Sunday Reflections - Sweatin' & Spittin'
04/01/07 10:07 PM
Usually on Saturday nights my kids ask me about my
sermon for Sunday. Yesterday I told them, "Strap it
on tight boys, tomorrow we're going to rock the
house!" That's Pastor Chris speak for it's going to
be intense. As I said this morning - I called an
audible. I had originally planned to finish up the
series, "Facing Your Giants" today. The message was
on Fear. It was a great message. I'll probably use
it again later.
But I just sensed God telling me to do something
different. So around Wednesday I went another
direction. If I've learned anything over the years,
when God tells me to speak, I better listen. We
talked about the mission of our church today. And
from what I can tell, we called the right play. It
was intense. I was sweatin' and spittin' (okay, not
really spittin'). But after all the comments, I was
reminded of exactly what I said today, casting
vision clearly, regularly, and passionately is my
job. So hold on tight Coastal and keep me in your
prayers, because as Jeff Denton's mom said today,
"Pastor Chris is going to bring it!" I actually
love the quote attributed to great preacher John
Wesley, "I set myself on fire and the people come
to watch me burn." That's intense!
Don't misunderstand what I'm saying - it's not about me. It's all about Jesus and being the church that He's called us to be. But it's also about me as your Pastor being faithful to the call of God on my life and communicating the vision God has for Coastal. And it's about all of us together being faithful to that vision. It is so easy to get off track. If there is a void of vision, people will fill that vacuum with a vision of their own - not necessarily anything bad, but just not the same vision or the vision of the church. And what happens is that our efforts are divided and our effectiveness is diminished. People follow vision. They also give toward vision. By the way, our offerings lately have been improving. Keep it up Coastal! We are on a mission - the same mission that Jesus had - to seek and save the lost. (If you missed today's sermon - you can listen to it online.) Speaking of searching, Tom Macklin who leads our ministry to the Crisis Ministry Homeless Shelter had a great comment on yesterday's blog about reaching out. He was right on as far as being on mission! Great suggestion Tom!
A few other things about today - our Promiseland Ministry introduced a few changes. For the safety of our kids, the protection of our volunteers, and the growth of our church we've begun a check in system for our kids. They also introduced a few policy changes. From what I could tell, it seemed to go pretty well. Let's be honest, nobody really likes change. But like we talked about today, remember, it's not about you. We're on a mission. Be willing to set aside your personal preferences for the purpose of the church. Just make sure that you're positive about it as well. Obedience with a bad attitude doesn't count and it spreads and destroys like a cancer. We also had a great First Impression Team Meeting after church. They're really stepping it up! Both of these ministries are great opportunities to serve. One more reflection about today - I love the first Sunday night of the month. Our D.O.G.S. Class meets. Teresa & Twila go all out! They had 14 kids and were missing several kids who are normally there. They had a blast. Take a look at the pictures! They even packed a laundry basket full of Easter Eggs (thanks Janie!)! And yes, we still need more candy filled Easter Eggs. Bring them to church this week or bring them to church before the 1st service on Sunday.
One last thing (you knew it was coming). Who are you inviting to church this week? Pray. Pray for the people you are inviting. Pray for the people we are all inviting. And then just go for it! Be bold. Be passionate. Be loving. Be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit. And pray for me your Pastor. I can't wait for Sunday. Honestly, I feel that way every week! Every Sunday is Resurrection Day! Every Sunday we get a chance to share the Good News! We are just getting started Coastal! A new person came up to me after today's service and said, "Great message! That's the kind of church I want to be a part of!" Me too. Come join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Let's make a deal - you bring it and I'll bring it too! Strap it on tight Coastal - Sunday's going to Rock!
Don't misunderstand what I'm saying - it's not about me. It's all about Jesus and being the church that He's called us to be. But it's also about me as your Pastor being faithful to the call of God on my life and communicating the vision God has for Coastal. And it's about all of us together being faithful to that vision. It is so easy to get off track. If there is a void of vision, people will fill that vacuum with a vision of their own - not necessarily anything bad, but just not the same vision or the vision of the church. And what happens is that our efforts are divided and our effectiveness is diminished. People follow vision. They also give toward vision. By the way, our offerings lately have been improving. Keep it up Coastal! We are on a mission - the same mission that Jesus had - to seek and save the lost. (If you missed today's sermon - you can listen to it online.) Speaking of searching, Tom Macklin who leads our ministry to the Crisis Ministry Homeless Shelter had a great comment on yesterday's blog about reaching out. He was right on as far as being on mission! Great suggestion Tom!
A few other things about today - our Promiseland Ministry introduced a few changes. For the safety of our kids, the protection of our volunteers, and the growth of our church we've begun a check in system for our kids. They also introduced a few policy changes. From what I could tell, it seemed to go pretty well. Let's be honest, nobody really likes change. But like we talked about today, remember, it's not about you. We're on a mission. Be willing to set aside your personal preferences for the purpose of the church. Just make sure that you're positive about it as well. Obedience with a bad attitude doesn't count and it spreads and destroys like a cancer. We also had a great First Impression Team Meeting after church. They're really stepping it up! Both of these ministries are great opportunities to serve. One more reflection about today - I love the first Sunday night of the month. Our D.O.G.S. Class meets. Teresa & Twila go all out! They had 14 kids and were missing several kids who are normally there. They had a blast. Take a look at the pictures! They even packed a laundry basket full of Easter Eggs (thanks Janie!)! And yes, we still need more candy filled Easter Eggs. Bring them to church this week or bring them to church before the 1st service on Sunday.
One last thing (you knew it was coming). Who are you inviting to church this week? Pray. Pray for the people you are inviting. Pray for the people we are all inviting. And then just go for it! Be bold. Be passionate. Be loving. Be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit. And pray for me your Pastor. I can't wait for Sunday. Honestly, I feel that way every week! Every Sunday is Resurrection Day! Every Sunday we get a chance to share the Good News! We are just getting started Coastal! A new person came up to me after today's service and said, "Great message! That's the kind of church I want to be a part of!" Me too. Come join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Let's make a deal - you bring it and I'll bring it too! Strap it on tight Coastal - Sunday's going to Rock!
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