"No answer"

I had a great comment after talking about "what prayers God answers" yesterday. "Sometimes no answer, is the answer-NO". (Thanks Keith) It made me think about all the "no answer prayers" I have prayed as we started actionchurch... and how much I have learned from them.

When we first started promoting the idea of actionchurch I prayed for money to come in so we could buy equipment and rent a building. I "knew" what sound and lighting equipment costs...I "knew" we were going to need a lot of it...So I prayed for lots of money. No answer. Even though I have a background in "leading worship" (whatever that actually means) I knew that even I would be bored if I both sang and preached on Sunday mornings...so I prayed for a "worship band". No answer. I kept praying. No answer.

One Saturday I walked out of my "hair cuttery" that just happened to be next door to Fat Daddy's night club at the time and saw my "answer". I saw a place that we could rent on Sunday mornings and not have to purchase sound and lighting equipment. I was excited! I felt that I had very clearly had my prayers "answered". In spite of the weird looks I got from everyone I told about my "Fat Daddy's answer"...I immediately began to try to contact the club owners to let them know about my "great idea". No answer. I prayed that they would be receptive to the idea. No answer. I finally managed to personally talk to one of the owners. No answer. I was so sure the Fat Daddy's Nightclub was the "answer" for actionchurch that I persistently kept trying to rent it most of the summer of '07. No answer. Our first "Test Drive" service was four months away and we still had no venue, no band, no money, and no equipment.

I began to pray differently. I "confessed" that I had been wrong about the whole Fat Daddy's thing... (I might have had a couple of "cussing prayers" during this period:-) I prayed that God would forgive me and show me the "right place" and send the "right band" for actionchurch. No answer. I decided to try "just one more time". I don't believe in coincidence so I believe God allowed me to talk to the one person with the interest and the "juice" to make the Fat Daddy's deal happen- the owner's Mother. With her introduction and "blessing" we were able to reach an agreement to rent the club... It turned out to be absolutely the "right answer" for actionchurch.

I continued to pray for the "one band" to show up to play actionchurch on Sunday mornings. No Answer. That "No answer" has allowed us to be blessed by a great "house band" (ac all-stars) and so many other talented bands that play our Sunday services.

The list of "no answer" prayers in the past few years is long. As we began to outgrow Fat Daddy's I prayed that God would help us as we made the transition to multiple services on Sunday morning. No answer. Instead he sent Club 19 "to our rescue"... I'm praying right now that God will show us how to provide more seats for the people that continue to invite their friends on Sunday morning. (and more space for their kidz also!) I haven't received an answer yet. That's fine with me.

I've come to believe that life and leadership are far less about "figuring out" the right thing to do. Far less about coming to God with a "well thought out" answer to our "problems", and asking him to bless it...but much more about bringing our problems and opportunities to God and waiting for him to guide us. The thing that I pray for most now is courage and perseverance to act on his "answers". Especially "no answers".

Introduction- vs -Information

Recently something has occurred to me about what is happening at actionchurch. Every person in our growing crowd is there because someone introduced them to our gathering. They didn't read and informational brochure (there aren't any), they didn't see or hear an "information packed" advertisement about us (there haven't been any since our launch in February). Call it "word of mouth"...call it "viral marketing"... one thing is sure, there is huge power in people introducing their friends and family to something...or someone. Our world is flooded with "information" but "introduction" is still the most powerful method of change.

I've come to trust the power of introduction over information to not only bring people to actionchurch...but to communicate the good news of Jesus to them. People who are thirsty don't need "information" about the chemical properties of water...they need a drink. People involved in a car accident don't need a physics lecture about momentum and inertia...they need someone to pull them from the wreckage and tend to their injuries. People who come to actionchurch don't necessarily need more "information" about God...they need to be introduced to the one who created them...loves them beyond their understanding...and sees possibilities for their future they could never imagine. I've come to trust less in my ability to "explain" God and the Bible...less in communicating a "formula" for salvation...and more in the Spirit of God to change hearts and lives. It's about introduction...not information.

Thanks to all of you who introduce your friends and family to a "church for people who don't like church". A place that "everyone is accepted, and anything is possible". Your introduction is more powerful than you may ever know!

Partners...

I read recently that one of the ways Toyota is beating the "Big Three" is because of it's close realtionships with it suppliers...it's "partners" if you will. In many cases Toyota will actually build "extra" space into their plants so their suppliers can work side by side with them under the same roof.

From the very beginning actionchurch has been about "partnering" with other businesses and organizations. We didn't have a place to have a church service so we partnered with Fat Daddy's Nightclub. The "partnership" was great for both the Nightclub and actionchurch. (In fact I ran into the owner of Fat Daddy's last week and he is definitely "rooting for us" to grow and need a second site so we will come back!) After only a few short weeks I can already see how our partnership with Club 19 will be more of the same. We partner with Relay for Life every year to serve their organization and raise money for those suffering from cancer. Our recent partnership with Bridge of Hope for our "Extreme Christmas Makeover" is truly one of the most exciting and life changing thing we have had the opportunity to do as a church family. (They are blown away at how all of you stepped up to car for "our" adopted family! I am so proud to be part of actionchurch!)

What can you expect in the future? Lots more of the same. I believe we are just beginning to develop the resources and the partnerships that will allow our little (for the present) church do big things to serve those both inside and outside of actionchurch. Just yesterday I had two great conversations...one with a counseling organization...and one with an artist management company (bands) about how we can work together. I can see both of these organizations working with actionchurch as Forrest Gump would say..."like peanut butter and jelly".

God created us to work together in community...so it doesn't surprise me that some of the biggest advances I see on our horizon as a church will come from cooperating with others...

actionchurch of the future...

December is going to fly by so I thought I would toss out some of the stuff that we are working on for '09. I am really truly grateful for what God is doing at actionchurch. I love our people. I love the "can do" attitude of our crew. It is simply ridiculous that we have been blessed so much...so quickly. (See, I'm trying to be grateful for the "now"- people. I'm seriously working on it!)

That being said...Here's some stuff we are working on for the future :-)

1. Church Survey- We're not a church that "votes" on stuff. We simply put out the direction that the church is going and allow people to "vote" with their feet and their wallets. (If people weren't voting "yes" for actionchurch with their giving and attendance we would be history by now.) We do; however, value our peoples input. We want to know how we are doing. We want to know what we can improve. Expect a church Survey before our first "birthday" as a church...prepare to sound off. (All comments about my sweater this Sunday will be disregarded)
2. A real website! 'Nuff said! (Thanks Josiah for continuing to find ways to make actionchurch look better...not just on Sunday Morning...but all week long.
3. "Universal Texting"- In '09 Texting questions, comments, etc to the screens will become more of the "normal" thing at actionchurch than a "special" deal. I think the future of the "sermon" at actionchurch is for it to become more of a "discussion" less of a monologue. We will continue to make our Sunday mornings more interactive. The "format" we are planning to use is kind of what you would expect from a "call in show" on TV or radio. The "host" (me) will still ramble on incessantly...the callers (or txters in this case) will be put on the screen if the "Producer" (Josiah) thinks it adds to the conversation. Sometimes there will be lots of txts used...sometimes few or none...but every week the "Lines will be open". I'm looking forward to this...
4. An "alternate economy"- Seeing how the great people of actionchurch responded with such overwhelming generosity to our "Extreme Christmas Makeover" has really confirmed that we need a way for people within actionchurch to communicate and help each other in these difficult times. We are working on ideas both online and off for people to communicate the stuff they "need" whether it be goods or services. Other actionchurch folks could then respond with items or services they have available. Helping hands could be extended...barters made...gifts given. I am convinced that many of the "answers" to our prayers are available now...we just need a better way to make our needs known to our church family.
5. ????????? (Who knows)- The truth is that in spite of our best planning and preparation, the best things that will happen in the coming year- are stuff we can't even imagine yet! We will respond to great ideas from our crew. (NONE of the stuff above came initially from me!) We will respond to "problems" and opportunities (generally the same thing) that arise. Who knew that we would be we would already be in our second venue as a church? I sure didn't. I am sure as we look back at '09 we will have the same "surprised" and grateful attitude. One thing that will NOT change in the coming year (or ever) is our relentless, obsessive, desire to introduce "people who don't like church" to Jesus...and to trust Jesus to guide us on our way...

"Tension"

I've come to realize that there are certain "constants" about being part of leadership of a church. One such "constant" is tension. I don't mean the "tension" that happens between people (although come to think of it that happens too) but the tension that happens between ideas and values.

In a church that is growing and dynamic there will be tension:

• between never being satisfied with "good enough" -and- being thankful for the resources that you have been given.
• between being "wise managers" of the money that people have donated -and- living out "faith" as a church by following God's leading even when all the finances aren't in place.
• between meeting peoples needs -and- not allowing your organization to become so cluttered with "ministries" and "services" that it is unsustainable and unwieldy...
• between giving people freedom to fully utilize their gifts and talents (which means they will not do things exactly like you would)-and- protecting the "identity" and "DNA" of the church ...
• between serving those in the community outside the church -and- meeting the obligations necessary to "put on" the church service on the weekend...

These are just some of the areas of the church that will always exist in tension if we wish to continue to grow and impact our county. The temptation that faces us as a church is to chose comfort over tension. To chose "bylaws" and "checklists" over prayerful consideration of issues... It's not supposed to be "easy". The written record of the first church in the New Testament is filled with "conflict", tension, constant challenges for the leadership...and constant growth. The "power" of a spring becomes evident when it is stretched...I think the same is true for churches. I pray that actionchurch will continue to grow, to move, to remain under "tension".

Donation Boxes...

I thought I'd preview our spiffy new donation boxes. I know they may look like some cheap tool boxes that I picked up at Harbor Freight to replace our current ragged cardboard boxes...and they are.

I'm gonna miss our old cardboard donation boxes...I still remember making the decision to put them out... to not "pass a plate"...to allow people the freedom to choose to support actionchurch financially without pressure or scrutiny. Thanks for choosing to give. Because of you we are able to purchase the equipment and supplies we need to move into our new venue. Because of you we are positioned to be a blessing on our community...and not a burden in financially difficult times. Because of you all 25 of the employees of Fat Daddy's nightclub are going to get a little "early Halloween surprise"(picture below)...made up of a goody bag and a gas card (thanks Michele and Reagan for putting them together.) Because of you, people in York County have a little bit different idea of what a "church goer" is...

I just wanted to say thanks... and I am looking forward to the difference we can make as we begin to fill our "spiffy" new boxes....

"Chairs-that-look-like-thrones-that-no-one-sits-in"

...had a funny conversation last night with someone who grew up in the same religious background as I did about the "Chairs-that-look-like-thrones-that-no-one-sits-in" on the platform of churches... (I found out they are called clergy chairs.) The funny thing I remember about them growing up is that NO ONE ever sat in them...but they were present at every church I attended. Long after whatever function they served was over...Churches still purchased them or moved them to their new auditoriums...because you couldn't possibly do church without "Chairs-that-look-like-thrones-that-no-one-sits-in".

As much as that makes me laugh, it happens in every church (including actionchurch) if we don't constantly guard against it! It's so easy to let something outside of our mission become "tradition" because "that's the way we have always done it."

Can you imagine the strange "traditions" that actionchurch could develop if we forgot about our mission of introducing people who don't like church to Jesus, and focused on our surroundings at Fat Daddy's? It would become tradition to have a giant Buddha statue in the back of any auditorium we moved to... "Tradition" to have an atm in the lobby and Bud Light signs on the windows... "Tradition" to have go go dancing platforms in the children's area... Sure it sounds silly...but that's "the way we've always done it"!

"Limber"

So it sorta goes without saying that I am a big proponent (read "loud mouth") about Churches being willing to "stretch" and change their structures and programs in order to grow and continue to be relevant in our society... I must admit though, that it gets progressively harder as a church grows and gets "older". actionchurch is only 8 months old...but it is difficult already to make some of the changes necessary for the much needed move to Club 19.

Our new relationship with Club 19 means we have to leave behind a really good relationship we have built with the Fat Daddy's crew. Our growth and move means that many of our great volunteers will have to change jobs and responsibilities... Some people will love the new facility, some will miss the "old" one. Even at this early stage of church growth...change is a bit painful at times...

So what do we do to "avoid" the pain of change and stretching? If we want to continue to do the work that the church was designed to do...nothing! We simply must be willing to go through the "growing pains". My prayer for actionchurch is that we remain "limber". That we constantly "move", stretch, and change to continue to connect with people in our community who are far from God. That we never get "set in our ways". That we are always ready to "risk it all" for the next opportunity to serve our community... My prayer for actionchurch is... "Lord keep us limber..."

"Bar Band"

So for the next three weeks I'm comparing the Church to a band in the "Rock Band" Series...and it made me think. If actionchurch were a Rock Band, what kind of band would we be? The answer is... A "nineties" boy band, with matching outfits, "tight" harmonies, and choreographed dance moves! (Sorry just a "dream" of mine...I can't believe I said that out loud)

Actually, If actionchurch were a band, we would be...a Bar Band!

• a band of "ordinary guys"(and gals!) who practice after work and show up on the weekend to Rock!
• a band that expects to carry their own equipment...
• a band that is always looking to play bigger clubs...to attract a bigger following...but wouldn't think of "selling out" to get there...
• a band used to having the occasional insult (or bottle) flung their way...
• a band that realizes they "aren't stars"...
• a band that appreciates the fact that they get to do what they love, because of the people who come out each weekend to hear them...
• Finally... a band who's "sum is truly greater than it's parts"... a band that is surprises every one who "knows them" individually when they see them together under the lights. That's the power of a band...and even more so...The Church!

...and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. Mathew 16:18

The power of incompetence...

I can't help but compare this years York Fair "coffee and balloon extravaganza" with last years event. The main difference this year is that there are so many people doing things better than I did last year. We have people who can make a better pot of coffee than me... (a couple of the batches I made last year were only semi-liquid...like the kind that you buy in a truck stop at 3am). Everyone is better at giving away balloons. (For some reason kids are generally frightened by me...go figure...just a long haired dude in a black t-shirt lunging at them with a balloon...) We have lots of people that are better at telling what actionchurch is all about than me. Incompetency has its rewards!

I think actionchurch is getting better as a whole because of my (self admitted) incompetence... Our visuals are so much better since Josiah took over. (Have you seen the new invite cards?...) Our pictures are much better since Ashley Z took over... Set up has never been better than the last few weeks since Bill, Dave, Garrett and crew completely raised the bar... The cool thing is that the more things the people of actionchurch "do better" than me...the more time and focus I will be able to put into the one area that I actually excel at...drinking massive amounts of Caffeine and dreaming up new "adventures" for us to embark on as a church... dreaming of things that seem impossible even in light of the great things we have already seen God do as a church. (Which of course will highlight some new area of incompetency and allow many other people to participate and make actionchurch a better place!)

Play the "incompetency home game":
What do you suck at...how could you replace those efforts with something you excel at?

(Since Michele reads this blog I must add that I have never used this "incompetency strategy" at home to "show" that I am incapable of loading a dishwasher, clothes dryer, or hitting the hamper with my socks....YMMV...may cause cranial bleeding. Performed on a closed track by proffessional drivers.)

What we offer...

I've had some questions and comments lately that have made me think about this question: "Since actionchurch is a "church for people who don't like church", and is focused on connecting with those who have "questions and conflicts" with the Creator...what does actionchurch have to offer "mature Christians"?

It's a good question...and I understand why people would ask it. The truth is actionchurch does not "offer" a lot of things that a potential member would expect to find in a church.

• We don't offer exclusive parking spots for members (this sign makes me want to "accidentally" run over it with my truck)
• ...we don't even offer "membership" for that matter.
• We don't offer the opportunity for insiders to vote on every move of the church on boards and committees. (At actionchurch everyone votes with their feet and their wallets...if people stop coming...or stop "voting" yes for actionchurch with their financial donations we simply cease to exist. That's how we "vote"!)
• We don't offer long periods of musical "worship" Our bands and the songs they perform are supposed to direct our attention toward the main thought of the day... (sometimes we even accomplish our goal...but on any given Sunday it's loud and "joyful")
• We don't offer Leadership positions based on resume or pedigree. (The Leaders of actionchurch are college students, unemployed, drive bread trucks, ride Harleys, are stay at home moms, computer "ninjas" etc... Some of our leaders have never before been involved or even regularly attended a church...they simply became Leaders by serving...kinda like Jesus and his disciples in the early church did...
• We don't offer Brass plaques on stuff for donations...(we just say thanks...and then usually find a way to give it away...)
• We don't offer "in depth Bible teaching" or "Deep Theological Sermons"...I just try to point people to a life of Following Jesus using the scriptures and the evidence of God in our culture and nature...(and no I have never been to seminary...as if you couldn't tell)
• We don't offer small groups (yet) or classes for "purpose driven cat lovers" (ever)

I'm sure I missed some things but the point is clear...actionchurch simply doesn't offer most of the things church goers in America expect. So what do we offer someone who is a already a "mature" follower of Jesus. One thing...One simple (but rare) thing. actionchurch offers an opportunity to be part of a movement that actually connects with and serves those who are far from God! An opportunity to find the "lost sheep" that Jesus said were worth leaving the "99 others" to search for... to actually put the teachings of Jesus into "action"...

If that is an opportunity you are interested in ...roll up your sleeves and join our little part of the revolution...

No expiration date...

I am really thankful for all the people who have signed up to help/hang out at our tent at the Fair (details) this year! After the great response we had to our Relay for Life effort this year I wasn't surprised that we will be taking a great team to meet and serve "York Countians" at the fair...when there is an opportunity to serve the community, actionchurch folks step up to the plate in a big way! You guys Rock!

I've been thinking though, that besides all the great volunteer support we have this year, in some ways it is becoming more difficult to do community events like the fair...not easier. Last year all we were concerned about was telling the people of York county about Jesus...and a place that they could hear about him on Sunday mornings even if they "didn't like church". All our efforts and funds were focused on that goal! This year we are balancing "outreach" (I hate that word but whatever...) events with planning, funding, and preparing for upcoming Sunday mornings and dealing with the "care and feeding" of the organization we call actionchurch. The typical...and sadly, normal... response would be to become less and less outward focused as we become larger and more complex as a church. To shift our focus from those "outside"...to caring for "each other" on the "inside". It's a subtle shift...but it happens...

The thing that inspires and motivates me to never let actionchurch become "inward focused" is the mission that Jesus gave to the church before he left for heaven: "Go into all the world and preach the Good news to everyone". It doesn't say "wait for the world to come to you"... and as far as I can tell there was no expiration date!

He didn't say "go into all the world" ...

• ...Until your "church is pretty much full" on Sunday morning
• ...until it gets too "expensive" to reach out to others because "running a church is an expensive operation".
• ... until culture changes and you would have to change your methods to actually connect with people...
• ... until you get too busy with your own church programs to have time to serve those outside...

Although at times it would certainly be more convenient...I can't find any of these "expiration dates" or "escape clauses" in the command Jesus gave to us... Our responsibility is to be "simple" and "efficient" as a church so that we never run out of "money and energy" to actually do the work that Jesus left for the church...

15 And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Mark 16:15

Plan "D" God...

Remember taking "multiple guess" tests in school...routinely answering "A", "B", or "C" until you finally came to the question where none of those answers seemed correct. Were you overlooking something? Did you miscalculate? Or was there another answer out there that was simply not listed? Remember wondering if it could possibly be time to check the "none of the above " box "D"???

I think God delights in throwing a "none of the above" " plan D" our way occasionally. Just when you think you have a problem narrowed down to solution "A", "B", or "C" I think God delights in bringing a plan "D" solution...one that you never even thought of...one you weren't even asking for...a solution that quite frankly you didn't know existed. It reminds us that "He is God and we are not!"

One year ago it seemed "impossible" that actionchurch would exist today...we didn't have a place to meet...we didn't have funding...and only a handful of people were "crazy" enough to imagine that anyone would even want to attend a church for "people who don't like church". We had read all the church planting books...made all the typical plans...and to be honest none of them were working. Because God is a "Plan D, none of the above" kind of God- actionchurch is growing and thriving in a place that no one would have thought possible...Fat Daddy's Nightclub.

I don't think God is nearly finished yet...In fact I believe God is about to "go all Plan D" on us again...to do something undeniable...out of the ordinary...something that doesn't fit into our little "A", "B", or "C" reality... Stay tuned.


20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20

I am so thankful we serve a "Plan D" kind of God...how about you?

What kind of prayers?

I'm guilty quite often of praying "safe prayers"...prayers that don't really need God to be answered. "Bless us all...thank you for your blessings"...not "bad" prayers...just wimpy "safe" prayers...prayers that "won't make God look bad" if they don't get answered.

Part of the way I prepare each week is to print out the scripture I will be using and carry it around in my pocket and read it whenever I have a chance. This verse is seriously "messing with me".

7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! John 15:7 nlt

I've been "holding back" in my prayers for actionchurch...for my family. I think I'm going to have to start praying some "dangerous" prayers...prayers that make me look a "little insane"...a little "out there"...

What kind of prayers are you praying? Anyone want to join me in some "crazy dangerous prayers"?

...many plans

"Painful honesty" time here. Lately I have been "stressing" about all the "stuff needed" to take actionchurch to the "next level" as we grow... Every week as Fat Daddies fills up with "people who don't like church" it makes me happy...that's why all of our crew works so hard...to create an environment that people actually want to attend on Sunday Mornings. (Thank you all!) As our church grows though, another part of my brain is creating a never ending "checklist" of things and people we are going to need for the "care and feeding" of a growing church...

• More Organizational systems and structure... ( I suck at this but it is necessary)
• More Volunteers (especially in actionkidz!)
• More "Time" to do church stuff...everyone is currently volunteering... It will get more and more difficult to meet the demands of actionchurch in our "spare time" I know that as we grow we will need to compensate people (including me) for at least some of their time.
• More "stuff"...Even now there is a big list of "things" we need to do actionchurch more effectively...Signage, equipment, technology...
• More "serving our community"... there are so many opportunities to help people and I believe as actionchurch grows we should INCREASE those efforts...not decrease them because we are busy trying to "maintain our deal"...
• More Money...lots more money...in fact most of the things above depend on having more funds available and to be honest right now we are financially struggling... we have been since day one! Most weeks we need a miracle to survive...let alone expand. I am so thankful for the people who chose to support actionchurch financially on a consistent basis...we just need a lot more of them.

I can clearly see an amazing future for actionchurch. A future where we become an undeniable force for good in our community. A future where our little "church in a nightclub" becomes an un-ignorably large group of people intent on Making Jesus Famous in York county. A future where our artists and crew create an unforgettable experience on Sunday mornings at multiple venues...I can see it...I'm just not "good enough" at raising the money necessary, creating the organizational structure necessary, or technologically savvy enough to "make it happen".

I read this verse the other night and it's been "kicking my butt" ever since...

21 You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. Proverbs 19:21 nlt

It reminded me that even though I could "clearly see" (that's my job as a leader-vision) what actionchurch would be like at the stage we are at now...I "can't do" most of the stuff that got us where we are now! I've always been a lousy fund raiser...I hate asking for money...I'm not very good with organization, any organizational structure we have now came from Michele...If it weren't for our actionchurch crew...Sunday mornings would not happen, whether I showed up or not! The church is way "beyond my abilities" even now.

In the end I've decided to keep dreaming...keep planning...keep talking about the amazing future I see for actionchurch. I'm going to do even more praying and trusting that "the Lord's purpose will prevail". That people with the skill sets needed will "show up"...that we will be blessed with the funds needed to expand and prepare for the future. Realize that it's not that actionchurch is going "grow beyond my abilities"...It always has been! The rest is up to God...

Failure

I got an email yesterday promoting a "program" for churches that promised to "insure that your church is filled with happy, healthy, Christians". I am not sure if the program can "deliver" a church filled with "happy, healthy, Christians"...but if it can- I have two words for them:

God Forbid!

God forbid that there be a Sunday at actionchurch where there was no one in the audience who is "unhappy", "unhealthy", or "unChristian"... God forbid there be a Sunday morning where there is no one attending that is "questioning", "cynical", "lost", "looking" or "let down". God forbid there be a Sunday at actionchurch where everyone is a "believer", a "worshiper" and "just looking forward to hearing God's word"... That will be the Sunday that I consider an utter failure! No matter how many people attend, how large the offering is...or how "great the music is"-the day we are only "doing church for the already convinced"...is the day we fail.

Make sure to not miss the first song Sunday...The Gulls are kicking off the service with Smashing Pumpkins "Disarm".....oh yeah.

Bare feet...

I ran across this article from the New Yorker "You walk wrong" about how the wearing of shoes is "ruining" our feet. The author quotes a podiatry expert Dr. William A. Rossi saying that “Natural gait is bio mechanically impossible for any shoe-wearing person." The "big idea" of the story is that feet are "perfectly designed" instruments (the author would say "evolved") and our culture of wearing shoes actually harms their ability to function properly. "Shoeless" societies in Africa actually have healthier feet. (although they do have to say "ouch" "ouch" "OUCH" a lot more when they walk across hot sand...)

Here's a couple of things I am wondering:

1. Why do I read anything from the New Yorker...I need a life.
2. Following Jesus is often described as "walking with God"... I wonder what parts of our modern "walk with God" are hampered and even harmed by our christian "church" culture of "discipleship programs" and "community building programs" etc.
3. What would a "bare foot" walk with God look like?

What do you think?

More seats on Sunday morning...

I'm gonna throw out some stuff that we are working on/thinking about to create more seating for our guests on Sunday morning. First of all, there are still plenty of seats available...no need to stay home to "free up some seats for others". We are consistently growing though, and the seats available are becoming more scattered and in less desirable places in the club. Although "preachers and bands" like to "play to a packed house"...being completely full is not comfortable for our guests...especially if they arrive late and have stand in the back. As we head into the fall this will increasingly become a problem. We are working to created more empty seats in the best possible locations. Here's some ideas we are working on...

1. Replacing tables with more seating. I love having tables available...but as we grow we are going to have to probably remove/reposition them. I don't like this option but it may happen.
2. Invest in technology (IMAG) to put an image of the band and my wildly handsome face up on the screens so that no matter where someone sits they will be able to see. (hearing on Sunday morning is not a problem...) ...this option will increase our capacity greatly...but we do not currently have the funds to do it.
3. (Eventually) a second service. ...I think 11am is the earliest that our actionchurch peeps or bands would want to show up (and the set up crew is already there at 8am)... so it would probably have to be at 1pm... maybe we would call it the "Hangover Service" not sure about that time slot.
4. (More bars in more places)... our vision has always been to be in multiple locations...this is the longest term option...and no...actionchurch locations will probably not all be bars or nightclubs.

Am I missing something? I would love to hear your idea on how we could comfortably serve more people on Sunday mornings...

I'll close with two true-but completely contradictory statements.

• We are already planning, preparing, and praying about how to take actionchurch to the "next level" as we continue to grow.
• I have not a freakin' clue what exactly is going to happen...that's in God's hands. (Don't worry...this time last year I had no idea how or where to start a church (seriously)...and now we are trying to figure out how to best deal with actionchurch's growth.) God is Good!

"Better than expected" service...

I had to send the "family monster truck" in for service yesterday. When we bought our SUV four years ago we had no idea that we would become church planters...or that fuel would double in price...I just loved the idea of being able to go "anywhere"...I bought into the idea of the Land Rover "adventure".

The team at Land Rover Harrisburg always delivers "better than expected" service. Yesterday they showed up at they house with a sweet LR3 "loaner", called to inform us that they had located the problem and had fixed it, and promptly returned our vehicle freshly washed with a bottle of water and a note in the cupholder asking how they could better serve us. As an added bonus the whole deal turned out to still be covered by warranty! Thank God...

I think we can learn a lot from Land Rover as a church. The "cost of ownership" of owning an SUV when gas is over four dollars/gallon is undeniably high...nothing you can do about that. The "cost of ownership" of being a follower of Jesus is also high...and we shouldn't deny that. Jesus asks us to "take up our crosses" and follow him..."turn the other cheek"..."go the second mile"... "love our neighbor as ourselves"...all of those concepts are revolutionary, and personally "costly".

What we can learn from Land Rover is that people want to be part of "adventure"...even if it's costly. People also appreciate "better than expected" service. That's why we offer Maple donuts every Sunday morning instead of day old "specials" we could get for free. That's why we offer bottled water, Duncan Donuts Coffee...anything to make our guests feel "served". (Even freshly made popcorn during the "at the movies" series.) It's why our crew works so hard to clean and prepare the club each Sunday morning... it's why we want every sermon, every song, every graffic or video to be the best we can possibly produce. Every Sunday is an opportunity to provide someone with a "better than expected" service...

Goals...

Have you ever seen someone run the ball to the "wrong" end zone? ...get distracted and confused and make a layup on the "wrong" goal? Ok, It's kind of funny when it's six year olds- or it's not "your" team...but in reality it's just sad. All that energy and talent wasted...on the wrong goal.

At actionchurch we have one "thing", one "goal". It's in our name... Our goal is to put the teachings of Jesus into action...to encourage people who don't like church to become followers of Jesus. We have to constantly be vigilant about distractions...about things that would divert our energy and momentum toward the "wrong" goal. And guess what? The most "dangerous" distractions are not "bad" things (I don't think we'll ever "forget" that we are a church and become a illegal gambling parlor) ...it's the "good" things that distract churches. Things that are not bad...but distract from the "one thing"

• Keeping people "happy"(not offending anyone)- not a bad thing...but when trying to "keep" people interferes with connecting with new people...we are headed for the "wrong" goal.
• Becoming a "big" church- I like big churches...since actionchurch is "the church for people who don't like church" and there are literally tens of thousands of people who "don't like church" in York county...we will probably someday be "large"...but if we make that our "goal" we are missing the point.
• Teaching the Bible- Yep, I meant what I wrote. If our goal is to "teach the Bible" we could be successful in that goal...have the most "Biblically informed" church in the county...be "seminary on Sunday morning"...and miss the goal of encouraging people to be followers of Jesus. (And create a lot of arrogant religious "know it alls" in the meantime). We use the Bible to get direction as we put it's teachings into action...as we encourage others to follow Jesus...just "knowing" Bible stuff is not enough.
• Creating a great "worship experience"- There's absolutely nothing wrong with having a great time of "worship" at church where people connect with their emotions while singing and praising God. It would however, absolutely interfere with our goal of connecting with people who "don't like church"... make people coming to church for the first time confused...uncomfortable. I believe in "intimacy with God"...but making that the "goal" on Sunday mornings at actionchurch would cause us to miss our "one thing".

That's just a few of the "good" things that could possibly distract actionchurch from our "goal". There will be more. More "good" things...more "good" suggestions...but they all have to be "tested" against our "one thing"...our one goal. Everything else is just a distraction...