BLeach

Story Time

Once a quarter I teach COTK 101.  This class is one of the primary steps we offer to move people into a membership commitment at our church.  I cover alot of ground in three hours to give people a solid introduction to who we are.

I always take time toward the beginning of the class to share our church's story.  It's definitely my favorite part.  I've probably told it a hundred times but it still re-energized me again this morning.

I think regularly reviewing an organization's story is one of the most useful tools a leader can use to communicate. History teaches us.  It teaches us where to look to find the land mines and the gold mines.  History also unites us with people from other places and generations.  We realize that God has been working on our dreams alot longer than we have. 

Most of all, history inspires us.  I don't review our story so that we'll create restrictive ties to the past.  I review it so we'll have the correct context for our dreams.  After all, it's our victories and failures from yesterday that provide the platform from which we lean into tomorrow.

I can't wait to tell our story to an incoming group of members in the first quarter of 2011. 

I wonder what will have changed?

Happy Birthday Resurrection and Life

Congratulations to Pastor David Okai and Resurrection and Life!  Tomorrow is their one year anniversary as a church.  It really seems like yesterday that they launched.  I'm really proud of what Jesus has done through this new church in just one year. 

If you're a Metro Detroiter and have some time to play with tomorrow afternoon come on out.  The action starts at 2.00 pm at Church of the King.

10,391 And Still Kicking

I just did an interview with a reporter from the New Jersey Star Ledger.  She found my blog while researching a story about the 10,000 day phenomenon. 

Last January I had a blast celebrating my 10,000th day of life.  Now I've adopted the mission of making sure that others don't miss their big day.  If you've turned 27 within the last few months then it could be any day now. 

If you live in the New York Metro Area and you're about to turn 10,000, let Paolo know.  She wants to take your picture for the paper!

Vince Gregory

I had a great time today getting to know our Oakland County Commissioner.  Vince Gregory has served Southfield, Berkley and Lathurp Village since 1998. 

As he shared his story I realized that cities face alot of the same challenges as most churches.  It seems like a good idea for three neighboring cities to pool resources, share buildings and save money.  But it's easier said than done.  Change, regardless of its potential for forward movement, seems to be most acceptable when my toes aren't the ones being stepped on:)

I also loved Vince's thoughts on diversity in Metro Detroit.  The more conversations I have around this topic the more convinced I am that a blended church in our city would carry more weight for the cause of the gospel than one-thousand sermons.

Good to meet a community leader who's so down to earth and encouraging.  Thanks for building me up Vince!

Two Great Friends

So glad to announce that two of my favorite people are now blogging.  Eddie and JT (Jen) serve on staff with me at Church of the King.  Eddie has been a friend since high school.  He keeps the engine of our church running by leading our prayer ministries.  You might remember him from the dancing elf post at Christmas.  Unfortunately, he's not as good of a dancer without the elf costume on.

JT and I attended CBC together.  She's been with us since the beginning and leads our children's and worship ministry. 

As a side note, although the blog is named for both of them, I'd probably expect more posts from JT:)  That is unless there's a reason to post about this guy.  The Ninja might call Eddie out.

Random Study Day Question 2.0

Even people who've never read the Bible have heard of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.  I've always assumed the cities were destroyed because of sexual immorality.  But today I came across this in Ezekiel 16.49.

Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.

Maybe selfishness and materialism are more dangerous than we think. 

Pastor Narcissist

One of our leaders sent me this. 

I think we might start selling them at our welcome center:)

War Week

This year our church has set aside the last full week of every month to anticipate some WOW moments from Jesus.  This week is our second Week of War.  We're praying.  We're fasting.  And we're asking God to use us in our mission field.

Sometimes people are curious how you go about starting a church when you're 22.  Asking alot of questions helps.  So does surrounding yourself with patient people:)  But I really believe fasting sped up the timeline of ministry in my life. 

I did my first 40 day fast during college.  It's been a regular part of my life ever since.  Incidentally, I wouldn't recommend a 40 day fast unless it's inspired by Jesus and you've done your homework.  If that's the case it could be a life-altering experience for you. 

I've come to learn that fasting isn't a spiritual power play.  It's not a hunger strike against heaven.  It's not about getting things we want.  Fasting positions us to get what God wants.  Fasting that's motivated by pride disappoints.  But fasting that produces humility breaks chains and opens doors.

I just think there's something healthy about relying on Jesus for strength rather than meat and vegetables.

Oh, and one more thing.  Be prepared when you watch 24 on Monday nights for all the commercials for Boston Market, Arbys, Pizza Hut, Applebees...

Well, you get the picture:)

Calling All Fathers

Our student ministry is currently in the midst of a leadership transition.  During the process I've felt really proud to see the way our adult leadership team has taken ownership of our vision to disciple students. 

One of my long-standing prayers has been for Jesus to call fathers in our church to speak into the lives of our young men who don't have a real dad fighting for them.  A few weeks ago Shaun told me he had some thoughts he wanted to share with our teenagers.  So Sunday night he taught them.  Actually, he fathered them.

He shared a story about one of his sons.  We've been praying for his boy for several months.  He suffers alot of pain and the doctors have been unsuccessful in diagnosing the problem.  A few weeks back he had a particularly painful night.  He had just been released from the hospital because the doctors didn't have anything more to do.  What Shaun described to our students was the pain a father feels when his son is hurting.  As his boy's pain increased throughout the night, Shaun just held him tighter and tighter. 

His hatred of the pain paled only in comparison to his love for his son.

After the story Shaun quoted Romans 5.20.  When sin increases so does grace.

So cool to see our students get it:)  Sin is the pain in the pit of our stomachs.  And God's passion to see us freed increases in propotion to the rising intensity of the sin.  As the pain from sin increases in us, so does God's hatred for it.  And as the pain from sin increases in us, so does God's desire to cover us with grace.

I hate that so many of our students live without the daily presence of a real father.

I love that men in our church are willing to step up and make sure they see the heart of Father God.

Paul was right.  We've got alot of teachers.

How about some more fathers?

Prayer Gathering

Today I spent the day praying and fasting with about 70 pastors from around the country.  It was one of the most powerful seasons of prayer I can remember in a long time. 

In the spirit of not reinventing the wheel, I'm sending you to Jeff's blog.  He blogged great notes during our breaks.  I'm pretty sure he was also praying:)

After a day like today I start itching to get back home. 

Look out Detroit. 

Get ready Church of the King.

Jesus has something up His sleeve!