Thursday, March 29, 2007

Houston - Emerging Culture Seminar!!!

InterVarsity is sponsoring this excellent seminar on April 10th. Jimmy Long, author of "Emerging Hope" will be presenting on emerging culture in North America. I highly recommend his book and this seminar!

This seminar will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church in Houston. The time is 9:30-3:00. This is a $75 value that IV is offering to pastors, church planters, and Christian leaders for FREE! Thank you IV staff!!!

For more information contact Lanae Webel, the regional IV director at lwebel@gmail.com or call 713-426-2871. Also, check out http://www.ivpress.com/videos/emerging_culture.php.

Sunday, March 25, 2007

Don't Miss the Nat'l New Church Conf.

I am planning to attend the National New Church Conference in Orlando the week of April 23rd. I want to invite you to join me there! This will be the largest gathering of church planting leaders in North America. The line up of presenters is unbelievable. Check it out at http://exponentialconference.org/.

I hope to see you there!

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Some Upcoming Training!

Dear Friends,
Just want you to know that we will have our Essentials - Third Day Training in Houston on March 22nd. We are also having our 2-day intensive "The Essentials for Starting a Missional Church" in Austin on March 23-24. Check out our website for more details, http://www.newchurchinitiatives.org/events/index.htm.

Also, don't miss the National New Church Conference in Orlando, April 23-26. Click here for more details, http://exponentialconference.org/.

Hope to see you in Houston, Austin, or Orlando!

Sunday, March 04, 2007

A Powerful God: Draw Close!

O Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants. He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.

These words are from Psalm 104:1-5. They remind us of God's power and greatness. As church planters, we take risks. We step out in faith trusting God to do things that only He can do. At times we feel fear and anxiety. "What if God doesn't come through?" we ask ourselves. "What if I leave a secure, salaried job and this doesn't work?" "What if no one comes?" On and on our flesh and our adversary put these kinds of questions and doubts in our minds.

The psalmist goes on and reminds us further that God provides for all His creation. These all look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. (104:27-28)

As I've reflected on this psalm this week I thought back to significant steps of faith that I've taken in my life. Over the past 15 years I can identify at least 6 bold steps that required me to trust God in profound ways. Church planting was one of those experiences, and they all had to do with obeying God in the start up of new things.

God can be trusted. He is greater than any challenge we face. If He set the earth on its foundations, starting a new church on this earth is a piece of cake for Him. Our fears do not reflect a lack of power or desire on God's part, only a lack of intimacy with Him on our part. Draw near to Him!