Kill an idol my friends…

What am I most afraid of?
What do I long for most passionately?
Where do I run for comfort?
What do I complain about most
What makes me happiest?
How do I explain myself to other people?
What has caused me to be angry with God?
What do I brag about?
What do I want to have more than anything else?
What do I sacrifice the most for in my life?
If I could change one thing about my life, what would it be?
Whose approval am I seeking?
What do I want to control/master?
What comfort do I treasure most?

*By way of note I am indebted to the work of Dr. Tim Keller in his book Counterfiet Gods and Mark Driscoll for this broader list of questions as well as their tremendous work on this subject.  If you want to dig deeper.  Check them both out…

“I left a comment but also wanted to email you. My name is (Jack) and my wife and I are currently attending a mega church in Phoenix. Having said all that I just wanted to say that I have been burdened by the thought of something just not adding up with the “come to us” strategy in today’s church culture. I haven’t been able to get it off my mind lately. I feel like something is wrong. Not that the Church isn’t doing good in the world, but that we aren’t living up to the capabilities God has equipped us with. I feel like my heart is to reach a crowd of people that the church has seemingly avoided due to it’s “come to me” attitude. I am really looking forward to seeing what you post in the days to come about this situation. It has been on the forefront of my mind and heart non-stop lately. Do you think that we have totally strayed from what the Church’s strategy was intended to be? Do you feel like my generation (I’m 20) will be the one to fix these issues?  I know my heart is to be a part of a local church but to do ministry in what seems to be an unconventional, missional AND attractional way.  Maybe in the near future what is on my heart won’t be too unconventional after all.”

Now that you have read Jack’s eloquent thoughts and spiritual discontent with the common solution I want to add my own sense of uneasiness with where the Church is at today.  Tim to his credit despite defending, and rightly so, his Church’s, and mine for that matter, current methodology and philosophy; notes that we maybe are only effective at reaching 40% of our community and shrinking.  I would argue our effectiveness is less, as in like 20%.

One thing that Tim states that I find interesting is that we go to the mall, to a concert, to a sports venue ergo we go to Church to be spiritual or to get our Church experience.  I would argue that even though we go to places to get things the Church is different because it is who we are as followers of Christ.  We have done ourselves a disservice over hundreds if not the better part of a thousand years by making the Church a destination and not a reality.  And now our culture is looking for the reality of Jesus not the destination.

The challenge for the Church moving into the future is how do we live this out, speak this language in an authentic and relevant way.  I believe it will mean we redefine what we call success, we redefine what we consider works which is hard because it feels like it flies in the face of everything we know and has yet to be created.  But this is the place where the next innovation and creation of God’s work in a new millenium will happen.

I cannot claim to have an answer but readily feel the heart of Jack…  A heart that cries out there must be more than this… Something more meaningful… Something where the true capacity of the gospel is unleashed and we can claim and praise God that Jesus’ words were true in that we have seen even greater things than those that followed Him on earth.  That we with all honesty can say to a man, woman, and child we have seen the movement of the Holy Spirit in a powerful and profound way that only God could have initiated.

Our world, our culture.  Is looking for real, looking for transcendent, looking for meaningful, life changing, and purposeful.  We are searching everywhere for it… But will only ever find it in God.  I want to know that, I want my Church to know that, I want Central Chester County to know that.  I pray for that day, and pray that God would lead us toward our version of the answer which I believe won’t be so much of an answer but more of a journey that molds and shapes itself over time as we exegete our culture and God’s word firmly planting ourselves in the gospel.

Wanted to follow up on my last post about this past Sunday with some stories and quotes.  I hope to throw a pictures up soon as well.  Enjoy!

-Kelly
“I will say how awesome it was that everyone in our group pitched in where are strengths are. My mom and I tag-teamed on cookies (much better than we’ve ever worked together before … must be the size of the kitchen lol), George offered to tackle the onions, and Stephen graciously taste-tested everything ;] Even the kids begged to do something, and they did a great job plopping dough balls on the cookie sheets for us while the adults grabbed lunch. I found out from Marcia (via Facebook) that the meal we made is for one of Bridge of Hope’s mentoring sessions. How cool is that? Here we were mentoring each other, helping, sharing our stories, and generally getting to know each other, making food that will a group of mentors to help out people who need it?–helping them, sharing stories, getting to know each other and such. I also shared our church format with one of my coworkers today, who’s in leadership at her church. She thought our idea was awesome and wished her church was that kind of church. I can’t wait to do it again!”

–Stephen
“I really enjoyed the fellowship and getting to know 2 new men who attend MCC (Isaac & George).  All while doing something good for the community.”

-Heidi
“I think it was a great way to get to know people from church while doing something nice for the community.  A win win event! =:)”

–Penny
“We had a great group of kids at the park.  Because there were so many we were done very quickly.  West Whiteland had a couple people out to guide us and it was a wonderful experience.  I was so thankful to those doing childcare.  We were able to have the bigger kids help in the garden but then go play when they were done.  The weather also held out so it was an enjoyable day.  I can’t wait to go back with my family and see the butterflys”

–Rich
“We went to the home of Marian (don’t know last name), in Cheyney.  We were met there by her son, Larry, who was wielding a chain saw when we arrived.  We were supposed to only have 6 volunteers on the job, but were challenged when we saw the work that was before us: clearing approx. 100 ft. of wild bushes, forsythia plants that had grown 10 ft. high, sticker bushes, tree trimming, etc.  Undaunted, our original crew:  Kelly and Joe Joyce (sp.), Radcliff and Cathy Cunningham, and Laurel and Mac, dug right in.  However, we were glad that we were joined later by Laurel and Jason Stroud, Angelica Tamborino and Riley McDermott.

It was amazing how much work our folks did in an hour and a half!  Joe’s pictures feature prominently the high and wide stack of debris that was piled up after we concluded our work.  We also lined up for a “tug of war” as we pulled Larry’s lawn tractor out of the swamp their lower back yard had become.

Everyone was all smiles and jumped in!  Darlene and I are both going back in the next couple of weeks to help finish one or two items that we could not do because of the wetness and dampness.    I was happy to see my team not mind getting down and dirty to help another.  It was a great way to start the day.”

This morning at @MCCExton (Marsh Creek Church) sacrificed their normal time together to serve our community.  When we came up with the idea were excited by the potential but had no idea what to expect.  A lot was put into the morning by some great people to make it organized and well run.

Then we saw the weather forecast.  Rain! Ugh

I will admit as pumped as I was this for this morning when I woke up I was not feeling it .  I figured on a sunny day if we got like 2/3 of our normal group we would be doing good.  On a rainy day I have to admit I thought we were toast.  This would be a test of our heart.

Well I learned a lot about the Marsh Creek folk.  Nothin get’s these people down.  Not only did they show, but they showed strong.  They were jacked this morning and ready to roll.

I had the tremendous fortune of serving along side the crew at the West Whiteland Park right off of Ship Rd. in Exton. I would say we had a strong crew and a ton of kids.  The playground was rolling strong, we had a game of kick ball going and our crew rocked out 20+ wheel barrows of mulch in under an hour.  It was some of the most fun I have had in a while just hanging out, talking green thumb, moving mulch, and loving life.  It was a great way to spend time this morning just loving God, and lovin each other while we did our small part to bless the community.

This afternoon I feel so blessed.  I look forward to posting some more stories and pics from this morning here.

Much love and respect to my MCCExton fam.  You guys, rock and regularly rock my world

Hey Marsh Creek Family,
I wanted to write you a quick note to tell you why I am so psyched about Sunday.  We have been telling you for a few weeks we are doing something special that requires you to wear comfortable clothes and bring a camera.  Shelby let you all know this past week that our something special would serve the community.

Well the scoop is… This Sunday the Church is leaving the building.  We will gather at our normal time at 10am (even though we know many of you all come at 10:10 — wink, wink, nudge, nudge) and begin our worship service as normal.  At the point of where the sermon normally goes we will be heading out to participate in one of five organized projects around the community for the rest of the morning.

Why are we doing this…
1. Scripture teaches that followers of Jesus are known by their love, and our love is experienced best when we, like Paul taught in 1 Cor. 9 this past week, become a servant to all.

2. The Church is the people… that would be you all…  Not the building or a service.  Worship is more than just songs.  This is a tangible way in which we will live lives of worship, by serving out of love alongside those we love.

3.  95% of people will hear, accept, and know Jesus love through a personal relationships.  This opportunity places us in relationship with our community directly and indirectly making it easier for the community to understand what we are all about because they have seen what we are all about.  We want our lives to live in such a way our words can be heard.

4. It is a blessing and unique privilege to serve together as families and as a broader community together in relationship.  We are really looking forward to seeing sons and daughters working alongside Mom and Dad.  The next generation working along side other generations.  Even those that are in lower elementary will be able to participate in many if not all of these events.  This day will easily be a highlight of our year, as our Baptism and Picnic have become a highlight for our Church family.  Why?  Because we are all together celebrating the goodness of God in community.

What are we doing…
We have a number of opportunities that range in interest and scope, take a look over them and come prepared with your 1st and 2nd preferences..

1. Serving Exton and West Whiteland township by mulching and planting at the Butterfly Park they are developing. (all materials are provided along with childcare at this location on the playground)

2.  Serving Safe Harbor by preparing food that will be delivered fresh that night to be served the next day.  Participants can serve the food on Monday the 24th if they can but not required.   The menu and food that is needed will be provided.  (Kids are welcome)

3.Serving Bridge of Hope by preparing food that will be delivered frozen to be served on Monday, June 14th.  Participants can serve on the 14th if they can but not required. The menu and food that is needed will be provided.  (Kids are welcome)

4.  Serving Home of the Sparrow projects by helping an elderly lady, who lives in Thorndale.  They will be doing yard work & painting a bird bath.  All necessary supplies are there.

5. Serving Home of the Sparrow projects by helping an elderly lady who lives in West Chester.  They will be doing yard work.  All necessary supplies provided.

I can’t wait for this Sunday because Jesus came to call us all into relationship with Him, to know and experience His love, and to Go in His power and share that love with the world.  Every Sunday I have the joy of worshipping alongside you all, studying God’s word, and relating in community.  This Sunday I can’t wait to worship alongside you in service to our community, because I believe nothing will impact our world more than God’s people moved by prayer, empower by His Spirit, serving the people He has called us to for the Glory of His Kingdom and the Fame of His name.

I invite you all to join me as the Church leaves the building and loves on the people of Central Chester County in a big way.

I can’t wait to see you on Sunday
Joel

“President Abraham Lincoln, an incredible communicator, was known during the Civil War to attend a church not far from the White House on Wednesday nights.  The preacher, Dr. Gurley, allowed the president to sit in the pastor’s study with the door open to the chancel so he could listen to the sermon without having to interact with the crowd.

One Wednesday evening Lincoln and a companion walked back to the White House after the sermon, the president’s companion asked, “What did you think of tonight’s sermon?”

“Well” Lincoln responded, “it was brilliantly conceived, biblical, relevant, and well presented.”

“So it was a great sermon?” his companion asked

“No” Lincoln replied. “It failed.  It failed because, Dr. Gurley did not ask us to do something great.”

That passage to me sums up the bulk of preaching I have heard over a lifetime and I feel unfortunately sums up most of the preaching I do (although I would say I am rarely brilliant despite my desire to be relevant, biblical, and well presented).

This hits me hard because I firmly believe God created us for something great, for great things, for things that Jesus promised would be even greater than what He saw or did while He was on earth.  Yet rarely are we asked to attempt great things or dare to do so.  Even this past week I preached on the importance of being a missionary to the people God has placed us among I feel I failed to call Marsh Creek Church to do something great, something epic, something that will change the world.

To those who communicate for a living, or even regularly in your daily life, what great thing are you challenging those around you to do?  For me the gauntlet has been thrown down.  Because I believe the Church should be the place where the greatest things in our lives are conceived.  Where lives are inspired to make dreams become reality.  Because we are loved by a God who empowers us to live the blessing of life He has given us to it’s fullest.

So now I ask you all to do something great, the only thing that will impact a life for eternity.  Will you be willing to share your faith with someone who God has placed in your life so that they have the opportunity to know the God who loves them, forgave them, and saved them for eternity so they could be loved, and know His presence.

I was just quoted a staggering stat yesterday by a good friend.  That 95% of people who come to know Jesus personally do so because of a personal relationship.  So Church services, evangelistic events, concerts, etc. only account for 5%.  You are the X factor, the difference maker, the one empowered by God to do great things for the glory of His Kingdom.
I would argue that the greatest thing that can be done in life is to impact a life for the greatest possible good.  You are surrounded by lives you have the opportunity to impact.  Will you do something great?

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that yo may live deep within your heart

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and the exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice,  freedom, and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, and starvation, so that you may reach out your nad to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy

And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim is impossible.

Amen

This is a dangerous prayer.  This sort of prayer is a catalyst toward something much bigger than yourself, that will push you well outside your comfort zone, and into a place where God completely fills the horizon, and every moment because you are completely dependent on Him; And you are seeing Him do amazing things in, through, and around you.

A week ago at Marsh Creek Church we preached on the single life and God’s gift of season in our life.  The encouragement is to embrace the season you are in.  Take hold of it, suck the marrow out it, live the life you have for all it is worth.  Regardless of our station in life we are more prone to notice what we don’t have, and comment on what we wish would happen, or what we would like to get, achieve, become.

For many this means the best hours of their day are spent asleep.  In their dreams they find the perfect life partner, have the perfect career, the perfect kids, the perfect car, the perfect ministry, the perfect Church, etc.  For many of us our best life is lived in our dreams.  Author and Pastor Erwin McManus does this subject a ton more justice in his book Wide Awake which is well worth the read.

It is a sad state that our best life is bottled up in the most inactive ours of our existence and when we do come to and set our feet on the ground of reality we feel we have to settle.  I do not believe God created us for this.  When He created mankind He put mankind in paradise and gave them purpose in relationship with Him.  It was perfect and I believe they were truly satisfied.  They were living wide awake.

I want to encourage us all to take stock of where we are and the dreams we desire to take hold of.  Prayerfully lay these desires before the Lord, but also do something about it.  Even if it is a small thing.  Stop waiting to live, and start living today.  The act of living, of pursuing our God given call, passions, dreams, purpose and talent is our spiritual acto of worship.  Sunday does not have to be the best and only hour you worship.  It is the celebration of all the worshipping you have been doing all week because you are alive, and living life!  Life is too short and too hard to settle for second best.  So live, cease the day, and praise God for the opportunity to do so along with the blessings that come your way.

This truth requires our dependence.  We have no control over it.  We can try and manufacture it, but the thin veil of our efforts will quickly be discovered in the body count of burn out.

One of he things that unfortunately did not make the final cut on today’s sermon is the real math of God’s work to grow.  We measure growth by stories.  That is our math among leadership at MCChurch and I pray that is the math wherever you find yourself.  You see marketing can make numbers, big givers can pad numbers, and nice buildings are nice, but the real math is in the stories of God’s work among the people He is impacting for the glory of His Kingdom.  When our Church’s are filled with the exploits of God’s Kingdom, the other things will follow as God gifts. And we thank God for those gracious gifts because they are all from Him, and Him alone.

So celebrate the stories my friends.  Tell the stories, find the stories.  Because the work of God is found in the stories of real lives impacted by His love

As you embark on this journey go out and buy a new Bible.  Just the other day I had a good friend pick me up a Bible from her book store.  I forgot the fun, and wonder of owning a new unmarked Bible.  I opened it for the first time last night with the anticipation of all the things God has to say to me, and how this book will walk with me through this journey.  Sometimes it is good to mix things up.  To go out and mark the journey with a milestone that  marks something new, the next step, or next leg of the journey.  For a long time I have studied out of two other Bibles one was my Dad’s from when I was a kid, and the other I received as a gift from my parents as a student.  Both are well marked we have journeyed a long way together.  They are testament to the lessons learned and the things taught to me by God.  And now I have a new Bible to walk this next leg of the journey with me together.  To show me new insights as God’s Holy Spirit works in me to uncover the words He has for me to shape me into His likeness.

I know it’s cool these days to have your e-bible, youversion thing on your ipod, iphone, crackberry, and soon to be ipad.  But there is something special about the materiality of a book, a new Bible waiting to be opened, to be read, to be highlighted and underlined.  To be marked up with thoughts, and dog eared to be remembered.

Regardless of how you do it, do it, get in to it, to use a scriptural metaphor drink deep, feast.  As you do, you will be changed.  Guaranteed

“Stay thirsty my friends”