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I'm back on Sunday . . . but watch out

I'm back speaking this Sunday.  I'm looking forward to this series, but if you're in the front rows, be very careful . . .

Have a great weekend everyone!

Significant Day

I've been talking throughout the summer about having days of quiet and focus, in order to hear from God, plan, re-focus.  Today is one of those days.  So . . . if you wouldn't mind praying for me, that God would speak, and lead me today.  I'll spend 1/2 the day just trying to connect with God - seek Him, pray for The Journey, and many of you.  I'll spend the other 1/2 of the day looking at our series' for this coming year - so would you pray that God would direct that time?!  Thanks in advance for those of you who can take a moment and pray.

Matt . . . on music

Matt has some great posts all week long on music and worship in the church.  Want to understand why we do what we do in that arena, check out Matt's blog this week.   

Did you know we're not a church?

So, I'm sitting in the Coffee House on Tuesday at 3 pm, and I over-hear another pastor talking to another staff member and he says " . . . like The Journey Church.  Biblically, I don't think they're really a church."  There was some more, but I about laughed out loud!  I know he had no clue who I was or that I heard them, but I thought it was so interesting.  His main thought was that a church that is for unchurched people can't be "The Church", because "The Church" is followers of Jesus.

Uhm, we're a place for followers of Jesus to gather, but we are intentional about people far from God connect with Him, become followers of Jesus and take next steps TOO.  Kind of like the BIBLE - where in Acts we see all sorts of people coming to faith as they mixed with "The Church".

Well, for not being a church, I'm really excited about all the people taking next steps in their relationship with Jesus and the 40 people baptized this year, and all the people serving, and the people growing.  Just think what we could do if we were really a church?!!

Jason

Check out Matt's blogpost yesterday about Jason Dill.  Jason has helped lead worship at The Journey over the last 4 years.  He has grown tremendously in that ministry and is now a very gifted leader.  Jason had the opportunity to take an internship close to where he goes to school, and one that will help prepare him for the potential of full-time ministry.  We're thrilled for him!  But, he'll be missed at The Journey!!  He's done an awesome job and we're grateful for all he's given.

Oh - and that means we're going to need some others to step up, too!

Happy 55th??

Sunday was my birthday.  Matt told The Journey I was 55.  And, Journeyers were kind enough to facebook me with lots of well-wishes for my birthday - including a few congratulating me on my 55th (tongue-in-cheek, I know - at least it better be!). 

I had a great birthday.  My family was wonderful to me, had cards and signs waiting for me when I woke up.  I then left with my oldest son for Paw Paw at 7:05 am, to speak at Freshwater Church and their two services.  I loved being able to help a friend out and see what they were doing (and they're doing great things!), but I miss being at The Journey and can't wait to be back next week and beginning a brand new series!

I got home about 3 pm and the family had presents waiting for me.  The picture above is one of the gifts.  Jen and I saw a similar plaque with these words from Song of Songs, up in Traverse City, and we loved it, but it didn't work with our room - so she researched and finally found where she could get it and put it up without me knowing. 

I'm grateful for my wife, my kids, all of my friends, and a great church.  I'm ready for this coming Sunday!

P.S., for those wondering, I'm in my 30's!  Not even close Matt.

Dreaming and scheming

Yesterday I mentioned how this summer I've been trying to be quiet and listen to what God has next for us at The Journey.  The summer time also allows us to do really do some dreaming and planning for the year ahead and our future as a church, in general.  Matt is more available with Stephani home, and my weekly load changes pace when I'm not speaking as much.  Yesterday, Matt and I spent about 3 hours together.  We spent time on some specific issues we're facing.  Then we spent some time looking back and looking forward.  I'm really excited about all that God has done and maybe even more excited about what is to come.

We both have a sense that we're on the verge of some big things.  But, it's going to take all of us!  So, if you're a part of The Journey, and you're on board with the vision that God has given our faith community, then we NEED YOU!!  There's lots to be a part of, and we've got (I believe - no, I know!) the most compelling mission on the planet to be a part of:  helping people connect in relationship with God and others in a way that shapes their eternity, heals their marriages, restores relationships, sets up generations of Jesus-followers, and so much more!

Quiet

One of my prayers is often this "help me to be in step with you, God.  Willing to do what you ask me to do, no matter what!".  Which sounds like a great prayer, but then I don't take the time to be quiet, to "Be still and know that I am God", and so I have a hard time doing what He asks me to do when I don't hear Him say it in the first place because I'm too busy and there's just too much noise.

I'm trying to be intentional this summer, in finding quiet places to hear from God.  To turn off the noise.  To contemplate.  To slow down.  I wish I could tell you it's been a great success, but I still feel like most the time, I have a hard time being still enough to really listen to what He wants me to say.

I guess it's a journey, huh?

Spirit of Generosity

We believe that God is the blessor, we're the blessed, to be a blessing.  That happens with our money, it happens with our time, it happens with our talents.  But, it's not just being a blessing to those around us in need (although it is that).  It's also being a blessing to other churches as well.  We've been blessed as a church.  Even though we are in Michigan and in a horrible economy, God is good and we don't want to forget it.

So, there have been moments when we've given away our stuff, there's been times when we've paid for another pastor to go to a conference, times when we have paid for lunches, etc. for other pastors, and resourced out our creative stuff.  We want to be generous in helping other churches that are reaching people far from God.

This Sunday I'll be speaking at a GREAT church in little Paw Paw, Michigan.  Troy, the pastor, is a good friend of Matt and mine and he's doing awesome stuff in Paw Paw.  Freshwater Church is doing great things, but Troy doesn't get much time off from speaking, so we volunteered to speak.  I'm looking forward to it, but I hate being away from The Journey too.  I love my church!! 

Pure Michigan Staycation

Jen's family came in from Missouri and Virginia (and relatives from the Hastings area too!) for a Pure Michigan vacation.  It was a beautiful FALL week!!  In spite of the cool temps, we still made it to the beach, Silver Lake, golfing, Grand Haven, Pere Marquette river, and more.  Here's a couple pics from our "stay-cation".