Top 10 Reasons we meet in a Nightclub

1. I think it's where God wants us to launch...simple as that. Obedience is my number one priority as a leader.
2. Jesus would do it if he were here...Sorry, my hero Jesus didn't get his reputation as a drunkard and friend of sinners hanging out at potlucks and "praise gatherings"...
3. It's just a building...does meeting in a nightclub mean you endorse drunken behavior? No more than meeting in a hotel means you endorse adultery and promiscuous sex. Or, meeting in a theater means you endorse "bad" movies. Or, meet in a school means you endorse evolution...or meeting in a church means you endorse all the ridiculous crap people do in the name of "religion".
4. It's just a building (part 2)...since we believe that actionchurch is called to be a multi-site, multi-venue church...it's important that participants realize that the "church" is not the building. Someday I believe we will meet in schools, nightclubs, theaters, multi-purpose buildings etc. all over this area and beyond.
5. Location, Location, Location... Fat Daddies is on one of the highest traffic count streets in east York, across from Lowes and Walmart, next to Perkins and Outback. (Of course if you live here you already know that...because almost everyone knows where it's at!) It also doesn't hurt that it was available on Sunday mornings!
6. It fits our values..."if we are going to be the church for people who don't normally go to church, we must go where churches normally don't go"!
7. Sound and Lighting Gear... Since Fat Daddies is a already a great rock venue it already is set up with the gear that actionchurch needs to "do business". Cutting to the bottom line...it saves us over $50,000 in start up costs being able to use their sound and lighting rig...and their sound man will run it on Sunday mornings...God is good!
8. Storage... We are able to store all our church signage and gear on premises... that means no trucks, trailers, and storage spaces to purchase and rent. Once again, huge savings in start up cost.
9. It welcomes lost, letdown, and looking people...and makes "religious types" really uncomfortable.. Both aspects are good in my opinion. By meeting in a club we hope to attract two types of people: those who are curious about Jesus and are comfortable in a nightclub setting, and those who are extremely uncomfortable in a nightclub setting but love Jesus enough to put that aside to tell others about him!!!
10. It's "buzz-worthy"... one of the biggest battles of a church plant is letting your community know you even exist. I think being the "crazy new church in the bar" is "something to talk about". Will it bring criticism? Big time! Does it matter as long as we become "un-ignorable"! I don't think so. If you love actionchurch, tell a friend! If you hate actionchurch and think we suck and are evil...tell everyone you know!

Disclaimer: This is a list of reasons why we choose to meet in a Nightclub. actionchurch does not believe all churches should meet in clubs. We are not "against" buildings with steeples, bells, or giant clown heads for that matter. We don't have all the answers. YMMV. Do not attempt if you are pregnant or nursing. Professional driver in a closed course. May increase your risk of vomiting and skin irritation. Call your doctor if your annoyance with this disclaimer lasts for more than four hours.

So I went to a bar last night...

No, I didn't get discouraged by our difficulty in nailing down a location and decide to "tie one on". My story is far stranger than that. I found myself sitting at the bar at Fat Daddys Nightclub at 4:30 in the afternoon yesterday, waiting to talk to a reluctant owner about renting the place on Sunday mornings for actionchurch.

Let me tell you how I "got there". Last fall, in the very earliest part of "downloading" the vision for actionchurch I was struck with a frighteningly unique idea. As I began praying and processing possible locations, it struck me (like a brick dropped from an overpass) that perhaps a nightclub, particularly Fat Daddys, might be the ideal venue in which to launch our church. The more I thought about it and prayed about it, the more reasons I could think of that would make Fat Daddys an ideal venue. (I'll post those reasons tomorrow.) As bizarre as the thought of starting a church in a bar was...I couldn't shake the idea. I told my wife what I had been thinking and praying about...she was rightfully horrified. Michele is now the biggest supporter of launching out of a club...(maybe I can get her to share here change of heart here sometime.) As I became more and more convinced that this crazy idea was actually from God I even told my 67 year old Southern Baptist Minister Father the "news". He was also appalled at first but now plans to attend our launch service. (I think that may be my parents first time "setting foot" in a nightclub...I'm not sure what that says about my "influence".)

Four months ago I began approaching the owners of the club with the "opportunity" of renting their facility to us on Sunday mornings. To say they were less than excited with the possibility of renting to a church would be an understatement. In fact, the first response from their managing partner was "Do you have any idea how ridiculous this idea sounds to me"? I had to agree with him... I am not a "salesman". I suck at "overcoming objections". If you've ever watched the first half of Tommy Boy you've seen an example of how much I suck at sales! Somehow, I could not shake the belief that Fat Daddys was "our place". I kept contacting the owners, trying to be persistent but hopefully not too annoying. I prayed that God would "release me" from this silly idea. I prayed that he would guide me to "normal venue" for a church...he never did. Finally I had a "break through". I went by the club on Saturday afternoon, the lights were off but the door was unlocked so I wandered around until I came upon a woman in the kitchen. I told her my "story" and she introduced herself as the mother of the brothers who owned the club...and she liked the idea of actionchurch...a lot! As I left she asked me how I got in the building... she said she was sure the front door was still locked!

To make an already long story a little shorter... After God "opened the door" and "mom" got involved the attitude of the owners changed, big time. They actually listened to my "pitch", as crazy as it sounded. They agreed to consider our offer. Later, they agreed in principle to rent to us. I got really excited! Then came three weeks of obstacles...of un-returned phone calls...of waiting...and as I posted yesterday, of knowing that if God didn't move-this deal was not going to happen! I believe in the favor of God. I believe that if could work through foreign kings in the old testament he can work through nightclub owners today. Last night he did! We can now invite York County to:

Rethink "happy hour"

Sunday Mornings 11-12

Coming to Fat Daddys nightclub-2.10.08!

Stay tuned for a lot more to come about this announcement!

Say what?

As "painful" as this video is to watch, I'm pretty sure this is what our Sunday morning sermons sound like to a lot of people that have wondered far away from God...

Here' why:

1. People come to Church with questions about how God is relevant to their lives...we can talk all we want, but if we don't answer "the question"...it sounds like jibberish.
2. You can use all the "right words" and all the "catch phrases" and still have nothing to say.
3. If you don't have a point...talking longer won't help.
4. If your message isn't completely understood by you- no one else is going to understand it.
5. Sometimes "I don't know" is the best answer...

15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 3:15 (NLT)

Participants wanted-"Members" not allowed!

What are you a "member of"? What membership cards do you carry in your wallet or purse? Right off the top of my head, I am a member of Sams Club, Blockbuster, and a shooting range. (I thought I'd throw that last one in after my nascar post yesterday). In each case I paid my "dues", agreed to obey the rules of the organization, and now I expect to receive something that "outsiders" are not entitled to.

What does that have to do with church? Nothing if you are looking for church membership in scripture... (I'm just sayin') In practice though, churches generally have members. They may be called different names but they are still people who pay their "dues", agree to obey the rules (membership covenant), and expect privileges that "outsiders" are not entitled to such as "voting" and being on "committees" that actually guide the church. If that sounds like the way church should be to you...that's fine...enjoy. My point is not to judge other church's leadership structures but to explain why actionchurch will never have a single "member"-ever!

We will constantly pray and act to attract participants-not members! We will honor those who actually participate in our cause of "making Jesus famous" in York county. We will invest time, resources, and training on those who want to be a part of the exciting business of sharing the love of God with our neighbors, friends, and families. Instead of membership training, we will train up Godly leaders and "release" them back into their communities. Instead of trying to be "find a ministry" for everyone within the walls of the church, we will strive to use staffing and technology to make the business of meeting as a church as simple as possible-so that our participants have time and energy to impact their circle of influence. We will make it very easy for "outsiders" to become participants...and impossible to become a "member". Participants wanted- "Members" not allowed!

Does this sound idealistic, impractical, and "not normal". Good! The Church written about in Acts did pretty well without members, committees, or even the New Testament to study. (Remember they were being the "Bible", not just reading it!)

If you've spent any time around church you probably still have one question. "How does a church without members "Vote"? Simple, everyone votes! In a "church without members" the vision and cause is clearly laid out by the leadership team and people of all races, religious backgrounds, and Pepsi-vs-Coke preferences vote...They "vote" with their participation and attendance. They "vote" with their financial support. They "vote" by inviting their friends and family to also participate in our cause. How do "participants" vote?...they "vote" with their actions-we are actionchurch after all!

Smooth...

I know, "you might be a redneck" if you post about farming and nascar in the same week. Technically Sunday starts a new week so I think I'll be okay... But I'll admit it, I'm a "gear head". I enjoy watching fast cars go around in circles. I understand stuff like "pit strategy" and being "loose" or "tight". Hi my name is Don and I am a nascar fan, I am part of "Earnhardt Nation". (Wait, maybe I am a redneck!)

To a nascar fan, one of the best races on the schedule is at Bristol, TN. Imagine cramming 160,000 rabid fans and 43 cars on a track probably smaller than your local Target parking lot. I think Bristol is what would have happened if the gladiators in the Colosseum had been given race cars to drive instead of weapons. Cars slide, wrecks occur, tempers flare, and excitement ensues...until last night.

This year they repaved "Thunder Valley". They made it very smooth. They reconfigured the banking so cars would have plenty of grip and wouldn't have to "beat and bang" their way to the front. Their new safer cars made it a much less dangerous place. In the pre-race show the commentators and the drivers raved about the new surface and how great the race would be now that it was so "smooth and easy to pass". I fell asleep. Without the "roughness" of the track, without the difficulty, without the "drama", the race became boring.

Sometimes I wonder why doing anything worthwhile has to be so difficult? Why it can't be "Smoother"? Why do there have to be so many "bumps" and "wrecks" along the way? Maybe the Creator of history also thinks "smooth is boring". Maybe (like everything else he does) HE desires to tell a "good story". Maybe the one who has been "weaving" our human story since creation also enjoys the drama of conflict and danger. Maybe because I am created in his image, "smooth" racing puts me to sleep...

Or, maybe I am just getting "too old" to stay awake after 11pm...

Pimp my tent!

I think Xzibit would be proud! I managed to install directional lighting and a 32 inch LCD monitor in our tent for the fair. While we are handing out free Dunkin Donuts Coffee, Balloons, and a info-card...our monitor can be "introducing" passers by to actionchurch, and "inviting" them over to our tent.

Is it "over the top" for our tiny church "fetus" to put on this kind of display for our community? I sure hope so! My dream is that actionchurch will always be "over the top" when it comes to being generous with our neighbors, and sharing the Good News in the most attractive way possible. I want people to be constantly surprised at the lengths we will go to make an impact on our world. At this point we "stretch" our very limited resources by being creative and innovative. Someday, if we are faithful in the "small things" God will reward us with many resources to "unleash" with creativity and innovation on our "unsuspecting" county! If we want to connect with people who normally don't go to church, we have to go where churches normally don't go. If we want to change the way people think about churches (and by extension, Jesus) we need to behave in ways other churches don't behave!

What are you known for?

I'm known for being such a freak about clean cars that, after three days of rain, my next door neighbor was giving me a hard time about having dirty wheels. I'm becoming such a freak about blogging that when blogger was down and I couldn't post yesterday morning some of you thought I might be sick or dead.

People notice when you don't do something you consistently have in the past!

So what are you "known for". What would people notice if you stopped doing? In the story of Nehemiah, (read about it here) God used the fact that Nehemiah had never before had an unhappy expression on his face in the kings presence to spark a chain of events that caused the city of Jerusalem to be rebuilt. Would people notice if you had an unhappy expression on your face-or do they expect that of you? Would someone notice if you missed a commitment today-or do they not expect you to keep your word? Would someone notice if you said an unkind word today-or do they expect that of you? What are you "known" for? It's worth thinking about...

Do you take sugar or cream with that...

I sure hope so! I just picked up 3000 sugar packets, 5000 stirrer thingies' 1000 sweet n low packets, and loads of creamers for the fair. I can't believe we are only 2 weeks away now... If we don't give away a lot of coffee and balloons, I know what everyone on my Christmas list is getting. Who wouldn't like to wake up and find their stockings stuffed with sugar packets?

Education and Legislation

If you ask any lawmaker, regardless of their political party affiliation, how to change behavior in society-their answer will always boil down to education and legislation. It's simply the best government has to offer. Does it work? Not so much. If it did, surely by now people would be "educated" that murdering other human beings is really not a "nice" thing to do. Surely everyone in America is at least "educated" in the fact that murder is "unlawful" and will get you at minimum a long prison sentence (unless you are a celebrity with a really good lawyer). If education and legislation were successful in changing sinful behavior would there be still be drug use, drunk driving, rape, or for that matter, littering in our society?

Does religion offer a better alternative than education and legislation? Unfortunately, I think it's just more of the same. So many well intentioned evangelicals firmly believe that if people "just knew what the Bible teaches" about a particular behavior...people would "change". Really? Is that all it takes-more "Bible education"? Ironically, because even "good Bible teaching" doesn't stop the sinful behavior in our society, the same people lobby their legislators in government to pass more laws legislating sinful behavior. Issues such as abortion and gay marriage become rallying cries for the religious to "educate" and "legislate" our society into a sin-free utopia.

I believe there is a better way. I place all my trust in the Good News of Grace that Jesus gave his life for. I believe jerks like me (and you) can be given a fresh start and a new "identity". I believe in redemption. I will not waste one moment of my time as a pastor trying to "legislate" morality using the power of our government. I believe the only hope to truly change our society are found in the words of Jesus. When faced with an accusing crowd of "legislators", "educators" and a naked woman caught in the very act of adultery(read about it here)...Jesus didn't react in the way the crowd must have thought he would. First, he sent her accusers who wanted to enforce the legislation against adultery away in shame. Then he said the most hopeful,"grace-filled", and powerful phrase I have ever encountered. Jesus told the neighborhood slut, the woman that the religious people found beyond hope, the one woman in the village that the religious "police" were sure they could catch naked and "in the wrong bed" if they needed to prove a point to Jesus... He said to her..."Go now and leave your life of sin." It wasn't a threat or a warning-Jesus believed she could actually change! That's the power of Grace...I'll chose that over legislation and education every time.

Planting

The Bible is full of farming references and I'm not sure if it's because we are getting ready for the York Fair, my Missouri farm roots, or the fact we are planting a church, but I can't stop thinking about farming metaphors lately. The great thing about using farming as metaphor for starting and "growing" a church is that although the technology and methods have changed since "bible times", the principles of farming are still the same. No matter how much equipment or technology you have, you still have to plant seeds, wait for them to grow,cultivate, depend on God for the weather and conditions, and harvest...just like in Jesus's day!

Using that analogy we are truly in the season of "planting" actionchurch. Here's a couple of things I've been thinking about planting.

1. You have to get out in the fields to plant. You can't plant from the farmhouse or from the barn. You have to get out in the "dirty" "rough" ground of the fields to plant seeds.
2. Planting is risky. Nothing is more risky for a farmer than taking hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment, seed, and fuel out into a field and "risking" them in the soil. There are no guarantees in planting. Sometimes you get a huge crop, sometimes you get washed out...it's up to God.
3. Planting is a "numbers" game. You have to plant a lot of seed, for some of it to come up, for even less of it to truly flourish and be "profitable". Jesus talked about this principle in the Parable of the Sower.
4. Planting must be repeated! If you plant a crop and harvest it and don't replant the field, the next year a few straggling plants will come up on their own...farmers call them "volunteer crops". Farmers know you have to plant every year because you certainly can't live off "volunteer crops". We want to make sure that planting is in the DNA of actionchurch. We can never stop planting just because the church is "up and running". I think the major cause of the lack of "harvesting" in American churches is not because the "fields" are bad, or they don't have seed...it's just that very few churches are out in the field planting! So many "farm hands" are sitting in the barn waiting for the "volunteer crops" to straggle in!
5. The more you harvest...the more seed you can plant! God has an amazing plan for farmers...and churches. When the miracle of a seed "dying in the ground" and a new plant beginning happens, it's exponential! The new plant doesn't just produce enough to "consume". Each new plant produces thousands of new seeds! I believe that God's principle for both the church and the farmer is that the more we "harvest" - the more "seed" God expects a wise farmer or church to plant back into the "fields". God is the creator of "church growth"...it's part of his nature!

9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galations 6:9

Simplifying

I just changed our "coming soon message" on actionchurch.com. I remember when I first posted the original "six questions" back in March. Coming from a church background, I remember thinking, "can I really ask these questions?" and "Shouldn't I have a "doctrinal statement" posted somewhere?" "Is it "legal" to have a church website without having 27 scriptural references and a "vision statement?". In the end I chose to post the true dream of actionchurch. I chose to ask questions instead of giving "answers". I decided that people who looked for a church based on "doctrinal statements" wouldn't like us very much anyway. In fact I have come to believe that basing our religious affiliations on "believing the same" instead of "pursuing a common mission" is probably one of the most detrimental things that has happened to Christianity over the centuries. It tends to make us as evangelicals pompous "know-it-alls" instead of the humble servant/leaders of humanity that Jesus envisioned as the Church.

The original six questions have now become three. Not because the dream has changed, but because I believe we must constantly simplify and clarify our vision. Our mission is not to "speak", but to be heard and understood.

If we truly believe:

• That church was meant to be more than "seminary on the weekends".
• That God didn't just move in "Bible times".
• That "Bible Characters" were people just like us who obeyed and believed the Creator when he spoke.
• That God desires and invites us to be part of his kingdom plan for earth (set in motion by Jesus)

If we truly believe those things...it will change the way we view and "do" church. We will accept and welcome everyone-no matter where they are on their journey with God. We will value "doing" good over "looking" good. We will value transformation over information. We will not lecture, we will lead. We will truly become the church of "a little less talk, and a lot more action".

Perspective

We watched our neighbors house burn down last night. The fire trucks came but the house was a complete loss. As I stood helplessly by with people from the neighborhood we kept saying the same phrase, "Wow, it's scary how fast that house burned." Although we were happy that everyone had gotten out safely, I think we all were thinking the same thing... In a matter of about fifteen minutes, everything we own could be burned up.

All the stuff we saved for. All the stuff we went in debt for. All the stuff we neglect our families to pay for. All the stuff we're proud of. All the stuff that entertains us. All the stuff that gives us "status" in the community. All the stuff that we think we can't live without.... can disappear in smoke literally in minutes.

I'm so glad I now have "investments" in relationships, people, and heaven that can never burn up! Now...we must find out how we can help our neighbors.

York Fair update

We are now three weeks away from the York Fair (beginning September 7th) Here's an update:

• As you probably guessed from the picture we will be giving away Dunkin Donuts Premium Coffee. We have formed a relationship with the local franchise(s) owner and they will be supplying us really great coffee (including their cups and lid as pictured) for a really great price! We will also be serving Dunkin Donuts coffee and Donuts in our Sunday Morning Gatherings. Yum! I feel really blessed to be able to give such a quality gift to our neighbors at the Fair!


• We will be giving away black actionchurch.com balloons to "kids" of all ages...They are gonna look great.


• On Saturday the 8th we will be displaying the "actionchurch racecar" at our tent!


• Michele, Reagan, and I will be "carnys for the week". The Record family will be at the Fair for all ten nights. We are looking forward to meeting lots of new people!


• I am "pimping the tent" with a flat-screen monitor and some lighting...more on that later.


• We will be able to tell people where we will be meeting when they ask....YEAH!


• We have the opportunity to tell 600,000+ people that "yes Jesus loves them", yes, his people do too, and perhaps their ideas of what a church can be are all "wrong"!

Want to join us? info@actionchurch.com

Wanna buy a cup of coffee-or 100?

The local Dunkin Donut franchise(s) owner was really generous in his bulk pricing for our York Fair Give Away. We are able to give a way a 10 oz Dunkin Donut Premium Coffee, just like you would purchase in one of their stores, for a little less than .25 each! That includes the Dunkin Donuts cup, lid, and any sugar, sweetener, or sugar someone might want. That's pennies away from the cost of going to Sam's or Walmart and buying the cheapest coffee , cups and lids. I truly believe that if we are going to give our neighbors anything "in the name of Jesus" it had better be great! (People form their ideas about Jesus by how his followers treat them.)

So, want to join us in our Coffee Give Away? You could purchase 100 cups of coffee for only $25.00. How about 1000 cups for only $250.00? Or 10,000 cups for $2500.00? Seriously, I don't believe we will be giving away 10,000 cups of coffee (yikes) but it will be thousands in the ten days we are at the fair.

If you would like to help with the cost of this give away, please use our online giving tab on the side of this Blog. Michele and I could also still use some help at the Fair to pass out coffee, blow up balloons, and generally hang out!

Scholars or Soldiers?

Everyday I become more aware that people have radically different expectations about the "purpose" of church and religion in our lives and culture. I know that last sentence was a bit of a "mouthful", but I think I have finally found a practical analogy that describes the differences. What do you think?

Scholars- This group picks churches like high school seniors choose colleges. They look for the "right" programs and courses. They search for a place where they will fit in socially. Many are truly serious about their "studies", but they see them as mainly being helpful "after they graduate"... They study the Bible like a textbook and believe their greatest accomplishments come from "learning". They pay their tuition, go to their classes, and look forward to "graduation" some day. They consider their jobs and connections in the "off campus" community to be completely disconnected from their "college experience".

Soldiers- This group view joining the "service" as a calling. They study the Bible like an operations manual. They believe that the "battles" and "stories" and "techniques" written about in the Bible are not to merely be dissected and debated but contain vital "clues" about the nature of our commander and "battle" today. They need practical training and teaching because the life of a soldier is exciting and dangerous at all times. They believe that "your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven", is an achievable goal, and not just pretty language. These soldiers don't fight other people, but the powers of darkness that steal from their fellow man. They realize that the only way to serve their commander is to serve others. Most of all, soldiers are "soldiers" where ever they are. They see no disconnect between their "training" and their lives "off base".

Is this an over simplification? Maybe. But there is definitely a "divide" that I see more clearly everyday. If you're wondering, I think of myself as someone who dropped out of the "collegiate christianity" lifestyle, became "radicalized" and became a soldier. And yes, using this analogy, actionchurch is a "militant" church for "soldiers" who fail to see the point of living life as a "scholar".

action heroes: The power of Cookies

Two things my wife Michele loves are the Pillsbury Dough boy and baking. That makes us the perfect couple because I love to eat what she bakes. (Make your own joke about me being white and "doughy" like the dough boy.)

Fortunately for my waistline, Michele doesn't let me eat all the cookies she bakes...she gives them away...all the time. Michele gives cookies to contractors, postal workers, people at banks, people in the neighborhood, anyone she comes in contact with on a regular basis. You know what, she loves baking them and people love eating them-go figure! Just yesterday she had a great conversation with a nurse at a nursing home she and Reagan visit, because she took a plate of cookies by the nursing station. That's the power of cookies...

We often think that being "kindful" or generous and serving people involves sacrificing and doing something we "don't want to do." Sometimes it does. But sometimes, it can be as simple as doing something you love-for others. It obviously doesn't have to be giving cookies, but if you love to bake-go for it. Guys- if you love to work on cars-use that to help others. 'Love to do carpentry or wood working-give it away, do it for others. Got a green thumb-give someone flowers you grow. Being "Salt and Light" can be as simple as doing something you love-for others!

What do you love to do, and how can you use it- for others? I'd love to hear your stories.

When we grow up...Lifepoint Church

One of the most important aspects of growing up is having "heroes". Not the "super" type of heroes that fly or bend steel, but the ordinary kind that we "want to be like when we grow up"! Since as a church we have barely taken our first step, from time to time I want to point out other churches that we admire and "want to be like when we grow up".

Lifepoint Church in Wilmington North Carolina launched in February 2006. Their Pastor, Jeff Kapusta, was kind enough to tell me their story and it was definitely not an "easy" beginning. They meet in a middle school and a year later, even in the summer, they are nearing 400 people in attendance. You know what impresses me about them though? Not their "size" or "innovation" or "cool factor" (and they are a very cool church) it's the fact that they are a "Service church, not a Serve-us church" (Jeff's words not mine).

You can learn a lot about someone by who they look up to. So if your interested in what actionchurch could "become" in a few short years... check out Jeff's Blog (link). Most importantly please take the time to check out this news story about someone at Lifepoint who saw a need and didn't call the church to meet it...she called her friends from church...(link) That's exactly the kind of church I would like to be "when we grow up".

No Ice Cream, Just Sprinkles.

I'm hangin' out with Reagan this morning. She wanted "No ice cream, just sprinkles". Somehow she convinced me that since she had "already taken her vitamins" it was okay. Please don't call the authorities...

Hypocrites in church?

People I talk to about church often end up talking about "all the hypocrites in church". One person recently even asked me if "We would have hypocrites at actionchurch?". I told them that although I don't think a church that emphasizes actually "Doing" scriptural principles instead of merely "learning" scripture would be the "first choice" for someone living a hypocritical lifestyle, I am still sure we will have some in attendance.

I am far less concerned about "keeping hypocrites out of the church" than I am "keeping the church itself from being hypocritical!" It can be "hard", even for a Church, to actually put the teachings of Jesus Christ into action! It's so easy to "preach" one thing and "do" another.

• It's easy (and common) to preach about being generous- and then be stingy in the "business" of the church! (Why do you think businesses dread working with churches?)



• It's easy to preach about serving others, especially those who can't "help" you in any way- and then only "serve" those in the community that might potentially support or attend the church.
  


• It's easy to preach that it's not enough to pay just "pay your bills", that members should give God the first of everything-and then as a church, only "meet the church budget" and "pay the bills" without giving to others in our community and world!



• It's easy to preach about "walking by faith and not by sight"- and then refuse to "make a move" as a church without the approval of "feasibility committees", "planning committees", "suck-the-joy-out-of-living committees" and a majority vote of the congregation...


• It's easy to preach and teach "the word"- and still not obey the teachings of Jesus.
  


• And finally, it's easy to encourage everyone to be loving and kind to everyone...even their "enemies"- and then not show love to the "enemies" of the church...

God help us as church "body" to actually "live" what we teach. Help us to do the "hard" , "messy" things of faith, and not give in to the "easy" way of religiosity and legalism. amen

Let me tell you how I suck!

I love Chris Farley in Tommy Boy. One of my favorite lines from the movie is "Let me tell you how I suck!". Confession is good for the soul so I thought I'd share something I have really been "sucking" at lately...

The Bible says:
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

I'm getting better everyday at "trusting in the Lord with all my heart". Not because I am such a great guy, or wonderful "christian", but because I have seen God do such amazing things over the years that even a "dummy" like me sort of just expects God to do what he says! I just realized yesterday though, that I am not doing so well in the "lean not on your own understanding" department.

I realized that whenever God gives me a vision for something that he is going to do I immediately begin "creating" hundreds of scenarios in my mind about how God will do it. I try to figure out how he will pay for it, how the events will fall in place, who will be involved etc. I am certainly not saying that as a leader I shouldn't plan or think strategically. I just realized that every time I am discouraged or disappointed it is not because God is not doing what he said he would...It's because he's not fitting in to any of my scenarios I have created! God doesn't do things "right"...or at least not the way I thought he would!

I'm going to concentrate on trusting God and being obedient...I'm going to spend a whole lot less time trying to figure out how he plans to "get it done". I am going to "acknowledge him" and let him "make my paths straight". It turns out he doesn't need my "help" on figuring out how it's all gonna work out...Can you relate?

Hangin with X-stream

Michele and I got the chance to go to an X-stream Youth Ministry camp out last night... It was flippin' Pouring rain.
They did not seem to care. When we got there a game of x-stream mud football was going full blast.

I am so impressed every time I hang out with Dave and Alicia and their "crew". I love the intensity that they live. I admire the honesty and openness that exists in their organization. I am always encouraged when I watch God provide for the dream he has given them! I think God loves when his "kids" have huge dreams...to help others...especially others that are easily overlooked and ignored.

"passing the plate"

I just added a way to donate to actionchurch online (below my picture to your right on the blog), so I guess we should "talk" about money.

First of all, I believe actionchurch is a great place to "invest" in! I believe it is actually possible to change the way York County thinks about the church and (by extension) Jesus! If I didn't believe in our cause, not only would I not invite others to give, I certainly wouldn't be putting our personal finances on the line to see this dream for York County happen. Second, we actually plan to not do the traditional "passing the plate" thing in our Sunday morning gatherings. We will instead have "giving boxes" in the back of the venue and encourage online giving. We are currently using Paypal for our online giving as they are the largest, most secure, and most economical way for us to accept donations at this point.

Here's our "plan" for receiving donations:

1. Make it "guilt free"- People may pull a crumpled "one" or "five" from their pocket due to guilt...but they won't actually "support" a ministry. We want people to financially support actionchurch because they support our cause!
2. Make it easy to do- Some of you have actually emailed me to ask for our address to send donations. Thanks so much, but it shouldn't be that hard! That's why we have added the online giving button on the Blog. It's simple, It's secure, and of course it is tax deductible. (Now accepting Visa, MC, Amex,Discover, and personal checks online)
3. Make it "Worth it"!- This is the most important thing to me. I know that everyone (including myself) wants to give to organizations that are actually helping their community. Imagine if a charity advertised that "100% of your donations goes to our salaries, buildings, and other overhead"...can you imagine wanting to donate to that organization? I certainly have nothing against salaries and necessary "overhead", but it's of utmost importance to me that actionchurch never become an entity that just "takes in" and never "gives out". To set the "tone" of being a "Service" church instead of a "Serve us" church our first event was to give money to the American Cancer Society. Right now all giving is going toward 1. Community outreach (Such as the York Fair) 2. Securing a meeting location for Sunday Mornings, and 3. Equipment needed for outreach or Sunday mornings...period.

Giving up...

I turn 39 today. It makes me think about all the things I thought I would accomplish by the time I turned 40. I guess I have one year left to make a whole lot of cash, win a Grammy, achieve world domination, and get rock hard abs.

I've decided to give up on those "ambitions". Not because they are too hard, or too large, but because they are too selfish and small! I'm going to focus all my energy on one thing, one dream, one ambition. I want to change the way people think about church and (by association) Jesus in our community!

A dream like actionchurch will certainly take more than a year to accomplish, and I know cannot possibly do it "on my own". But being even a small part of such a "big" dream sounds like a great way to spend the rest of my life. Oh...and I will keep working on those "rock hard abs"...I know they are "under there" somewhere.

Tivo Shakes up the ratings...

I just ran across an article about how my "friend" Tivo is shaking up the Neilson Ratings. (link). After owning a Tivo (or two) for over five years it has taken on "appliance" status at our home. (Meaning, if it were to break I would replace it immediately...like the fridge.) Because of Tivo, we no longer "waste" our very limited TV viewing time watching "whatever is on", we record and watch what we want to see. An added benefit is that we also don't have to watch commercials anymore...

That's where the "problem" for advertisers comes in. DVR's such has Tivo have become so widespread that the advertisers are losing their "captive" audience. Viewers have more "choices" when a commercial comes on than to flip to another commercial on another channel or get up and head for the bathroom or fridge. They can simply "fast forward" through the commercial. In short, fewer and fewer people "have to" watch commercials anymore.

It remains to be seen what advertisers do now that they are admitting that people aren't really watching their commercials. I expect there will be more products actually placed in the shows and events such as the Nascar race I watched last month that never "stopped" for commercial break...it just played commercials in a small window on screen. Advertisers "admit" they will have to be creative and engaging so more people will choose to watch their advertisements. (I actually thought that was what advertising was all about!?)

Every year, fewer and fewer people "have to" attend our churches. There is no longer a social stigma against people who don't attend. (There actually might be one against those who do.) Each new generation has fewer children "raised in church". We are losing our "captive audience". For years we've complained that people are "supposed to" attend church. In the last few years, some have even admitted (like television advertisers) that perhaps our neighbors don't want to hear our "promotional messages" for God. I think the next step is beginning... It's time that we become creative and engaging (in both our church services and lifestyles) so more people will choose to hear our message. (I actually thought that was what the "good news" was all about!?)

"Mighty Warriors?"

I love this verse:

1 Samuel 22:2 2 Then others began coming � men who were in trouble or in debt or who were just discontented � until David was the leader of about four hundred men.

The reason why I love this verse so much, is that it documents the "start" of one of the most amazing group of warriors ever assembled! If you read about the exploits of these "bad dudes" in 1 Chron. 11 and 12 it is amazing! One verse says "the weakest of these could take on a hundred regular troops, and the strongest could take on a thousand"! I love the fact that such an amazing army came from such a "humble" beginning.

It makes me think that perhaps God will use a lot of people with "bad" reputations, "bad" attitudes, and even "bad" credit to start something amazing in York, PA. Welcome to actionchurch!

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas...

I know it's only the beginning of August but it is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas..

Not because Michele and Reagan have been doing a lot of Christmas Shopping...seriously!

Not because I know we are about two weeks away from the stores putting out they're Christmas "merchandise"...they do it earlier and earlier every year!

But because... I suck at keeping secrets!!!! Every year I end up telling Michele what her gifts are because I am unable to keep a secret! It's not a "secret" exactly but It is killing me not to talk about the location that God is providing for actionchurch to meet at on Sunday mornings! I am so excited about the amazing things that have happened for us to be able to rent this venue. I want to tell everyone how it meets our needs and values perfectly...but contracts are not signed and T's are not crossed so it wouldn't be wise to announce it yet.

So... "Stay tuned" and pray for me this week as we finish up the "details" on this amazing opportunity to turn York County "inside out" and "upside down"! It's killing me not to tell you more!

Thanks Vanessa!

What if there was a place......where your skills and experiences could actually make a difference in York county, no matter who you are?

Wow, I am really seeing that part of the dream beginning to come true in so many ways. There are so many people using their talents and skills to help us launch this dream we call actionchurch. I am so grateful and amazed.

Here's a great example that I just have to "tell". Vanessa at Central Park Town Homes took the time to mount the newspaper story from the dispatch that you see in the picture. She printed out pictures and logos from this blog (I bet she needs a new "black" ink cartridge) to create something really stunning. I'm not sure if I should call it a collage or "blogart" but it tells the story of the "actionchurch car" and I was blown away when she surprised me with it... Here's where the story gets really amazing, She made four (4!) of these! One for my office, one for Bob's (car owner/driver)race room, one to display in their maintenance shop, and one for their leasing office! Over time, more people may see the story and learn about actionchurch from her "creations" than from the original news story! Awesome!

I got "Simpsonized"!

I got this link from Darren and had my self Simpsonized... Want to try it?

Simpsonize yourself!

Don't be an idiot...

Sometimes the simplest advice is the best advice. Wow, I wish I would have heard this "wisdom" earlier in life...like before I got that mullet hair cut...I could go on...and on.

Seeing...and being "kindful".

Our daughter Reagan has a word for doing good- "kindful". As far as I can tell, "kindful" is a combination of kindness, helpful, thoughtful, thankful...anything good is "kindful". I think it's a great word, I've actually started using it myself.

It's amazing how a 4 year old can actually remind you to live a more "kindful" life. A few days ago as we were walking out of Wal-mart, Reagan kept saying "Daddy stop, we need to be kindful!" We were actually some distance down the sidewalk before her little voice penetrated my skull. She was "adamant" that we needed to go back and be "kindful", so back we went... Reagan wanted us to pick up the trash on the sidewalk outside the Wal-mart. As we picked up the few smashed soda cans and wrappers she asked, "Daddy, didn't you know it's not kindful to leave trash on the ground?"

The truth is I didn't "see" the trash. I expect there to be trash on the sidewalk in front of Wal-mart. Quite frankly it seems like a situation for store employees to "handle". I've been doing some thinking... Maybe it isn't just that my daughter is blessed with the "neatness gene" from her "cleaning nazi" mother (I love you baby!) . Maybe she doesn't just notice more trash on the sidewalk than me because she's "a lot closer to the ground". (My excuse). Maybe she sees opportunities to be "kindful" because she "sees" more than I do. Her eyes haven't yet grown accustomed to the "mess" of this world we live in. She sees opportunities to be "kindful" everywhere.

I want to be more like her...

York Dispatch Photo Link

A few of the pictures from the York Dispatch article are in their weekly gallery. Here's the Link. (Go there)

"offensive"

I received some "advice" about starting actionchurch that still has me thinking. The advice was basically "be careful"... Be careful not to "lose your testimony" with other Christians. Be careful to go to places and gatherings that would cause other people to think badly of you. Be careful not to hang out with "unbelievers" to much or you might be tempted to "fall away"(I'm glad Jesus never got this advice...oh wait, I think he did.) . On and on it went. Since then I have realized something, although I firmly believe I am on the same "team" as the person who gave me the "advice"... I realized we are not playing the same game!

As I thought about it I realized much of church has become about playing "defensively". Trying not to "lose" anyone in the congregation. Trying to keep people happy. Trying to maintain a budget and a building. Trying to keep anyone from criticizing the pastor and leadership. Trying to keep the various ministries and programs staffed with volunteers. The "defensive plays" go on and on.

At actionchurch our only plays are "offensive plays". We are called to take new yardage. We care far more about reaching people than "keeping" people. We have nothing to gain by being "defensive" and nothing to lose by being "offensive". Being on the offensive will cause us to be a "risk taking" church. It will also drive us to our knees as huddle together and ask for God's wisdom and blessing before our next "long" attempt. We will have a few fumbles...sometimes we may lose ground. We will never be content to just "run out the clock" because lives are at stake!

In the end, being "offensive" means some people will be offended. Some will criticize our methods...some will question our motives. That's the price of being "offensive". I think Jesus said it best when he was criticized for being offensive:

33 For John the Baptist didn’t spend his time eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ 35 But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.” Luke 7:33-34

Why we do what we do!

20 My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else. 21 I have been following the plan spoken of in the Scriptures, where it says,
“Those who have never been told about him will see, and those who have never heard of him will understand." Romans 15:21-22 (nlt)

I "never" do this but...

I usually have way too "big of mouth" to link to someone Else's blog but you have to check out Rye Taylor's post from earlier this week. (go there!) Wow do I love those quotes!

The pic is of Rye and I at Buzz conference. (Note the manly "side hug" with plenty of space in between.) Rye and his wife Mandy are starting an amazing church (Fusion) in Pittsburgh, PA. They are actually launching 2.10.08-the very same day we launch! Coincidence? I think not...

I am very excited for all the great church plants that are happening "down south" in places like North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. I just think it's time we need to see some of that "God stuff" happening here in the fine state of PA! Maybe Rye and I can start the "PA Planting Posse" (P3?) to "represent" the Northeast. We just need to work on our "colors" and "gang hand signs" and we can rumble with the "Southeast Posse." What do you think, Rye?