Great reminder:

1. I am not invincible. I can get sick, sin, and weary.
2. I am not immortal. I am going to die.
3. I am not indispensable. The kingdom keeps going without me.
4. I am not an island. I need friends around me.

[HT: Bob Roberts Jr:  The Multiplying Church]

Filed under: Church Planting, Leadership, church | Post a comment

This may come as a surprise to some- but I’m a skeptic. It must be the Simon Cowell in me.

The upside of this is I can typically spot when someone (or something) is genuine.

The flip side of this is I can also spot when someone (or something) isn’t.

It seems I’m constantly finding dishonesty, slants, biases, agendas, and exaggerations in various places. From the news I watch, the books I read, and the stories I hear. Even things in my own life.

I’m not sure if a follower of Christ, who is planting a church, is supposed to admit that- but it’s the truth. I have difficulty taking much of anything at face value.

Our beliefs or experiences may be genuine- but our beliefs or experiences may not be right. That’s why we need something to base it on beyond our own thoughts, opinions, passions, emotions, and experiences.

Thank God for the Bible.

When I hear about signs, wonders, healings, miracles, revivals, movements, teachings, and other spiritual matters- I don’t automatically bite. BUT- I don’t automatically discount it either. I do what we all should do- discern it.

Here is how I discern whether or not something is from God or not:

Check the Bible. (Does the Bible speak for or against this?)
If it’s not biblical, It’s not a God-thing.

Examine the motivation. (Is this man-centered or Jesus-centered? Who gets the glory?)
If Jesus is central and glorified, this could be from God. If not, beware!

Look for real change. (Is there evidence?)
If it’s biblical, Jesus is central and glorified, then it’s likely someone (or something) has changed. A heart, a mind, a body, a life, a family, a city, a country, a world.

I do believe that God still moves. I’ve seen lives changed- including my own. But it’s wise to be discerning about spiritual matters. It can be messy, confusing, weird, counterfeit, and deceptive.

God is a good God of order. Thankfully he’s given us some cautions, wisdom, and guidance in Scripture to help us navigate the waters of spirituality.

Mark 13:21-22
“At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect—if that were possible.”

Matthew 7:15
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves”

1 John 4:1
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

Romans 16:17-18
“I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.”

2 Peter 2:1-3
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.”

Filed under: Bible, Christianity, Church Planting, Life, church | Post a comment

Planting a church is like a yo-yo. In the same day I can be greatly encouraged and terribly discouraged. In the same day I’m told, “You can” and later told by someone else, “You can’t.” Ups and downs abound.

But I’ll tell you what drives me: The call.

• The call to help people live the lives they are meant to live.
• The call to see thousands come to believe and love Jesus.
• The call to ignite a movement that will turn a city upside-down.
• The call to shake the tree of complacency.
• The call to ensure that no child or adult in our reach goes hungry.
• The call to see others discover their calling- and answer it.
• The call to see young men be the most likely to go to church rather than the least likely.
• The call to see people be married and stay married.
• The call to help parents love and train their kids the right way.
• The call to help people discover that their talents are God-given and to actually use them.
• The call to show people that it’s never too late to become what they might have been.
• The call to see people freed from addiction, pain, shame, and religion.
• The call to change the way people think about church.
• The call to plead for no wasted lives.
• The call to see a generation arise from this city that will authentically and passionately follow Jesus.
• The call to love God and people recklessly.
• The call to multiply- Christ followers, leaders, and churches.
• The call to see dad’s become the pastor of their families.
• The call to be a church where no one stands alone.
• The call to do whatever it takes to see this happen.

I don’t know why God called me to this. There are many people who are far more impressive than I am. But the call is what drives me. This is why we’re planting a church. Not because I woke up on morning with a great idea- but because God said so. And I know this- I can’t do this alone. It’s going to take people who want to be a part of something bigger than themselves.

If you pray, please pray for Project Church to become what God wants us to be. If you don’t pray, now is a good time to begin.

We’ve only just begun…

Filed under: Church Planting, Rapid City, church, project church | 4 Comments

Perry Noble gives us some things to chew on as we examine this question:

• If you feel confident that you can accomplish what is in front of you with no problem at all…then you didn’t hear from God.
• If no one is angry at you…then you didn’t hear from God.
• If you don’t have to ask anyone to sacrifice to make the vision come true…then you didn’t hear from God.
• If religious people are not steaming at you, blogging about you and/or leaving your church…then you didn’t hear from God.
• If you have the money in the bank to do what God has asked you church to do…then you didn’t hear from God.
• If every step is perfectly designed and nothing happens to totally throw you off along the way…then you didn’t hear from God.
• If someone doesn’t try to talk you out of what you are about to attempt…then you didn’t hear from God.
• If you don’t stay up at night thinking about the vision…then you didn’t hear from God.
• If your vision is in contradiction to God’s Word…then you didn’t hear from God.  (And no, you didn’t get a “special revelation” that gave you permission to trump His Word!)
• If you know all of the answers…then you didn’t hear from God.

Filed under: Blogs, Church Planting, Life | Post a comment

What do you think of this? It’s based on the book by Matt Smay and Hugh Halter. I haven’t read it yet but the video is thought-provoking.

Check it out and let me know what you think the message is.

Filed under: Christianity, Church Planting, books, church | 2 Comments

• Lots of emails and comments about my post on the American Idol contestants singing, “Shout to the Lord.” I like how they sang the song again last night and inserted, “Jesus” in the song (which was omitted on Idol Gives Back).  Did they sing that song simply to appeal to the wallets of Christians? Probably. But regardless, I think it’s great anytime Jesus is lifted up.
• My little brother Josh inspires me.
• I get to play virtual golf tonight on a double date with some friends. I’ve never done it. I will probably suck, but it should be fun.
• I’m very curious to read the article in our local newspaper tomorrow featuring Project Church.
• Speaking of Project Church, I’m hoping to more people will be a part of our launch team. People who want to make an impact and be a part of something special and bigger than themselves.
• I’m meeting with the management of the facility I hope our church will meet in when we launch in September.  The vibe really matches us. I wish I could tell you where- but you know how these things go.
• I’m preaching at a local church this weekend and I’m looking forward to it.  I will be on my best behavior.  I think.
• One of my favorite blogs these days- WalktheRazor.com Check it out.

Filed under: Church Planting, Cool People, Jesus, Life, Rapid City, church, project church | 2 Comments

…From our local newspaper, the Rapid City Journal.

The reporter discovered my blog, saw that I’m planting a church, and wanted to find out more.  We chatted for nearly half an hour about what the mission of the church is, where we are right now, where we hope to be as we move forward.  Very enjoyable actually. She was pretty cool.

I guess she’s writing a piece to go in Saturday’s “Religion” section of the newspaper.  I get the impression that the section about Project Church will be within a larger story about local house church gatherings.  I really hope we’re not framed to be some disgruntled, house church. If it’s accurate- then we’ll be portrayed for who we are- a launch team in a pre-launch phase of something much bigger.

Regardless, it should be interesting.  I’ll keep you posted.

Filed under: Church Planting, church | Post a comment

“Are you an emerging church?” This is one of the most frequently asked questions other Christians and pastors have about Project Church.

My response is usually, “Define emerging church.” Which is usually met with silence but sometimes a lengthy, incoherent explanation is provided which tells me they aren’t really sure themselves.

If by emerging church you mean doing whatever it takes (short of sinning) to connect people with the life-changing, unchanging truth of Jesus- then YES!

If by emerging church you mean questioning, or flat-out denying, essentials truths of Jesus just to connect with people- then NO!  In fact, any church that can’t even proclaim Jesus as God and Savior- is no church at all. Not even an emerging church.

Again, the difficulty with the emerging church is in it’s definition. It’s like an amoeba. The definition five years ago isn’t the same as it is today.

I’m not big on labels- but if people wanted to label Project Church I’d rather it be called a “missional church.” In fact, all Christians are missionaries- right where they are.  And as a church, we definitely want to relate the unchanging message into an everchanging culture. That’s what we mean by being relevant. But relevance doesn’t mean you change the message to relate to culture. Relevance means you reveal how the message relates to culture. Big difference.

So are we an emerging church?

Give me a clear definition and I’ll let you know.

Filed under: Church Planting, Jesus, Rapid City, church, project church | 2 Comments

In planting Project Church, one of the looming decisions that need to be made is who we affiliate with.

While we won’t be a denominational church, we do see the value of networking and partnering with other like-minded churches.

But which one do you choose?

As I research networks, these are some questions I’m asking:

• What’s the theology of the network? Do I agree with their essential beliefs? (Some are so open as to not have any doctrinal statement at all- which scares me.)
• Do they mandate extra-biblical requirements? (Some have requirements of the churches and its leaders that aren’t found in Scripture- that also scares me.)
• Are they missional?
• Are the based on a movement of churches on mission or a slick guy with a business plan?
• Do they believe in the autonomy of the local church?
• Do they reek of red tape & bureaucracy? Yuck!
• Do they desire to reproduce other churches?
• Are they churches helping churches?
• Do they offer coaching, support, and accountability?
• Who are the other churches involved? (What’s their reputation with outsiders, insiders, and observers?)
• Do I want to play for the Yankees, be a part of a New Thing, or simply Associate with Related Churches?
• Would they even want to associate with me? (That’s a good question. )
• Do we connect with some other churches and start our own network?
• What direction does God want us to go? (The answer to this question trumps all other questions.)

Anyone have any recommendations? What church planting networks have you heard great things about? Any questions you would add?

Filed under: Church Planting, church | 3 Comments