Launching...

If you don't like "straight talk" from preacher-types you might want to tune out...

When I first started writing about "launching" actionchurch (link) I was envisioning something like the space shuttle launch... Teams of scientists in a control room somewhere, checklists checked and rechecked, all systems go, and then a glorious precisely planned launch. We've done the work we set out to do. We have been true to our vision. Miracles have happened. God has sent us great a great "crew". All systems are go... But can I be brutally honest? As we get closer to our launch on 2.10.08 it feels much more like we are pushing our home made "flying machine" off the cliff to see if it will fly, than a "scientific" space shuttle launch. We have no contingency plans, no "reserves", just a burning vision to connect with people who are somehow "left behind" by organized religion. It scares the crap out of me...yet I wouldn't miss this exciting "ride" for anything.

Come to think of it, this may be the "perfect way" to launch a place called actionchurch. Our whole mission is to inspire and motivate people to put the teachings of Jesus into action in their lives. By it's very nature, living a life guided by Jesus is risky business. It's exciting, scary at times, and usually doesn't follow "conventional wisdom". I never want to be part of a church that urges people to "live by faith" and "trust Jesus" but only makes a move as a corporate entity after all the commitees and lawyers have "signed off"on the action. Here goes...

Unapologetic focus...

I get a lot of "helpful advice" about stuff we will have to "add" to actionchurch after we launch. People will say "you'll have to add more intense Bible teaching for those who love the 'deeper teaching'" or "you'll need to add a longer time of worship for people who like more "worship" or "you'll need to add membership classes to teach the doctrine of the church." ...the list goes on and on. I just got out our phonebook and there are hundreds of other churches that offer all of those things... I hope that doesn't sound arrogant...quite the opposite is true. We are not the only or "best" church in town...if you want bible trivia training...there are lots of better educated pastors in town. If you want to sing Chris Tomlin songs for forty five minutes....your choices are many. Want to take a class and sign a "membership covenant"...take your pick.

actionchurch is unapologetic about focusing on being a "church for people who don't like church". We have a single objective on Sunday morning- to encourage people to put the teachings of Jesus into action in their lives in the most exciting and attractive manner possible. At some point we want to make home group environments available...but for now it's just Sunday Mornings at Fat Daddy's nightclub and community service events.

I know there is a lot of thought that churches should be "supermarkets of spiritual services" with "something for everyone"... that's just not us. If we wanted to fit into "conventional" thinking we wouldn't be a church that meets in a nightclub, has go-go cages in it's childrens area, and a big smiling buddha statue in its auditorium (true story...it's part of the club "decor") Jesus quite often told people that it "wasn't the right time" for him to do something or "he wasn't sent to that group of people"...so I think we are in good company when we remain focused on our objectives...

playing hurt

Thanks for every one's prayers! It's great to have Phil (my father in law) recouping after open-heart surgery at our house. His heart is "fixed" but he has a lot of pain from the incisions, broken bones, and bruises from the surgery.

It reminds me that whether or not our hearts have been "fixed" by the forgiveness of Jesus, we all are "wounded" from life's bruises, cuts, and breaks. I know I'm probably just "preachin" to myself here (I am suck at being sensitive...I count any day that I haven't said something stupid and insensitive to someone a banner day!!) It's important that we cut each other some slack and realize that all of us are in some way "playing hurt".

It's not what you know, It's who you know...

It's only two weeks 'til actionchurch launches weekly gatherings at Fat Daddy's. (2.10.08) I have been thinking about the last sixteen months of "planning and planting". There was so much stuff I had no clue about.

I didn't know...that an off-hand comment I made in anger would become the name of our church. "I am so freakin' sick of people just learning about the Bible and never Doing any of it that if I ever had a church I would call it action church"!

I didn't know...how to "start" a church like the "church for outsiders" we had in mind.

I didn't know...anyone who had the skills and wanted to help us with this project.

I didn't know...how to create a website or blog.

I didn't know...how much money it would cost...or how to pay for it.

I didn't know...who would be able to "capture"actionchurch in a logo and identity. (This Guy did!)

I didn't know...any bands or worship leaders to play music.

I didn't know...how important finding the "right place" would be to our efforts.

I didn't know...how close we came to Never being able to meet at Fat Daddy's.

I didn't know...that by the time of our launch the club would be completely remodeled and have seating for nearly twice the people.

I didn't know...some people that I already knew and never expected would go to church...would help us start a church.

I didn't know...people I had never met would "catch the vision" and be invaluable in creating actionchurch.

I could go on and on with the absolutely crucial information I didn't know when this dream began. Our success definitely lies not in what I know...but in knowing "the ONE who has the answers to all our questions"! It truly is not what you know...but who you know!

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5

Quote of the week:

“You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.”~Henry Ford

...and that is why actionchurch can never become about "learning facts" or having "cool" or "edgy" church services...our "main business" must alway be to motivate people to put the teachings of Jesus into action in their community, work and homes.

Good news....

Thanks for everyone's prayers and concern. Michele's Dad Phil has had his heart (as the doctor called a 5 bypass operation) "completely re-plumbed". The surgery went well and he is breathing on his own.

My mother is out of the hospital and feeling well enough to boss her doctors around instead of listening to them, so we have much to be thankful for...

Name the new actionkidz character.

I love this new actionkidz character Yvonne just created...I had to "show it off". ...anyone have ideas for a name for this dude?

It aint about "karma"...

I was watching a re-run of "My name is Earl" the other day...and in the episode Earl decided to give up doing good things for the people he had harmed...because "Karma" wasn't giving anything "good" back to him. (I guess he didn't factor in the "Karma" had taken him from being a career petty criminal to being someone who actually added goodness to the lives of those around him...)

I believe the principle of "getting what you give" (or "karma") is part of God's plan. I believe that if you live life in a kind, loving, and generous manner...you will experience a more fulfilling life. I believe "doing good is good for business". If you run your business in a honest, generous, "serving others" manner...your business will be more successful. But I also believe that you can do all of those things and really awful things can still happen! Life isn't always "fair".

I think many Christians (especially preachers) do a disservice to people by telling people that "If you live for God you will be blessed in everything you do!" "If you give to the church you'll never want for money." "If you read your Bible and pray everyday God will protect your family and friends." etc. In the end, this "My-Name-is Earl-karma-theology" leaves people just like Earl in the episode I just watched... disappointed and defeated.

In reality the Bible is full of people who lived pretty amazing lives and still faced some horrible circumstances. People who were absolutely faithful and still had moments when life sucked. What I'm depending on is that through good times and "bad", God has the best plan for our lives and we can trust him to have our best interest in mind. I can't think of a better way to say it than King David (who truly had some unbelievably "low" points in life) said it in Psalms nearly 3000 years ago...




30 God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. Psalms 18:30

Prayers appreciated...

Michele and I would really appreciate everyone's prayers for our parents. Last week both my Mother (in Missouri) and Michele's Dad Phil (Bethlehem)were admitted to the hospital with heart "problems". My mom is out and doing much better but Phil is having open heart surgery on Wednesday. (If you have attended any of the "Test Drives" you probably met Phil as he greeted everyone and helped with everything!)

We will be going to Allentown for his surgery and then will be looking forward to bringing him back here to recover at our home. Please keep him in your prayers!

Friendship Community update:

We had a great time at Friendship Community Church this weekend. We were frankly blown away by the warm reception they gave us! I had the opportunity to set in with Rich and the Worship team and share the vision and needs of actionchurch at all three services. Pastor Dennis gave a really clear and "action oriented" message about the good Samaritan...it could not have all "fit" together better.

The people were amazing. We had people volunteer to help us clean up/set up on Sunday Mornings, and help with actionkidz. Lots of people took invite cards to invite their unchurched friends and family to our launch. Wow... The only bummer was that Mike (youth pastor) was sick, but we did get to meet "his Michele".

After this weekend I am not only extremely grateful for "kingdom minded" churches but I am also inspired to "pass it on" someday...I want actionchurch to be a church that not only helps people in our community...but even other churches starting in our community!

actionchurch on WGAL 8

If you missed it or actually have a life and don't have time to watch the news...Here it is. I think they actually "got" what actionchurch is all about!

actionchurch on Fox 43

Here's the Fox 43 Story. Sure they called me "Dave"...but you can call me the wrong name anyday as long as you are helping spread the word about the church!

Friendship Community Church

File this under "action heroes"! This weekend the girls and I will be spending three services with Friendship Community Church in Dover, PA. I'm gonna be joining in with their worship team (pictured) above and speaking about actionchurch at every service.

Here's the amazing thing- Pastor Dennis has asked us to set up an actionchurch information table in their lobby until our launch with invitation cards and information so their congregation can invite their friends to actionchurch. Their youth pastor Mike is bringing the youth to help out at our launch also. This church never ceases to amaze me! Pastor Dennis, Rich (worship pastor) and Mike, have blessed me with wisdom and encouragement through out this whole process and now they are literally blowing me away with their support! (I haven't even mentioned yet that Friendship is also giving us some much needed funds for our launch!)

This church truly lives up to their name...and are truly "action heroes"!

Quote of the week:

If everything's under control, you're going too slow. - Mario Andretti

actionchurch and "the X"

It's certainly been an interesting week. On Tuesday I had a meeting with Nipsey, Earl, and Jen (Peoples Morning Show) from 105.7 the X. We are going to be advertising actionchurch on the X and I will be doing a "phone in" to the Peoples Morning Show to promote our grand opening on February the 8th.

We had a great meeting...they really "get" what we are doing...and I could see God's "fingerprints" all over this rather "odd couple" relationship between a church and a Rock station. I don't think it was an "accident" that we spent ten days across from them at the York fair and were able to meet them and share coffee with their crew (link). I don't think it was a "mistake" that the news stories came out days before the meeting...all these things paved the way to prepare this meeting "in advance". It was great to hear how they had been apprehensive about how they could advertise a "church"...but were now on board with the whole campaign

Stay tuned for updates about when the commercials will air. Also, if you are considering financially supporting actionchurch, please consider giving toward advertising! I think this is such a necessary and effective way spread the news about actionchurch....It's just not in the "budget". We could use your help.

What I learned from American Idol...

Here's what I'm sure of after watching last night.

1. I'm tired of the "bad singers"...
2. A grown man in a cloak is Never a good thing.
3. Anyone who can rhyme "stalk her" and "Caulk her" is a musical genius and should be listened to! (and possibly put under surveillance by local law enforcement.)
   

...remember to say "thank you" when someone says you are a "sexyface".

Seacrest out.

What about homosexuals???

Since the story about actionchurch ran on the news this weekend I have had the opportunity to answer a lot of really great questions. I think I should answer one of the questions that I have been asked numerous times here on the blog, as it seems to be on many people's minds.

The question is:

Q: What do you believe the Bible teaches about homosexuality? Are homosexuals welcome in your church?

The answer is very simple for us...

A: The Bible teaches that homosexuality is a sin...and all sinners are welcome at actionchurch!

We hope that people who attend actionchurch will turn away from their sin and become a follower of Jesus Christ...but even if they chose not to...all sinners are welcome. That includes "gay" sinners, "straight" sinners, religious sinners, non-believing sinners, people who will "sin" tonight by not watching the American Idol premiere...anyone! We are the church for people who don't like church and there is no one too "super-bad" to be accepted and loved by Jesus and actionchurch...nuff said.



19The Son of Man (Jesus) came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by her actions."


Matthew 11:19

Sunday morning at Fat Daddy's....

Here's four minutes of what church is like on Sunday mornings at Fat Daddys. Sorry the audio is so bad but it was recorded on my Flip video about 3 inches from the speakers. Link for email subscribers.

Test Drive #2

Wow! Here's a quick recap of Test Drive #2. I'm going to get the website updated and also will post some video clips of the service here later so stay tuned.

• Set up went WAY better than expected! We were missing a couple of really key players and we still got it done quicker than last time...I think our system is working.
• Even though this was just a "practice" it was great to meet new people who showed up to be a "part of the action"
• actionkidz upstairs was AMAZING!!! They had 18 kids yesterday...we definitely have to get more help in the actionkidz area before launch! The good news is kids love it....we just need a lot more help for the kind of numbers we will see after launch.

• The band (Clean Slate) rocked our faces off... I don't mean to gush like an eleven-year-old Hanna Montana Fan...but I love those guys! (I'm glad they got some buzz on the news...they are so great to work with)
• speaking of news... Fox 43 was pretty brief (and called me "DAVE" Record) but WGAL was a really great piece. They really couldn't have done a better job of telling our story. I really appreciate both crews for coming out and spending a Sunday Morning with us.
• I was much more "at ease" preaching yesterday. Maybe it's the ex-lead-singer in me, but the more "packed" the club becomes...the more comfortable I become speaking.
• I am so proud of out crew...It is hard to believe that a small but dedicated group can accomplish so much. Truly- "with God anything is possible"!
• We have several things to improve before launch...we desperately need more help...but actionchurch is definitely a reality...look out York County!

actionchurch on the news.

For all you local readers- we had two news crews show up to our Test Drive service today. I'll post more about the service tomorrow but here's the "Television Schedule" for tonight...set your tivo's .

Fox 43- News at 10
WGAL 8 News at 6 and 11. (They also may run a story for tomorrow.)

We had a great day...God is good..and I am beat.

Peace out.

Sunday at Fat Daddy's

It's hard to believe that tomorrow (1.13.08, 11am) will be our final "practice" before launching on February 10th. I spent the day doing some painting at the club yesterday and I am just blown away by all the renovations/and improvements that are happening there. When we signed with Fat Daddy's as our venue in August we had no idea they would be adding new lighting, new carpet, flat screen TV's in the bar/church area etc. etc. etc.. The pictures above are of the construction of their new heated patio/ bar area...(can you say "Baptism and Barbecue?) Even above the improvements to the club I am excited about the "improvements" to our relationship as a church to the club staff. They have been over-the-top helpful and kind. Only God could have foreseen such a great mutual partnership/friendship between a church and a nightclub...Awesome.

I can't see the future...or even know what to expect tomorrow...but I know God has had his hand on our path as a church from the very beginning...and his plan is better than we can imagine. See ya tomorrow!

Quote of the week:

Act, and God will act.- Joan of Arc

The "message" of the church...

There was a story in USA Today Yesterday (wow that's an odd combination of words) about people who don't go to church. You can read it here. (link)

Since connecting with "unchurched" people is why actionchurch exists, I was really interested in the the survey in the article. Here's a couple of statistics that really jumped off the page...

44% of "unchurched" people agree with the statement "Christians get on my nerves."

79% say "Christianity today is more about organized religion than loving God and loving people."

The "message" of the church is not what the preacher says on Sunday Morning! The real "message" of the church is how we treat people the other six days a week. If we are loving, generous and kind...that will be what the church is "about" to them. If we are preachy, judgemental, annoying jerks...they will definitely pick up on the fact that "Christianity today is more about organized religion than loving God and loving people."

I'm really happy to say that the majority of what people "know" us for now is for things we have DONE...not things I have said. My biggest goal now as a leader is to motivate people to actually put the life changing principles of the Bible into action... so that people who don't yet attend will "get the message".

x-streamly tasty fundraiser!

I don't often use this blog to promote fundraisers but this is something I think we should get behind. Here's the details:



" On Saturday, January 26th at 11:30am we will be holding a luncheon at Outback Steakhouse (2496 E. Market Street, York). Tickets for the luncheon are $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12. You must pre-purchase the tickets to come to the event. You can get your tickets by contacting us at 717-266-2251 or sending an email to xstreamyouth@comcast.net. Checks should be made out to X-Stream Youth Ministry. 100% of the proceeds goes toward X-Stream Youth Ministry! "



X-Stream (link) is a great organization that uses the environment of extreme sports (kayaking, skateboarding, mountain biking, etc) to share Jesus with at risk kids. I have had the privilege of observing Dave ,Alicia and "crew" in action and they are doing a great job of making the teachings on Jesus relevant to kids who would never come to church... I can't think of a better group for actionchurch to get behind and I think this is a really great opportunity to have a great meal and raise some cash for a great organization! (Outback is donating all the food so all proceeds go to X-stream.) See ya there.

Donkeys and Elephants, oh my!

I guess this should be said... Even though we are in the thick of the presidential political "season"... I'm not going to be posting on the blog or talking about politics at church this year. Do I think it's important who wins the White house? Yes I do. It's just not the important thing. The most important thing at actionchurch is that people hear about the hope that Jesus offers. Anything that gets in the way of that is just not worth talking about.

Right now if you endorse either a "donkey brand" or "elephant brand" politician for President you will alienate the other "half" of the population. I am more that willing to alienate people because they don't like the fact that we talk about Jesus. I am even willing to alienate people who don't like what we say about (or how we say it) about Jesus... I am just not willing to alienate anyone from hearing the Good News over something as non essential as politics... I'm not even gonna put a political bumper sticker on our cars... Seacrest out.

What we don't assume on Sunday Morning...

I had a couple of really good conversations with people last week about what makes an actionchurch Sunday morning "what it is". What I ended up taking away from the conversations was that what makes us "different" than what many people have experienced is what we don't assume.

On Sunday Mornings we don't assume:

1. That people "have to" go to church: We don't live in the 1950's- there's no social stigma against people who don't attend church. There are lots of entertainment and relaxation options available on Sunday mornings. Our job and our goal is to create an environment "worth showing up for" on Sunday mornings.
2. That people are interested in "studying the Bible": Instead we assume that most people are ambivalent at best about learning what ancient scripture has to say about life. Our goal is to present the principles and message of the Bible in an interesting and exciting way so that even the most sceptical listener is at least motivated to consider the possibility that the Bible is still relevant to life in 2008 America.
3. That people will come back... Since people are not motivated by guilt or obligation to attend church, our goal is to make each meeting a "sticky" experience that will motivate people to return.
4. That we are the "only" church: The phone book is full of literally hundreds of churches... churches with "better programs", quieter churches, less controversial churches, churches with nicer buildings (although personally I think Fat Daddy's rocks as a venue), churches with more educated pastors, churches with "better dressed" pastors...you get the idea. We think there are lots of great options for people to attend. Our goal is to be exactly what God has given us the vision to be... and let people decide if they want to be part of our "revolution". We will not be sidetracked by trying to respond to every "suggestion" about what "other churches do".

Amen...

I don't believe it's possible for a song with a "message" to become popular and move up the charts unless it echoes the feelings and thoughts of a very large group of people... I think Kid Rock's "Amen" is the anthem of the large segment of America disenfranchised and disillusioned with religion, government, and society...but still hopefully looking for a Savior. When I first heard this on 105.7 the X (where we will advertise our launch) it literally stopped me in my tracks. I have never been more certain of anything than that God is creating actionchurch to be a place to welcome the group of "searchers" that can relate to this song... Although I may have reached some different "conclusions" than those found in this song...I have certainly asked the same questions. Amen, Kid Rock, Amen.

Disclaimer: Do not watch the video if you are easily offended by language, white rappers turned rockers, fur coats, or a gratuitous display of Pontiacs.

(link) for email subscribers.

Quote of the week:

Start where you are.

Use what you have.

Do what you can.

-Arthur Ashe

The flywheel is turning...

Ever wonder why there are giant flywheels in factories that weigh thousands of pounds? Ever wonder why your car engine has a (smaller) flywheel? You don't care, do you? ...don't worry...I'm gonna tell you anyway.

Flywheels are designed to keep things in relatively smooth motion. Their large mass makes them hard to "start" but equally hard to stop! In our automobile engines flywheels help translate the force of 4,6,or 8, cylinders into one relatively smooth, fluid, motion.

The "flywheel" of actionchurch is beginning to pick up momentum. At first it seemed like it took amazing amounts of effort to make the dream of actionchurch "move" even a tiny bit. As other people put their efforts behind the flywheel, it slowly picked up momentum. Now with our first test drive service behind us and more people pushing the flywheel it's beginning to feel like it's moving "on it's own".

Our next Test drive is just ten days away (1.13.08). You can be part of the momentum! Bring a friend. Tell someone about actionchurch. Come early and help our amazing set-up/hospitality crew. Love kids? Join our actionkidz team. Consider supporting actionchurch financially in 2008. If we all push together we can create an "unstoppable force" for good when we officially launches on 2.10.08. See ya at the "flywheel".

Wanna know more? info@actionchurch.com

Taking down the lights...

Q: Why does it take 7 hours to put up the lights on our house and only 3 to take them down...

A: You be the judge. (link for email subscribers)

A prayer for courage-2008

8 “But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Rev. 21:8

Okay, I'm even freaking myself out a little by starting off a brand new year with a "hellfire and brimstone" quote from the book of Revelation... but check out "number one" on our chart of "evil-doers". That's right folks, coming in at number one on God's "list of people to throw into the lake of fire" are "cowards". Think about that for a second...being cowardly is mentioned in the same sentence as being a murderer, liar, or being immoral.

So why is God so "tough" on cowards? I think it's because lack of courage makes us disobey God more than any other sin. I don't know about you but even though I spend the bulk of my prayer time asking for guidance and provision...but what really keeps me from doing what God wants is pure cowardice. I fear what people will think...what they will say...I fear failure...and appearing "crazy"? How about you? What do you fear? What makes you take the "cowardly path" of saying "let me pray about it" when deep in your heart you already know what to do?

I'm praying for courage in 2008. For me, for you, for everyone that catches the vision of actionchurch. I'm praying that we will act on the guidance that God has already given...before his plan for providing for our needs is "visible". (That's pretty much the "definition" of faith-isn't it?) I'm laying aside my fear of what people will "think" or say. (My favorite "quote" of the year is "Who the hell thinks it's a good idea to start a church in a nightclub" -anonymous) I'm going to put aside my fear of failure-(We're "supposed" to fail...without God we will surely fail...the amazing story will not be if we "fail"...but if we succeed!) I'm even going to put aside my fear that people will think we're "crazy". (The "jury" has come back and it IS crazy to attempt something like actionchurch!)

So here's my prayer for 2008:

God in Heaven. Lord of Heavens Armies. Give us courage to carry out the plan you given us. Help us to be focused on the thousands of lives in York County that depend on our success. Give us the courage to "fight" for those who are hopeless, those that have given up on being a part of your church, those who need a place where they can "belong" and be part of your great kingdom plan for this earth. Give us courage to attempt things that seem impossible... Courage to see things from your perspective. We rely on you to guide us and provide for our needs...but most of all we ask for courage-amen

I hope you'll pray it with me and be part of the adventure!