Sunday Reflections

I really enjoyed church this weekend. A lot going on and that's always exciting. During the morning service the children's ministry did an outstanding job sharing what they they're learning this year. The Master's Club ministry had a regional activity Saturday and won several ribbons. I love the young people of our church and I'm so proud of them. I can't say enough about those who minister to them, they are doing a great job.

The music ministry is really progressing. I really felt the spirit moving during the praise time and thought people were ready for the message. So great to see more people getting involved.

I loved preaching 'Live - by Looking Forward.' So convinced that many people miss God's plan because they stay in their comfort zone never truly following were God leads. Change requires doing things you are uncomfortable with. The more you do it, the comfortable it becomes to you.

Christina put together a promotional video for baptism. So cool! Hopefully I can post it so you will be able to see it.

We wrapped up the morning with a 'Newcomers' dinner. Great food, fellowship, and so excited about people adding to the County Church family.

Spring Break Blessing

Gi and I really enjoyed our short break. We are both ready to get back in full swing. Gi and I both battled a cold this past week, but we are doing much better now.

We were able to visit a great church in Virginia this morning. Old Dominion Baptist Church is a church that has really grown the last several years. Bob Purdue, the pastor, told me this morning that when he came to to the church in December 1998 the church was running about 90 people. This morning the church was full. I'm not sure how many were there, but I'm guessing about 1500. They have a beautiful facility, but more than that they have a wonderful spirit. It was a real blessing to see the number of young people there. Bob had a visiting Youth Band this morning. They did a great job leading the worship. I was so moved to see the young people in the audience so into the service. I sat behind a family this morning that had three young boys. I have to say, it brought tears to my eyes to see the young boys singing.

I'm constantly aware of the fact that a church is just one generation away from closing it's doors. After what I experienced this morning, I am convinced that Old Dominion is good for at least one more generation. Amen!

Who's Church?

I recently read Gordon MacDonald's book Who Stole My Church? The book is fiction, but the plot is so real for many churches that have tried to move into the 21st century. The title Who Stole My Church originated when a dear lady, struggling with change, cried out "Who Stole My Church? I just want my church back."

Imagine that! Owning a church? Did she purchase it or something? How do you buy a church?

We need to remember that it is His church. He bought it with His blood. Imagine the error of thinking that any of us owns a church. The church is not ours to be stolen from. In fact, if we feel like the church is being stolen from us, wouldn't that mean that we first stole it from Him???

Acts 20:28 "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood."

I'm convinced the reason churches lose their effectiveness is that people rule instead of God. Holding on to tradition and preference the church becomes irrelevant. 'Holiness' is no excuse for barrenness. Remember the 'fig' tree!

God is building His church! Any church not seeing conversions is dying.

Let's give the church back to God. He'll do a better job building it than we ever will.