1. Another great weekend for Journey. We had been expecting a great weekend and God didn't disappoint. I believe that lives were changed. Especially those who found a new vantage point of faith - ridiculous faith!
2. It was great to finally find a way to create a ministry and prayer time in our worship experience. The theater is great but it has its limits. Think about it. Movie theaters aren't usually designed for people to communicate. They are designed for people to sit and watch. I certainly don't want a "spectator" mentality to get into Journey. I like hands on. We just have to be a little more creative than most. Thank God for a handicap aisle. I mean it was designed for those who have special needs right?
3. It was great to meet new friends and see those who have been coming to Journey on a consistent basis. What was really incredible this week was the number of senior adults who attended. Edgy music, dark movie theater and all - they came and really entered into the service. I think that speaks volumes or at least it should. One lady came up to me afterwards and said, "I counted every time you said 'Jesus' in your sermon. It let me know that you know what church is all about." I counted that a compliment. And by the way, it was 36 times!
4. Great job for the music team that lead us into worship another time. I want to especially say that Joe is certainly Mr. Utility. He has played a different instrument 4 weeks in a row. Now that is awesome. As we sang, "Lead Me to the Cross" into "At the Cross" my heart wanted to explode. Everything hinges on the cross. The love of God, through the sacrifice of Jesus, for a rag-tag, unlovable, mass of helpless humanity. Brings tears to my eyes every time.
5. One exciting moment occurred just before sound check. We were in the main theater and all the sudden I hear this crash. Looking over my shoulder, my worst fear was confirmed - our projector fell from its 8 foot high perch and crashed to the ground. I didn't want to even look so Jeremy went to check it out. The projector fell into a seat and was still running lamp and all. No big deal? Oh yeah, God cares about the little things too.
6. We are still praying for others on our team to be able to relocate and finally get moved to Denton. It has been a great challenge to the Delcambre's and the Roberts but I know that God's plan is perfect. It will happen and we are praying that way. That just reminds me to repeat one more time - in basketball, you miss all the shots you don't take. Likewise, God doesn't answer the prayers that we fail to pray. So, I ask, Lord bless and provide for our team!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
A Vision for Mexico City
I spoke with a close missionary friend of mine yesterday. Denzil and Rebecca have given their lives to the work of the kingdom in Mexico. I frequently travel there to join them in their work. They are driven by the desire to see people's lives transformed by the gospel. That is the kind of people that I like to be around. Although many in the world may never know their name, they have made huge differences in the lives of thousands of Mexicans.
It was my privilege to call him and tell them that the first offering of Journey Church will be given in its entirety to Amigos De Fe and the ministry in Mexico City. I truly believe and I constantly tell our team that we are to sow in fields that we may never reap. But in turn, we will reap in fields that we have not sown. That is the economy of God.
Monday, February 16, 2009
DQ - Texas version of Starbucks
Being a holiday, the kids wanted to go to grandma’s house and spend the night. It is great that they are only a couple hours away. I grew up with a pretty close relationship with my grandparents. I loved going to their house. There was always a buffet of food to be had or fun games to be played. They always seemed to huddle around me or put a lot of attention my direction. I know it sounds like I was spoiled but actually I was just blessed. One place always sticks out in my mind about going to the grandparents – Dairy Queen. It is kind of a hybrid between a Whataburger and a Grandys. It was always the place where the old timers would hang out for their coffee or it was the prize at the end of the week for those looking for something besides the familiar family kitchen. (The town I’m talking about only had about 900 people in it and that’s counting dogs, cats, and horses.)
So, rather than making the drive all the way to my folks house, we met halfway in Bowie at the DQ. All of the memories that I just described flooded my mind as we sat down. There were old timers visiting with one another. Some people were alone at their tables slowly eating their food as they casual observed all the commotion of the room. So why DQ? Probably wasn’t the food. I’m thinking that people just wanted to be with someone. So go somewhere where they might see someone they know. Talk to an old friend, or even see something out of the ordinary. If they came yesterday, they certainly saw something. My kids ordered ice cream and got it all over themselves. I think we provided the much needed entertainment for some of the patrons of the DQ. It sure brought a smile to my face!
So, rather than making the drive all the way to my folks house, we met halfway in Bowie at the DQ. All of the memories that I just described flooded my mind as we sat down. There were old timers visiting with one another. Some people were alone at their tables slowly eating their food as they casual observed all the commotion of the room. So why DQ? Probably wasn’t the food. I’m thinking that people just wanted to be with someone. So go somewhere where they might see someone they know. Talk to an old friend, or even see something out of the ordinary. If they came yesterday, they certainly saw something. My kids ordered ice cream and got it all over themselves. I think we provided the much needed entertainment for some of the patrons of the DQ. It sure brought a smile to my face!
Sunday @ Journey
• Another great day in the early history of Journey Church. We are finding our groove. Things went up fast and came down quickly thanks to our all star team and some superb direction by Dustin.
• This Sunday we were completely on our own. No out of town help came in for support this week. I kind of thin of ourselves as a chick that is hatching. When it is time to hatch, the chick begins to peck its way from the inside out. Through the process of hatching, the babay chick gains strength – strength it needs to survive. If it receives too much outside help, if someone comes along and cracks the shell off the little chick, then it will most usually die. Why? Because it has to learn what it takes to survive.
• Journey is doing more than surviving. We are alive and kicking. Even though it was a double holiday weekend and north Texas is suffering from a flu epidemic, our numbers were solid and there were several first time guests.
• Interacting with guests is one of the highlights of my week. Every hand I shake and every hello I say, my prayer is that every person will feel the presence of God in our meeting.
• Worship was great this week. Josh did a great job for his first time leading at Journey. And a shout out to Joe for bringing Jun to rock out. Thanks Jun! I could tell that you were playing for the glory of God! As for Stephen, your talent will be missed but I know that God’s hand is on you and He is leading you on your journey!
• This Sunday we were completely on our own. No out of town help came in for support this week. I kind of thin of ourselves as a chick that is hatching. When it is time to hatch, the chick begins to peck its way from the inside out. Through the process of hatching, the babay chick gains strength – strength it needs to survive. If it receives too much outside help, if someone comes along and cracks the shell off the little chick, then it will most usually die. Why? Because it has to learn what it takes to survive.
• Journey is doing more than surviving. We are alive and kicking. Even though it was a double holiday weekend and north Texas is suffering from a flu epidemic, our numbers were solid and there were several first time guests.
• Interacting with guests is one of the highlights of my week. Every hand I shake and every hello I say, my prayer is that every person will feel the presence of God in our meeting.
• Worship was great this week. Josh did a great job for his first time leading at Journey. And a shout out to Joe for bringing Jun to rock out. Thanks Jun! I could tell that you were playing for the glory of God! As for Stephen, your talent will be missed but I know that God’s hand is on you and He is leading you on your journey!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Exit Interviews
It was great to get immediate feedback from those who came to our Grand Opening. Humbling fo sho!
Garage Sabbath
Yesterday was a great day for me. I took a long needed day off. There is nothing more fun than starting Journey but even Jesus took a day off now and then. I was reminded by a New Yorker friend of mine that the devil never takes a day off. He was kidding of course. But if that is true - it is no wonder he ultimately loses! Sorry Luci Fer, you just aren't too smart.
Taking a Sabbath is critical for everyone. Beyond the physical, mental, and emotional, rest there is spiritual rest. On my day off, I found myself in my garage trying to make sense of the mess. I spent most of the day moving things from one corner to another. Where did I get all that stuff? Oh yea, it is my wife's! I turned on some tunes and took my Sabbath with the sounds of Delirious, Terry Kelly, and others. I was so refreshed even after a day of all out cleaning. I realize that God's plan of rest helps us recognize a few things:
1. It gives us perspective. When you get out of the squirrel cage and take a look around you are able to see the big picture and most importantly, God's work and not yours.
2. It shows us our limits. I have always worked good under pressure but as with anything there is a limit. How do you know when you are close to your limits? When you get up, walk into another room and upon arriving, you forget why you went in there. Or, when you can't remember basic vocabulary words that you learned in or around the 4th grade. If these are happening, you are on "E." Time for a day off.
3. It makes you thankful. It took a couple of hours to begin to realize that I was doing something that wasn't urgent but needed to be done. I began to realize how thankful I was for all of the things that had transpired over the last few months.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Sunday Journey Experience - Grand Opening
As I went to bed last night, my mind was still racing about the events of the day. Not unusual since Feb. 8, 2009 was a date that had been embedded in the back of my mind for over a year. To be honest, it arrived very quickly. For six months we have had our sights set on our Grand Opening. Yesterday we "officially" became a church. Well I guess you have to have a specific day to commemorate but we have been a "community of faith with singular purpose" for quite some time. God has brought an amazing group of people together that sincerely want to see God do something great through their life - To touch people and make a difference in our community.
From the get go, the atmosphere was electric as everyone and everything began to fall into place. Everyone knew th e greatness of the day. Our greeters, Jacob, Al, Julie, Dustin, were amazing as they began to welcome our guest even as early as 9:30 we had visitors arriving. On man said he was at the movies Saturday night and saw our sign and decided to come. Gotta love the spontaneity of the Holy Spirit! From all the feedback I've had, everyone bragged on our they felt so welcome and comfortable. One welcome and one smile is worth more to a guest than 1000 sermons.
Our amazing JKidz team lead by Jaclyn did an amazing job with the kids. A lot of people were really curious what kids church would look like in a theater. I think most were really surprised to see the set up and the fun that was in the room. About 25 kids banged out rhythms during worship while Jaclyn, Meg, Bree, and Viv led the kids to better understand their "Rock Solid Foundation." Shout out too a fellow Chica Laca for hooking us up with great kids programming!
Brandy stepped up huge and took charge in the nursery to allow my wife to be a part of our main worship experience. After I had finished my message I walked toward the lobby area and stopped by the room where I nursery and preschoolers were. It was a buzz of little 3 footers. Thanks to everyone who helped out with the little guys: Bev, Leslie, Allison, and Victoria!
Some of our team like Guy, Blair, Dustin, Marianne, Anita and Aundrea worked in the background this week but are so vital for Journey to impact others. Tech crew - you guys are top shelf. Thank you for serving behind the lights! Your attitude is that of our Lord Jesus.
As our Journey worship experience began I was floored by our sound. Man that band is great! Proud of how you guys have made it come together like a bunch of legos. You set the bar high and as you began to sing, "I need you Jesus to come to my rescue..." my eyes filled with tears and I thought, "man that is what we are all about - Jesus." Worship yesterday was incredible. The randomness of how God brought our music team together is truly mind blowing. So to all you church planters out there my advice would be this: concern yourself with making disciples and God will build a team of talent that will amaze you.
As I finished speaking we all bowed our heads and four people raised their hands to make a decision for Christ. Can you say, "that's what it is about." So far we are batting 1000. Every time we have gathered as a body (two previews and launch), there has been someone make a decision to follow the Lord. As one man said - I can give my life for something like that. Setting up, tearing down, pushing your life to the max, working more than you've ever worked, sacrificing - a person coming to Jesus - we are giving our life for that...
From the get go, the atmosphere was electric as everyone and everything began to fall into place. Everyone knew th e greatness of the day. Our greeters, Jacob, Al, Julie, Dustin, were amazing as they began to welcome our guest even as early as 9:30 we had visitors arriving. On man said he was at the movies Saturday night and saw our sign and decided to come. Gotta love the spontaneity of the Holy Spirit! From all the feedback I've had, everyone bragged on our they felt so welcome and comfortable. One welcome and one smile is worth more to a guest than 1000 sermons.
Our amazing JKidz team lead by Jaclyn did an amazing job with the kids. A lot of people were really curious what kids church would look like in a theater. I think most were really surprised to see the set up and the fun that was in the room. About 25 kids banged out rhythms during worship while Jaclyn, Meg, Bree, and Viv led the kids to better understand their "Rock Solid Foundation." Shout out too a fellow Chica Laca for hooking us up with great kids programming!
Brandy stepped up huge and took charge in the nursery to allow my wife to be a part of our main worship experience. After I had finished my message I walked toward the lobby area and stopped by the room where I nursery and preschoolers were. It was a buzz of little 3 footers. Thanks to everyone who helped out with the little guys: Bev, Leslie, Allison, and Victoria!
Some of our team like Guy, Blair, Dustin, Marianne, Anita and Aundrea worked in the background this week but are so vital for Journey to impact others. Tech crew - you guys are top shelf. Thank you for serving behind the lights! Your attitude is that of our Lord Jesus.
As our Journey worship experience began I was floored by our sound. Man that band is great! Proud of how you guys have made it come together like a bunch of legos. You set the bar high and as you began to sing, "I need you Jesus to come to my rescue..." my eyes filled with tears and I thought, "man that is what we are all about - Jesus." Worship yesterday was incredible. The randomness of how God brought our music team together is truly mind blowing. So to all you church planters out there my advice would be this: concern yourself with making disciples and God will build a team of talent that will amaze you.
As I finished speaking we all bowed our heads and four people raised their hands to make a decision for Christ. Can you say, "that's what it is about." So far we are batting 1000. Every time we have gathered as a body (two previews and launch), there has been someone make a decision to follow the Lord. As one man said - I can give my life for something like that. Setting up, tearing down, pushing your life to the max, working more than you've ever worked, sacrificing - a person coming to Jesus - we are giving our life for that...
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