The "Secret" of LCBC

It was just announced last week that the church we have been attending for the last year (LCBC) is on the Outreach Magazine's "Fastest Growing Churches in America" list this year. (Link to List) They are also listed as the largest church in PA and one of the largest in the Northeast and are launching a new campus in Harrisburg today!

"Disclaimer"-First of all I am so thankful for the time we have spent at LCBC. Even though we can't wait for actionchurch to launch, we will be genuinely sad to leave! Secondly I am in no way connected to LCBC (other than attending) so I do not speak for them...I have just had the privilege of "watching" them for the past year and I think I have discovered their "secret". (I don't think they will mind me blogging about it because if more churches had this "secret" there would be a whole lot more people in church on Sunday mornings)

What it's NOT:

Great Music: Matt Goss and company are truly one of the best "worship bands" I have seen/heard- but in a world where I have 500 or my favorite songs on my phone, thousands more in my computer, and on demand live music channels on TV ... I just don't think a great worship band is enough to "draw" 7000+ people to church on Sunday morning.

Great Children's Programming: LCBC has one of the best Children's ministries I have ever witnessed. They are HUGE but still friendly and personal. In spite of how good they are they have to compete with Chuck E Cheese, Hands on House,Nickelodeon, and Playhouse Disney children's programing every week.

Being "Big": I have heard people say that LCBC is growing because it is already "big"... I think that kind of "defies logic" because at some point in the not too distant past they were "not big"... I think LCBC is growing in spite of being "big"...If you've ever waited to get out of the parking lot on Sunday morning you understand what I mean.

Great Preaching: Pastor David and team are truly great communicators! I am really sensitive to this area because I believe that the God who says we will give account someday for "every careless word" (link) does not exempt preachers! I think that Pastor David exemplifies loving God enough to hear from him each week, and loving his listeners enough to "translate" God's word into a understandable and interesting message! In spite of the great job the teaching team does at LCBC I think that still does not account for 7000+ people showing up each week. Preaching at it's finest is hard pressed to compete with sitting on the couch eating Cheetos' in your underwear (try to get that picture out of your mind) and watching 75 channels of Nascar and the NFL...Sorry, as "entertainment" goes-It's just never going to measure up....

and the "secret" is....

I think the "secret" of LCBC is in their name. Some time ago they changed what "LCBC" stood for from Lancaster County Bible Church to "Lives Changed by Christ". That's their Secret! Every message, every song, every volunteer, every visual, is designed to guide people to experience a Life changed by Christ! ...It works...my life has been changed by Christ in the year we have attended...thousands of others have too! In the words of one of my favorite songs we sing on Sunday mornings-

everyone needs compassion,

And love that's never failing,

Let mercy fall on me

Well everyone needs forgiveness,

Kindness of the Saviour

The Hope of the nation

(Hillsong United- Mighty to save)

That's why LCBC continues to grow-They focus on offering the one thing everyone needs and is not "available" anywhere else in our culture- Redemption. I think there's something for every church to learn from LCBC...I know we have!

What's your policy?

Michele and I have always loved this commercial (link for email subscribers) and they actually showed it a couple of weeks ago at church. Liberty Mutual uses the commercial to show "responsibility"...I think it is a great picture of what the Kingdom that Jesus preached about should look like. We should know people who follow Jesus because they are a little kinder, a little more generous, a little more loving and accepting, quicker to forgive, easier to work with, etc. Every time someone becomes a follower of Jesus the world should be a little better place. Christians should be known for setting off "chain reactions" of goodness instead of by what book they read or the meeting they go to on Sunday morning. That's my dream for my life. That's my dream for actionchurch. What's your "policy"?

43"Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you (pharisees)and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Matthew 21:43 Niv

Successful?

• One of the most common questions people ask me about starting a Church in a Nightclub right after "What were you smoking?" is "What makes you think this will be successful?"

Here's the big answer... I don't know. There are no guarantees or warranties when you are operating in the realm of faith and "following God".

Here's what I do know:

• This is exactly the kind of the thing that Jesus did...reach out to the disenfranchised, and anger the religious "experts".
• The story of the Bible is repeatedly made up of "nobodies" doing great things when they followed their creator. (We're all volunteers at actionchurch")
• If this whole thing doesn't "succeed" I will be the "biggest idiot" in York county...
• If this whole thing "does succeed" I will still be the "biggest idiot" in York county...I just had the courage to listen to God and put it into action. (and of course picked a great team to actually pull this "long shot" off.)
• Right now people that never imagined themselves as church goers are questioning whether Jesus is who they thought he was, and if church has to be the irrelevant activity they think it is...that's kind of the point. Isn't it?

A "Scary Good" Opportunity for Generousity...

If tonight is the night for trick-or-treating in your neighborhood, it's a great opportunity to be generous and meet your neighbors. (When else do they come to your door?) If you are a follower of Jesus remember you have the opportunity to "show" every "buzz-lightyear", "star ship trouper" and "princess" that comes to your door that Christians are either the stingy, up-tight, kill-joys that they have heard about, or the most generous and friendly folks in the neighborhood...it's our choice. Don't forget the parents! We started giving out hot chocolate and hot cider for the parents (Michele's idea) last year and it was awesome! I'm looking forward to raising the bar tonight with halloween balloons and Dunkin Donuts Coffee!

And no, if you come to my driveway tonight you won't get a tract or a sermon...that's not how we roll...here's why (link)

Faith...

Faith always seems like such a "good idea" in Bible stories... It seems so admirable and virtuous to trust in the God that shuts lions mouths and causes the sea to part. The problem with faith is that it comes off a lot more "crazy" or "ill-advised" to trust God "in real life" when the check is not in the mail, things aren't going the way you thought they should, and the outcome looks bleak. But, it is precisely that moment of stepping onto the "highwire" without knowing how it will all "turn out" that demonstrates our faith. Just don't look down...

6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Sunday recap...

I had a great Sunday with Michele and Reagan yesterday. Here's the Highlights:

• We went to church (LCBC) on Saturday night. (Amazing! They are running over 2000 people on Saturday night! Awesome service as usual)
• Slept in Sunday Morning and had a big breakfast of egg's, bacon, and Michele's Peanut butter pancakes. Yumm...
• Handed out balloons at the Candy Bowl Race at Susquahanna Speedway.
• It was awesome to see the grandstand dotted with actionchurch balloons.
• One of the kids asked if we gave balloons away to "show kids we cared about them" -Exactly!
• I finally saw a good use for mini-vans....Racing.
• Bob finished 9th! The actionchurch #222 was really racy and very fun to watch!
• Trick or treating in the pits after the race was a lot of fun. Reagan had a blast and the race teams seem like really kind generous people....very cool.
• I fell asleep watching the Tivo'd Nascar race from earlier in the afternoon...great day for my "inner redneck"!

Why I quit bodybuilding and religion...

I used to be really into body building. (Go ahead and laugh, I know you can't tell now, and that's kind of the point.) Seriously though, I am a driven and compulsive person, so when I decided to "be" a bodybuilder, I put all my energy into it. I spent hours at the gym everyday working out. I read bodybuilding books, ate all the right foods,and spent my money on "supplements" and powders. I wore "bodybuilding" clothes and hung out with muscle head friends, I had dreams of going "pro" but eventually I quit... It just didn't seem worth it.

Body building is more about looking "strong" than actually being strong. During those years I actually avoided any practical use of my "muscles" because I needed to "save my energy for the gym." I realize now that the only people that were really "impressed" with my efforts were other bodybuilders...and the only reward for succeeding were trophies and titles that most "normal" people don't care about.

So what now? I actually still see the value in physical exercise. I still work out but it's different now. I work out to actually be stronger... to not be completely repulsive to my beautiful wife... to be able to play with my four year old daughter...to be able to "survive" my busy schedule. I mess up sometimes and "fall off the wagon" and eat too many Oreos, but as a whole, "fitness" has become a lifestyle I can live...forever.

I used to be religious... (I know it's hard to tell now and that's kind of the point.) Because I am a driven and compulsive person when I decided to "be" a Christian, I put all my energy into it. I spent hours at the church every week, I read religious books, listened to "religious" music, and spent my money on religious "tithes and offerings". I cut my hair, traded my jeans for khakis and hung out with religious friends. I actually went "pro" and became a pastor...but I have recently decided to quit...It just doesn't seem worth it.

Religion is more about looking "good" than actually doing good. I used to avoid helping people, so I could spend more time in church "learning" about helping people. I spent years learning about Jesus, without actually trying to live like Jesus did. I realize now that the only people really impressed with my religious efforts were other religious people..."normal" people don't care about the religious titles and "trophies" I've received.

I also still believe in the spiritual disciplines. I still go to church and share from all God has given us financially... I pray and fast because God has given me dreams to change this county that are absolutely impossible without divine intervention. I read my Bible because I want to know how God related to people in the past, so I can better understand what he is doing now. (He never changes!) I am trying to put the whole "love and forgiveness thing" into action in everything I do. I mess up some days (ok, a lot of days) and act like a jerk, but I do find myself caring more and more about doing good instead of just looking good. Most importantly, I have found that following Jesus without being religious is a lifestyle I can live... forever.

Saturday Night Racing Postponed

I just found out that the due to all the rain this week the Candy Bowl race at Susquehanna Speedway (link) has been postponed until tomorrow afternoon (Sunday the 28th, 3 pm). We will be handing out actionchurch balloons to all the kids. We should have lots of little "customers" because there is trick or treating in the pits after the race.

Rock n Roll Jesus?

I've been checkin' out the new Kid Rock album this week... (no I don't think "So Hott" is going to be on the actionchurch Sunday morning play list.) I'm not sure if it qualifies as "taking the Lord's name in vain" to call yourself the "Rock n Roll Jesus". (I'll leave that between God and "Mr. Rock".) I do know that in the title track when he compares himself to Jesus; he is using Jesus as a metaphor for authentic, real, savior, and leader. He even uses the phrase "because I practice what I preach".

I love the fact that even in our "post-Christian" culture Jesus still has a very positive "reputation". I love the fact that the religious types that will howl blasphemy and protest Kid Rock don't have nearly as positive an image as Jesus...or Kid Rock for that matter. I doubt that you will ever see a major label debut of "Rock n Roll Evangelist", or "Rock n Roll Preacher", or "Rock n Roll Discernment Ministry Leader"...sorry we just don't have the reputation for authenticity that Jesus has. Most of all I keep thinking that if Jesus were still walking the earth you could probably find him in a Waffle house at 2 am talking to Robert James Ritchie (Kid Rock's real name)... even if punches started to fly and the cops showed up!

I can't believe I have never noticed this...

Can you tell just from looking if this picture is of a classroom or a church? OK, I guess there are too many young people for it to be a church... Other than that, it all pretty much looks the same, right? One of my biggest gripes about Christianity right now is that we have become primarily a teaching organization. To an outsider most church services appear to be some tepid music followed by a bible college lecture. That's a big part of what brought about actionchurch...I want to be a part of a church that doesn't just teach about Jesus...but actually does what Jesus did.

I haven't just started feeling like this about "teaching"...I've actually been feeling this "holy discontent" about church for years. The funny thing is that whenever I would verbalize that maybe we should focus on more than just teaching "bible trivia" and actually try to motivate people to act on biblical principals, maybe we should even (gasp) be entertaining and interesting while we did it, someone would invariably quote this verse:

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. II Timothy 3:16

To tell the truth I got sick of hearing this verse...It was always the reason why it was "right" to teach what ever random bible passage we were learning at the time... Last night I noticed the verse that follows it... I can't believe I never noticed it before! The very next verse states that the purpose of learning scripture is so that we can actually go out and put it into action in our good works. Check it out...

17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

II Timothy 3:17

Wow... I must have not been paying attention when that verse was taught...maybe if it would have had an illustration...

Painting at Fat Daddy's

One thing I always want to strive for as a church is to be "more than expected". I want our Sunday mornings to be better than "expected". When we give some thing away I want it to be better than "expected". When we serve our community I want to do more than "expected".

I definitely want the owners and employees of Fat Daddy's night club (where we will hold our Sunday morning services) to have a "better than expected" experience with actionchurch! To get this ball rolling, after we finalized our deal with them, I offered to do some free painting in the club. It really surprised them...and that's the way we like it. It's kind of the "action" way to express our appreciation to them for allowing us to rent their place. Here's the really funny/cool thing...I started painting their entry and the colors they picked came right out of the actionchurch logo...honestly I had nothing to do with their choice. It is going to rock with our signage everywhere on Sunday mornings.

I am loving envisioning where all our church "gear" will go as I spend time painting at the club. More than that though, I am loving the fact that actionchurch is turning out to be "better than expected" for the club owners...before we even meet there!

Racing Saturday

Saturday night is the last race of the season for the Legends race car we sponsor.

I really appreciate Bob and Joan Lash using their race team their race team to help promote actionchurch. I am definitely looking forward the actionkidz car they will be running next year!

Racing starts at 3:00 and there will be candy for the kids. (Link for details)

Quote of the week:

"Church is uncomfortable ... Where else do you sing songs while staring at a trippy powerpoint with people you don't know, eat a cracker, take a shot of juice, drop money into a crushed velvet bag and listen to one dude talk about events we weren't at and worlds we can't see... -Aaron Marshall on Church from a Visitor's Perspective

I found this over on Church Marketing Sucks blog...wow it's so easy to forget how weird church appears to someone who's not used to it... Shame on us!

Empowering-vs-Training.

As we are putting the teams together for our first " Test Drive" service on December 9th, it's become really clear to me that we are to be a "Empowering" Church, and not a "Training" Church. Here's the difference-

When you "train" people you first assume you know the very best way to do something, (I don't) and then you ask them to reproduce your information and actions. Instead, I want to find people who are already passionate about serving people, whether it is on the actionkids team, hospitality team, community connection team, or production team, and empower them to do something better than I could even imagine. Does that mean everyone gets a title and is sent off to do whatever they want to do? Absolutely not. Instead everyone should get a very clear directive and "picture" of the vision of actionchurch. Then with the "end result" of their particular task in mind they are "empowered" to set out and find the very best methods and tools to accomplish their mission. Along the way my job is to give them plenty of feedback and support so they can be confident that they are "on target with the vision" and have the full support of leadership.

I'm really excited to see the passionate, talented, diverse group that God is using to "Launch" actionchurch. We still have positions open...are you passionate about there being a place where our friends who would never consider going to church can meet Jesus? Wanna do something about it?

If so email me at info@actionchurch.com

All the right answers-to all the wrong questions.

What's the use of having all the "answers" if no one cares about the questions?..(email subscribers-link for video) I think the reason why we as Christians often seem so "out of touch" is because we haven't "listened" to our community enough to know what their "questions" are... We are saying "Hey wanna know more about the book of Galatians?" when our community wants to know how to deal with money. We are saying, "Hey we've got all the answers about the Hebrew "circumcision" sect in the first century church"-when our community would like to know how to deal with the relationships in their life. We're saying "Hey, we know what will happen when you die"- when in a country with an average lifespan of over nearly eighty years, most people think they can "wait"to deal with eternity.

Are the book of Galatians, circumcision, and heaven "unimportant" issues for the church? Nope, even the principals that related to the circumcision argument in the early church can be valuable if used to answer a "question" that our community has today. Maybe instead of teaching "about" the Apostle Paul, we should actually follow his example and teach "like" Paul. When teaching a community that worshiped natural "gods" like the sun and moon Paul would say that he had "news" from the God that brought the Rain and Sun for their crops. When talking to a hyper religious community that even had shrines to the "unknown god" Paul would say he represented that "unknown God"... He always framed his "answer" in relation to a "question" that his listeners had. I think we should too...otherwise we come off like Dwight on The Office who once asked Jim "Do you know what the best kind of Bear is?" He actually had an answer...I just can't remember it...because it didn't "matter" to me....

actionkidz crew...

I just got a preview of some of the characters we will be using in our children's ministry area and they are going to be amazing! Yvonne from Crazy Caterpillar Designs (link) has been really helpful and generous in working with us. These "guys" along with their friends are going to be the actionkidz "crew". (I guess if you meet in a rock club it's just natural that your "mascots" would be roadies...) I'm really looking forward to seeing these guys blown up "lifesize" and "holding" our equipment on the actionkidz set...

Comparing...

I parked next to this truck at work last week. I snapped a picture because I thought it might be the only truck in the world that made mine look "newer" and "prettier". I guess that's the trouble with comparing...We can compare ourselves or our stuff with others and pretty much justify anything.

It all depends on what you compare yourself to... For example, when Michele "mentions" that I might have failed in some area as a husband or father I like to compare myself to the "Simpsons" (Homer and O.J.). Compared to them I feel pretty good about myself... When I want to justify purchasing something that I probably don't need I tend to "compare" myself with someone who already has one (or twelve), not with the millions of people that live on less than a dollar a day...

The "trick" is to stop comparing ourselves to others and know that our Creator loves us exactly the way we are...and sees our potential in spite of our "wrecks" and imperfections... even more than I love my old truck.
(Don't hate it because it's beautiful...at least to me.)

Stones...

In the Old Testament when someone really screwed up and sinned big time their fellow Israelites were commanded to stone them to death. Brutal, effective, "frontier justice"...If you screwed up you knew the consequences. Then along came Jesus. When confronted with a woman caught "buck naked and in the wrong bed" ,and a crowd that wanted him to prove he was "tough on sin" by joining in the "stoning party", Jesus broke all the rules by letting her go... (link) After Jesus dispersed the crowd by inviting "whoever is without sin to throw the first stone" he just let the woman walk away... It was a revolutionary moment...the only one "qualified" by being "without sin", never picked up a stone! I especially love the words of Jesus as the woman walked away. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." Jesus believed it was possible for a woman that the religious people of the time thought was "beyond hope" and should be killed, to live a new life free of sin! Imagine the possibilities!

I love that story, but to be honest I still struggle with the implications. I still find it hard to not "throw a few stones" when someone screws up big time. As a preacher I know I am responsible to preach what the Bible says about sin. As a "person", I find myself questioning whether I am being "tough enough on sin" when I unconditionally accept someone who has made a lot of bad decisions. I still fight with the impulse to try to "fix people". I still struggle with being loving and accepting without condoning sinful behavior. I don't have all the answers...I just know I never want to "pick up another stone" to bash a fellow sinner... according to Jesus...I'm not qualified.

AOL-or-What not to do.

I just read an associated press article that AOL is laying off another 2000 employees and totally "giving up" on being an online provider... (They are "transitioning" to becoming an online ad company...they are really good at plastering ads everywhere!) That is really unbelievable when you think that less than five years ago they were at the very top of the heap!

Michele and I were subscribers to AOL starting in I think 1996 until 2005 when we switched to broadband... There was a time (believe it or not) that America Online was one of the most advanced and popular online providers. Over time though, they didn't keep up with the rapidly changing online culture and technology. Somewhere along the line they decided it was more profitable to keep their current subscribers (there are cults that are easier to get out of) than to try to improve their service. Somewhere along the line they decided that making cool commercials with the American chopper dudes and buying other companies like Time Warner would make up for the fact that they truly sucked at their "main thing"-providing Internet access.

Nothing makes up for neglecting your "main thing"... ever! Sadly, the employees of AOL are paying the price.

Building a plane in the air...

Mark Batterson often says church is like "building an airplane in the air". (link for email subscribers) Sometimes it feels like that. Church is made up of people, it never "stops", it never is "finished". Situations are always changing...the "plan" seems like it is always getting "tweaked".

The good news is we are not following a blueprint created by a human architect or engineer. There is a big element of church planting that is simply "showing up and actually getting to work". On the other hand, as our launch team is forming and I am getting a chance to talk to people who have literally been "prepared" for years to be a part of the team without even knowing why...I can't help but feel like we are part of something that was planned long before I "showed up". That realization is both humbling and extremely reassuring...

10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 NIV

More stories from the Bar...

Here's another story from Forefront Church's tuesday night service at the White Horse Pub in VA. Here's what can happen when people who have never heard the good news hear for the first time.... I love this story!!!

(Vince)-So check this out: Last night (week two) immediately after the service I went up to that guy and said, "Thanks for coming back." He said, "No, thank you. I would never go to church on a Sunday morning. This is perfect for me. Thanks for doing this for me." I answered, "No problem, man, I'm glad to be here." So he says, "Can I ask you a question. How much would it cost me for a service?" I was like, "Sorry, what do you mean?" He said, "How much would it cost me to have a service?" Me: "Sorry, I don't get what you mean." Him: "How much would it cost to get the guys to come out?" Me: "Do you mean our band?" Him: "Yeah." Me: "Ohhhhh, yeah they do play at all kinds of stuff. I don't know how much it would cost. You'd have to ask Joe." Him: "Okay. See, I have a huge back yard, and I throw huge parties. Huge! So I'll buy all the food and all the drinks, and I'd like to have a service." Me: "A service?" Him: "Yeah, I'm going to invite all my friends, and then surprise them with a service. Just like what you guys did tonight. I want the sermon, the videos, the music." Me: "Wait a second. You mean that you want to have a church service in your back yard for your friends?" Him: "Yeah. Just like you did tonight. So, how much would I have to pay?" Me: "Dude, if you invite all your friends over and let us have a church service in your back yard, you definitely don't have to pay!" Him: "Really?!?" Me: "Really!" Him: "Welllll, then, I'll have you picked up in a limosine." Me: "Uhhh, no, that's okay, I have a car." Him: "So you'd come out and do church for my friends for free?" Me: "Yes!" Him: "Wow! Okay, then you can count on it! We'll do it on a Friday night."How cool is that?!? This guy is not a Christian, and is going to surprise all his friends with a church service!?! Reminds me of a party some guy named Matthew threw in the Bible...

To read the whole story (link)

Being "somebody".

We live in a world where everybody is searching for significance, everybody wants to be "sombody".

But couldn't anybody be "somebody" :

...if they were willing to do what "everybody" said "somebody" should do-but "nobody" actually did?

...if they were willing to serve those who "everybody" knew "somebody" should help- but "nobody" wanted to serve?

...if they spoke out the thoughts that "everbody" had, and thought that "sombody" should express-but "nobody" had the courage to say?

"we all just wanna be big rock stars, live in hill top houses drivin' fifteen cars." -Nickelback

"Inappropriate Sermon Illustrations"

For those of you who are squeamish or think that sermon illustrations should only be a poem, a politically correct personal anecdote, or maybe a "clever" acronym where the points of the sermon spell a word...you might want to skip this post. Especially if you thought I was being "edgy" when I mentioned the pooper scooper last week...but this really cracked me up!

I was reading last night about a "preacher" who used his underwear as a sermon illustration. This dude bought a pair of underwear, wore them, and without washing them, buried them under a rock for several weeks. Later the story said that he brought them out from under the rock all "rotten" and decayed and showed them to people as an illustration of what God thought of their society...Wow. Here's the kicker...he said God told him to do it! (read the whole story here-link)

Can you believe the nerve of that preacher? Everyone knows God wants us to be nice, inoffensive, and boring when we present the truth to people. We're certainly not supposed to be shocking like the prophet Jeremiah was....Yeah, that's right the "preacher" in the story is the prophet Jeremiah...you can find the story in chapter 13.

I guess the Lord of all Creation didn't "get the memo" about only using bland, boring, politically correct illustrations when preaching....Maybe he missed that class at seminary that taught about alliteration (where every point of the sermon starts with the same letter)? Maybe God hadn't heard about verse-by-verse preaching yet? Or, maybe God is much more interested making his point than in not offending anyone. Why else would he tell another of his "preachers" to walk around buck naked for three years as an illustration...Yikes, now that's an "inappropriate" sermon illustration. (read about it here-link)

Newsletter

If you'd like to subscribe to the new "action news" email newsletter you can sign up by hitting the button in this post or the new one on the right side of the blog. I promise not to brag about the vacation we took to Cleveland, Ohio, or the new Taurus we just purchased like your Aunt Edna does in her "Christmas Newsletter".

What I have learned from painting.

I've been reading about what leaders in the Bible "did for a living".
There were lots of shepherds (I guess if you can lead sheep you can lead people), some kings, (a hard job to find in 2007), some farmers, and a quite a few fishermen. Jesus was a carpenter. The only other leader I could find that worked "in construction" was the Apostle Paul...he was a tent maker...Does that count? I've been wondering about how God has used my 10+ years as a painting contractor (yup, that's a "self portrait" of my hand)to prepare me to start a church...I've actually come up with several ways...

1. Preparation is "everything"- The main difference between a "pro" painter and someone doing a "weekend project" is the amount of time the professional will spend taping and prepping. I think this has helped me develop the patience necessary to spend a year preparing the systems necessary to start a church... before having our first meeting.
2. Two "coats" are better than one- It always turns out better in painting to put on multiple light coats of paint than one thick, "globby","runny" mess of a heavy coat. I have learned to be willing to "come back". I think this shows up in our Sunday Morning planning. I would much rather have a short, "impactful" message that people can remember and hopefully be intrigued enough to want another "coat"-than try to tell people "everything I know" while I "have them here"! We value Transformation over Information!
3. Use the best equipment and methods available! Over the last 10 years I have used countless methods and types of equipment...all in the quest to be as efficient and effective as I could as a painter. Although the "job" is the same I have never stopped searching for a better way to do things...I definitely want to bring that "culture" to actionchurch. I don't want to ever stop finding new and more effective ways, better methods, and new "equipment" to "make Jesus famous"in York County!
4. It's about serving people...I used to believe the most important thing to do as painting contractor was to be "good at painting". Then I noticed that there were a lot of guys who were technically proficient at painting that could not seem to stay in business... I learned that the "most important thing" for me to do was serve the people I was working for. I needed to be more concerned about their "business" and deadlines than my schedule. In my experience the "church business" is very much the same. To be successful, it's not enough to just "have church" and expect people to be served... We must constantly evaluate whether we are actually serving the community. If we do truly serve others...In my experience we will have as many "customers" as we can "handle".

How has God used your "job" to prepare you for the future?

Sacred or Secular?

It's getting really exciting around here because we are now in the planning and preparation phase for our first public church services at Fat Daddy's. One response that I've noticed as I have been talking to different people about what will actually take place at an actionchurch service is: "You can do that in church???" From using songs you would hear on the radio, to using images and clips from television shows and movies in sermons as illustrations...we are going to break a lot of "church rules".

So why break the "rules"? Is nothing sacred? One person even told me that they listened to the kind of music we would be playing...and watched the movies we would be referencing...they just didn't think they should "be in church". Huh??? That's actually a really good example of why I believe we should break the line down between "sacred" and "secular". It's become accepted that there are "church songs" and "everyday songs", "church jokes" and "everyday jokes", "church clothes" and "everyday clothes", "church friends" and "everyday friends, "church language" and the way we actually talk the rest of the time...I could go on and on. Is that what God really intended? Are we supposed to set aside pulpits, pews, and cheap stackable chairs as "sacred" and then go home to our "secular" recliners and sectionals? Are we supposed to "set aside" a book of songs written in the 17th century or seven songs by Matt Redmond and Chris Tomlin and drive home to our ipods filled with great "secular" music? Is that really pleasing to God?

I believe we should put aside the ideas of "sacred" and "secular" and integrate God into every facet of our lives. I believe our tivo's, ipods, and lives and general should be filled with things that point us in a positive way toward the life that God has for us...no matter who wrote the material...

Want an example? Listen to this song. It's one we will be using on Sunday Mornings. Forget about whether Chris Daughtry is "sacred" or "secular", just take some time and listen to the words.(link for email subscribers)

Can you think of a better way to "portray" having a new life by following Jesus?...I can't. Will you ever "hear" the song on the radio in the same way again? That's the value of integrating God into our lives (or is it integrating our lives into God?), instead of trying to "imprison" our creator in the tiny box of the "sacred".

Big Mac-vs-Ten Commandments

I just read a news story lamenting the fact that more Americans were familiar with the ingredients of a Big Mac than with the Ten Commandments. (link) ....That actually doesn't surprise me... I just think it proves that 30 years of creative marketing and one annoyingly catchy tune can be more effective than 30 years of "sermons" and "Sunday School".... It's not just what we say-it's what they remember. ( Big Mac Commercial 1975-link)

Another church in a bar...

...just in case you thought we were the "only" church meeting in a nightclub. Here's a video of a really cool church I have been watching in Virginia Beach, VA area. They are called Forefront Church and they just started a new Tuesday night service in the White Horse Pub.... Did I mention it was while the pub was open? ....and drinks are still being served? It makes actionchurch sound kinda "conservative".

Here's the link for the story done about them by the local news. You have to watch a commercial first to see it but it's worth it. (link)

Inspired by the "Pooper Scooper"

One of the advertising methods we plan to use before launching actionchurch on 2.10.08 are Yard signs (starting in January). Mike at Elk Creek said that was one of their least expensive and most effective ways of inviting their community to their "grand opening" launch. I guess that may be a factor in making me notice that there are Mr scoop.com signs everywhere in the York Area! I can't go anywhere without seeing at least one. They are "unignorable"!!!

So here it is...I am inspired! I know even as I write this that people will say "you can't have a dream like that", "it's too big", or "don't you know that churches are supposed to sit back and politely hope that "visitors " will come to their meetings?" I don't care! Here's my dream... I want actionchurch to be a church that is more intentional, more relentless, more "in your face" in inviting our community to our Sunday Mornings than "Mr Scoop"is about picking up dog Poop... I know this is "crazy talk", but can you imagine what would happen if a church got as motivated to introduce their community to Jesus as Mr Scoop is to clean up the dog crap in their yards? It's a "big dream" but someone has to do it!

The "inconvenient truth"

I've come to believe that although Salvation is free, sacrifice and service are to following Jesus what "diet and exercise" are to losing weight and being fit.

The "inconvenient truth" is that you can spend hours at the gym eating Twinkies but unless you are sweating and feeling some pain you are not going to get in shape. You can read every fitness "bible" in the world, but unless you put what you learn into practice...you may actually be gaining flab from all that reading. You might get a "free shot" to win the prize on the "Biggest Loser", but if you ever watched the show you know how much "work" is involved. The FDA has yet to find a "diet pill" that would actually do anything without proper diet and exercise... Likewise, there are simply no substitutions, no quick fixes, no "magic pills" that will allow us to live a life of significance without first giving ourselves over to a life of serving God by serving others and sacrificing "our will" for Christ's.

So how do you "market" a lifestyle that clearly involves personal sacrifice and "pain"? You better have examples of people transformed and "being transformed" in a positive way by following Jesus!
If you don't, people will be far more interested in "buying" diet pills, gym memberships, and exercise books...because even though they don't actually work...they take so much less "effort".

...and now something really old.

from a Franciscan Benediction…

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

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

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

And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.

I "ripped this off" from Jeff Kapusta's Blog (link).... I'm not sure where he found it but it still speaks to me...

action heroes wanted!

Have you watched the new NBC show "Chuck"? It's your basic boy-meets-girl-who-turns-out-to-be-spy-who-informs-boy-that-his-head-is-full-of-downloaded-government-secrets-so-in-addition-to-working-at-Best-Buy-as-a-"nerd"-he-needs-to-save-the-world...you know the type.

Here's what I think is inspiring about "Chuck". I love the idea that everything in your life can change in a moment...in a good way. I believe that to be true. It has happened to me. I believe that any one of us, when confronted with a cause that is big enough to capture our attention and imagination, can move beyond our ordinary lives and begin to do heroic things to "save the world"

Allow me to "download" some potentially life changing information into your "heart". On 2.10.08 crowds of people are going to show up at Fat Daddy's Night Club on a Sunday Morning. They will come from all over York County. They will be curious, and a little nervous. Many will be surprised at their selves that they would even consider attending church...even one that meets at a night club. They will all have one thing in common: Their experience on that one Sunday morning will likely determine whether they will "try church" again! Think about that...what a huge opportunity...and responsibility.

In order for these people to have a positive experience, other "ordinary people" will have to step up in heroic ways. Heroes will be needed to make sure that all our guests are welcomed and the many questions they will have are answered. Heroes will be needed to make sure the Dunkin Donut's coffee and Donuts are ready and inviting . Heroes will be needed to be make sure that Fat Daddy's is clean and set up in a manner that will be exceed any of our guests expectations. Heroes will be needed to transform Fat Daddy's Dance floor into "actionkidz zone" where children will not just be taught, but will play, laugh, and learn in one enjoyable experience. "Tech" heroes will be needed to set up and operate equipment. Finally, Heroes will be needed that will financially support this dream of a "church for those who don't like church" in York County.

If you would like to know more about becoming an "action hero" please contact us at info@actionchurch.com. Our first informational meeting will be held on Sunday, Oct 14th.

"Christian Values"

I know that it is quite permissible and even "in vogue" in our society now to criticize a certain group of lets just say, "religious people". I guess over the years I have been as guilty as anyone of criticizing these "people of the book". In order to be fair and "balanced", I thought I should point out some of their truly admirable values.


Here goes in no particular order:

1. They defend the Scripture... Whatever I might think of some of their doctrines and actions I must give these guys "mad props" for defending the scripture. I mean you can't just have "someone" come along and add on a whole "new" testament or something. Scripture is written, God has spoken, and that's that!

2. They defend morality... In a world filled with homosexuality and drunken orgies these guys have the courage to stand up and say "cut that out"! Sure they may have a few hypocrites in their midst (who doesn't) but they are still far more moral than the "pagans" in society.

3. The "fight evil" with political power...These guys realize that the "real power" to change the world is found in legislation. They are a political "majority" to be reckoned with. Even if "pagan" politicians do not like them, they certainly fear them and know they have to protect certain of "moral codes" if they want to stay in power.

4. They defend orthodoxy and tradition... As much as tradition may seem "stuffy" after a while, it does serve an important purpose...There are "essentials" that must be defended and there is wisdom and safety in thousands of years of "the way we've always done it." You can't just let "outsiders" come along and say "God wants to do things differently now, the way you've done worship for thousands of years is finished". That just can't happen!

5. They teach the Bible... In a world interested in scandal and the latest lewd gossip, these guys are the undisputed "teachers" of scripture. In fact they view it as their most important responsibility. Not only do they teach adults, they are unbelievably thorough in their "youth training". The Pharisees didn't think it was enough to hire a youth pastor and send the teens to "bible bowl"...they made sure that every male memorized the first five books of the bible by the time they were thirteen years old.

...What, you didn't think I was talking about the pharisees? Who did you think I was writing about? Take a moment and re-read all five "values"...all of them were true about pharisees.

Why is it so easy to criticize Pharisees? Would we have done anything different? How did "Christian Values" end up having more in common (at least in public perception) with the religious sect that "framed" Jesus than with the teachings of Jesus himself....? Where do we go from here?

Bike Weekend

It's Bike weekend and everything on Rt. 30 is set up to welcome "bikers". Makes me think two things...

1. Just another reason I love York, PA. As Rodney Atkins says..."these are my people".
2. We have got to be "geared" up to serve the people of this event next year...I can just see the black actionchurch tent out there giving away coffee, water, etc...
   

Support the Rabid!

Okay, I understand that makes no sense unless you watched the season premiere of The Office last night. If you have it tivo'd I won't spoil it for you but it was funny as always. I love the office (every workplace should have a "Dwight") and judging by the ratings, "America" loves watching the story of the most dysfunctional paper company in Scranton, PA unfold also.

I think part of the popularity of this show is that so many of us have experienced a boss like Michael Scott. So many of us suspect (or know) that we may actually know far more about actually doing our job than "management" does. So many of us have watched in amusement and frustration as our "bosses" struggled with situations that seemed like "common sense" to the average employee. I think a show like The Office is funny because it is, in an exaggerated way, "true"!

Want to fix your "failing" company? There are guys in the break room that know what the problem is and probably have a good idea how to fix it. Want some real "solutions" to the problems we face as Americans? Don't go to D.C., go to a working class coffee shop in K.C. (Kansas City). Want to know why your Church isn't growing and impacting your community in the "unstoppable" way God intended? Don't ask the "steering" committee, ask the guy who owns the diner down the street...he's heard why people don't want to be part of your church's "deal".

I believe in the wisdom and power of "ordinary" people. My Bible is full of stories of how they changed their world. I am so thankful for the very clear vision God has given us for actionchurch. What excites me most is that our vision is made up of so many "What's" and "Where's" but so few "How's". We know "what" people we are to serve, we know "where" we are going, we know "what" actionchurch should "look like" etc.....but there are so many "how" questions that still need to be answered! That's exciting to me, because I know each "how" answer is going to come from an "ordinary" person who has just been waiting for someone to "ask".

How are we going to organize and energize the amazing children's area we need to serve all the kids that are going to come? Someone knows. How are we going to make people from so many diverse backgrounds and experiences feel welcome...in a nightclub? Someone knows. How are we going to organize home groups so these new "revolutionaries" can stay connected to each other and God? Someone knows. How can we most effectively gather and send "action teams" out into our community to serve others? Someone knows. How will we "pull off" getting Fat Daddy's clean, set up, and ready to have church in just three hours each Sunday morning? Someone knows. I can't wait to meet all the "ordinary" people that God is sending ready and prepared to answer the "how" questions that we cannot...

Are you that "someone"? info@actionchurch.com

My new "Leadership Prayer"

This is the second year now that we have been reading through the One Year Bible as a family. I can't tell you how valuable I think this time has been for us as a family, but like every other "discipline" it has it's "ups and downs". Sometimes it can be a real chore to get everyone together and read for 15 minutes while Reagan is (usually) jumping up and down and Michele and I are trying not to fall asleep. God forbid you ever get behind and have to "catch up". In spite of that, it's so valuable just to spend time "togebber" (as Reagan calls it) and sometimes the words from the scriptures seem to just "leap off the page". Last night was one of those nights.

I can't believe I've never noticed this in Psalm 69 (nlt):

5 O God, you know how foolish I am; my sins cannot be hidden from you. 6 Don’t let those who trust in you be ashamed because of me, O Sovereign Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Don’t let me cause them to be humiliated, O God of Israel. 7 For I endure insults for your sake; humiliation is written all over my face. 8 Even my own brothers pretend they don’t know me; they treat me like a stranger.
9 Passion for your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.

Wow, that makes me feel a lot better that David prayed prayers like that...I think that's going to be my new "leadership prayer". Except for the fact that my "Brothers still speak to me" I can totally relate to that prayer as I lead actionchurch. Besides, it sounds so much more "Holy" than the remarkably similar prayer I often pray: "God, you know what an "idiot" I am. If you don't guide me I will screw this deal up so badly that everyone will be embarrassed. Please speak to me". I somehow feel a lot better knowing I am not the only one to pray a prayer like that...

Isn't it ironic...

One of the things I am really looking forward to about meeting at Fat Daddy's is the "fun" we can have with it. (Maybe that should be #11 on my list.) Here's something I am really looking forward to- We are going to have a sign made to place above the Fat Daddy's dress code sign that says:

Sunday Mornings-

No Dress Code

No Cover Charge

This is going to be a lot of fun...don'tcha think?

"Small" miracles.

It's pretty easy for me to start focusing on the things "not going right" instead of all the amazing things God has already done... It's easy to mistake "drama" in our story for an unhappy ending. That is, until you consider all the "small" miracles that when "woven" together are the unmistakable fingerprint of our creator. I think I'm gonna have to make a list...how about you?

What can't you stand???

I've been reading the new Bill Hybels book, Holy Discontent, and it asks one very important question. "What can't you stand?" Bill has a theory (and I "buy into it") that every person who "changed their world" from Moses to Mother Theresa was initially motivated by a situation that they considered intolerable. He theorizes that ordinary people can work in concert with all-powerful God, when we our view of injustice and human suffering lines up with God's. This principle truly came into focus yesterday at church as I listened to Pastor David interview an HIV positive African woman who started an AIDS awareness and relief organization because she could not stand to see so many of her family and community die of the disease. I always walk away from a service at LCBC inspired...but I thought this week was amazing.

So what is it that you find intolerable? What can't you stand? Moses couldn't stand to see his people brutalized. Mother Theresa couldn't stand to see the poor literally dying in the gutters of Calcutta. Harriet Tubman couldn't stand the idea of her people being enslaved. What is it that moves you past tears into action?

I can't stand the idea that hundreds of thousands of people in York County alone are missing out on a life of purpose and meaning and an eternity of reward...I truly cannot tolerate the idea that many of these people are "missing out" because the "bride" of Jesus has become so self-absorbed and "out of shape" that she (the church) is many times irrelevant and "unattractive" to our community. I want more that anything for actionchurch to be able to provide another "alternative" for the lost, letdown, and looking , the "outsiders" of our community to truly experience the love of Jesus. I "cannot stand" the thought of that not happening.

We are currently looking for others who can't stand the idea of church being irrelevant and boring. We need people who cannot tolerate people not feeling welcomed and "invited" to church. We need people who can't stand the Idea that children are being bored and turned off to the "greatest story ever told". We need people who can't stand the idea that the creator of music would not have the very best at gatherings supposing to honor him. We need people who cannot stand the idea that the church would not use the very best technology has to offer to further our cause. We need people who can't tolerate the thought of the church thinking that it is enough to "teach" people without first meeting their physical needs. What can't you stand?

"Corrosion"

I spent most of my Saturday putting new brake pads and rotors on the family SUV. It's a pretty mechanically simple job and since brakes aren't covered under warranty, and the dealership wanted eleventy billion dollars (their exact quote) for the job, I gladly took the job on. I actually was in a warped way looking forward to the job since I am usually found working on some 40+ year old rusty, crusty, VW. I actually thought working on a clean, 3 year old, vehicle would be a "piece of cake". I was wrong...

Corrosion had already set in, even on this relatively new , pampered vehicle. Every bolt was a struggle, every possible part was "stuck". I spent at least 2 hours of the day just beating on the brake rotors with a very large hammer to "persuade" them to come off even after all the bolts were removed.

I think our hearts are like that. I think it takes a very short time to become "corroded" and "hardened", and a whole lot of "persuasion" by God's Spirit to "soften" us. I think in a very short time we can become cynical. I think in a very short time we can lose hope. I think in a very short time we can lose our "childlike" faith that in "partnership with our creator" we can actually change the world. I think our lives are filled with "corrosive agents" that make it very hard for God to do his "work" in our lives... I know it's something I have to deal with every day. How about you?

12 Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. 13 You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. Hebrews 3:12-13 nlt

Elk Creek lift off!

Please pray for Elk Creek Church in Oxford, PA. They are a great Church launching tomorrow morning at 10:30. Mike Silliman and "crew" are truly creating a "service church" and not a "serve-us" church. I am really thankful to have Mike as a friend...he has been so generous in sharing what they have learned along the road to "lift off". Check out his blog (here) if you would like to follow along.

Godspeed Elk Creek! Oxford won't "know what hit them"!

The "downside" of more...

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 nlt

What an amazing scripture! God wants to do "more and better" things than we can even ask for or imagine. It's true, and it "really works"! If you've spent time in church you've probably heard a minister talk about this passage...its so inspiring! Here's the part you have probably never heard a "preacher type" talk about: There is a period of time between not getting what you asked for and things not turning out like you thought- before God shows up with the "better" and "more", that really really really Sucks!

That's right! In order for God to give you something that is more than you ask for-there will first be a time when you do not get what you asked for! In order for God to make things better than you ever imagined- there will first be times when things don't turn out the way you "thought they would", at all! It's painful! You can be praying with all your heart and be "certain" that you know things are going to turn out "well", and God simply says "N0" because he has a better plan.

I am so freakin' thankful that God would allow me to be part of actionchurch. I am overwhelmed by the people I meet that have been "waiting" to "meet Jesus in a nightclub". I am pumped about the great people God is sending to be on part of our "team". It's "way better than I could have imagined or asked for", and I wouldn't want to be anyplace else in the world. In order to get "here" though, I had to experience "not getting what I asked for or imagined". A year ago I was fired from my associate minister position at a church I had poured my heart, time, and resources for nearly five years. The church had grown and I thought my focus on bringing new people into the church made me an integral part of the team. What I didn't "imagine" or "ask for" is that our new "growth" made "outreach" unnecessary in the eyes of the church leadership. Their "classroom" was full so they could get back to "teaching the word". No need to continue using the creative "tactics" and "methods" that had brought the new people. I disagreed of course, so I was deemed "unnecessary" and tossed. I can look back now and say that was the best thing that God has ever done for me...but it still "stung" at the time.

Right now my heart is breaking for some people I love and respect who are currently experiencing not getting what they "ask for"...and certainly things not turning out the way they thought. Maybe that's the part of life you are in also? I wish I had better advice than this but "hang on"! Don't let becoming bitter keep you from receiving the "better" that God has for you! But most of all...even though it seems like it now...realize it is not over! "Infinitely more" is on the way.

Kitchen Nightmares

We watched the new Chef Gordon Ramsay show Kitchen Nightmares last night and I am definitely adding it to our Tivo "season pass" list. I really liked it. I am not a "fine dining" guy (I "heart" Cracker Barrel and Olive Garden) but I love to watch the Chef at work.

The show reminds me of a mix of Extreme Home Makeover (If Ty cursed and screamed at the people before building them a new house) and Super Nanny (because of the British accent and the behavior of the "makeover subjects").

However you package it I am a "sucker" for any show where ordinary people submit their lives to an "expert" and their lives are forever improved...it reminds me of what Jesus does in lives everyday...minus the "bleeped" out language.