit changing the terminology of “church membership.” I recommend the change for one purpose: to make the mission of Jesus for His church more clear and concrete in the hearts of our people.

Here are five reasons to start. You help me build the list!

#1 Membership is culturally hijacked terminology by its use from country clubs to platinum cards. Partnership is a term that carries less baggage and brings new Biblical clarity

#2 Membership may emphasize privilege to the neglect of responsibility. Partnership emphasizes both.

#3 Membership could bring deeply rooted assumptions about church in general that are no longer valid for your church. Partnership creates an opportunity to reset expectations.

#4 Membership is a static. Partnership brings a sense of both action and direction.

#5 Membership is a relatively small portal for vision-casting.
Partnership opens a dynamic way to express impact, togetherness, adventure and risk-taking. It captures the “sentness” of a missional reorientation.