So, as I continue on the journey of planting/founding Radiate Church in Columbia, SC I want to share with you some advice and thoughts that may help you on your journey of ministry or church planting. Here is the beginning of our Journey Together.
As my journey began, I ran through a myriad of emotions and thoughts. Where? When? How? Why? I was going to leave a church/youth group I loved dearly. I had invested more in that group of teens and church than I had anywhere else, and I loved them. I didn't WANT to leave, but I was facing frustration (not with people, within me), confusion, and at some points burnout - for no reason at all. What was the deal? Why was I doing that?
I began to feel a tug and call to leave and plant a church. Something I had considered and prayed about before, but it was more fun to entertain the THOUGHT than it was to actually act on the CALL! As I was praying and feeling this tug, I began to understand something - ACTION is what brings a thought to your call! See, I believe that we think about a lot of things, that are actually our call - and we think on them so much because it's part of our belonging and becoming. And through the thought of planting, and through the burnout, frustration, confusion and tugging I learned something - God NEVER stops ordering the steps of those that follow Him.
Jesus says in Matthew 16:24 - "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." - There are a TON of messages/thoughts on this passage, but for me in this time, this is what that scripture meant. As I take up my cross, as I choose to follow Him - there may be bumps, there may be hurts, there may be confusions... but as long as I'm following Him, while carrying my cross - I'm following in His footsteps and He will never stop ordering them. He carried a cross, I carry a cross. He hurt, I will hurt. He cried, I will cry. He was attacked, I will be attacked. His steps were ordered, my steps are ordered.
If I were to tell you that this was something I never struggled with during this journey I would be blatantly lying to you. Because truth be told, I do struggle with it. I struggle with financially hurting, I struggle with decisions, I struggle with confidence...why? Because I'm me! But, at the end of it all, I may struggle with those things, I can be still in His rest, peace, and love.
He ordered the steps of the Israelites as they walked the wilderness with a pillar of fire and a cloud. Why? Because he wanted them to feel, see, and encounter His true provision and guidance. In this step, your faith will be stretched, your ability will be tested, and your love will be tried... but in the end - YOUR STEPS ARE ORDERED! Rest in that - and only that.
Father, I pray over the pastor, leader, and/or church planter reading this today...I pray peace, comfort, strength, and understand over them. Order their steps toward the dynamic destiny you have set for them in such a way that they will rely and lean on You and only You. Today, Lord, we lift it all up to You and declare that we are simply your work and vessel - nothing else. Use us greatly!
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Something new...
Hey guys. Ok, so after some prayer and thought I have a big announcement to make:
Starting this week this is turning from my personal blog to a "Journey" type blog. Here's the vision for this.
My goal is to eventually train/equip/empower leaders, pastors, and church planters as they journey to making a big impact in life. As I'm in the midst of planting Radiate Church - I have felt a large draw to begin some kind of initiative to begin that even now. In fact, a portion of the vision of Radiate (Draw.Disciple.Dispatch) we want to empower and equip other church leaders/pastors. So...
This blog/domain is now going to become the catalyst for our journey and leadership lessons we are learning. I hope to have many leaders/pastors/church planters begin to follow our posts. I do not wish to become "known" through this - I simply wish to encourage and equip greater effectiveness by sharing what God is placing in our hearts.
We will have guest posts from other staff members as well. So please, go and share this information with whomever you would like, follow what we are learning and let's grow together!
I can't wait for the new journey and following of this online portal for growth!
Starting this week this is turning from my personal blog to a "Journey" type blog. Here's the vision for this.
My goal is to eventually train/equip/empower leaders, pastors, and church planters as they journey to making a big impact in life. As I'm in the midst of planting Radiate Church - I have felt a large draw to begin some kind of initiative to begin that even now. In fact, a portion of the vision of Radiate (Draw.Disciple.Dispatch) we want to empower and equip other church leaders/pastors. So...
This blog/domain is now going to become the catalyst for our journey and leadership lessons we are learning. I hope to have many leaders/pastors/church planters begin to follow our posts. I do not wish to become "known" through this - I simply wish to encourage and equip greater effectiveness by sharing what God is placing in our hearts.
We will have guest posts from other staff members as well. So please, go and share this information with whomever you would like, follow what we are learning and let's grow together!
I can't wait for the new journey and following of this online portal for growth!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Preparation = Possession
So, I've been on quite the leadership and pastorship journey recently. It's fun... but challenging in the area of growth. I want to simply share with you a small portion of this journey.
Not too long ago, while praying/studying our vision and the great things I feel God wants Radiate Church to do. I was reading Joshua, as I was reading Joshua 1 I ran across a very challenging portion of scripture - Joshua 1:11
"Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, saying, 'Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within 3 days you are to cross this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you, to possess it." (emphasis added)
This portion of scripture led me to begin our Vision Preparation Initiative: Project 1:11 ($111,111 in 11 months). Where will that money go? I don't know, I just know I was to begin it to prepare for vision. Anyway, this verse jumped out at me and screamed in my face this: "You know why so many, including you, aren't seeing the promised land and results? You're NOT PREPARING FOR IT!" Challenging right? Painful huh? I knew, when I heard those words, it was time to redefine some things.
As I was reading recently 2 Corinthians I also read this: "But now finish doing it also, so that just as there was the readiness to desire it, so there may be also the completion of it by your ability. For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have." (2 Corinthians 8:11-12, NASB)
Here's what I believe is the case...I believe every believer, every pastor, and every church wants to effectively proclaim the glory, grace, and goodness of God and the Kingdom in a bold way. So why is it so difficult to do? Sure, it's easy to blame it on media/society/and lack of morals. But the real reason may be a little more difficult and challenging than we expect. What if it's because our READINESS isn't present (2 Corin. 8:12) and we haven't fully prepared ourselves to possess the land God promised? (Joshua 1:11)
We are at a cultural divide currently over the issue of homosexuality and other seemingly obvious sins. Maybe people won't listen to our thoughts because we haven't been ready to listen and love people and we haven't prepared ourselves with the provision of love and grace. I'm tired of doing CHURCH and expecting great results, when I'm doing my work at the last minute. Joshua defeated a great land, and did great works that are still notably incredible today. And he had to get his people PREPARED to do the work. Sure, God did it - and God provided the miracle and dropped the walls...but would He have done this if Joshua hadn't prepared his people?
Stop waiting on things to happen. Stop living on ability, and begin preparing for anointing! It's not a matter of giving God "room to work"- it's honestly a matter that at times, I've been too lazy to do what needed to be done to prepare to possess the promise for my life, my church, and my family! According to the miracles and possessions I study in the Word, without proper preparation, possession is only an idea!
Pastor, leader, friend... can we decide today that no longer will we do things last minute? We will see the promise possessed in every way by preparing spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, and figuratively for it? If you aren't prepared, possession isn't a reality for you!
Let's journey together.
Not too long ago, while praying/studying our vision and the great things I feel God wants Radiate Church to do. I was reading Joshua, as I was reading Joshua 1 I ran across a very challenging portion of scripture - Joshua 1:11
"Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, saying, 'Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within 3 days you are to cross this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you, to possess it." (emphasis added)
This portion of scripture led me to begin our Vision Preparation Initiative: Project 1:11 ($111,111 in 11 months). Where will that money go? I don't know, I just know I was to begin it to prepare for vision. Anyway, this verse jumped out at me and screamed in my face this: "You know why so many, including you, aren't seeing the promised land and results? You're NOT PREPARING FOR IT!" Challenging right? Painful huh? I knew, when I heard those words, it was time to redefine some things.
As I was reading recently 2 Corinthians I also read this: "But now finish doing it also, so that just as there was the readiness to desire it, so there may be also the completion of it by your ability. For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have." (2 Corinthians 8:11-12, NASB)
Here's what I believe is the case...I believe every believer, every pastor, and every church wants to effectively proclaim the glory, grace, and goodness of God and the Kingdom in a bold way. So why is it so difficult to do? Sure, it's easy to blame it on media/society/and lack of morals. But the real reason may be a little more difficult and challenging than we expect. What if it's because our READINESS isn't present (2 Corin. 8:12) and we haven't fully prepared ourselves to possess the land God promised? (Joshua 1:11)
We are at a cultural divide currently over the issue of homosexuality and other seemingly obvious sins. Maybe people won't listen to our thoughts because we haven't been ready to listen and love people and we haven't prepared ourselves with the provision of love and grace. I'm tired of doing CHURCH and expecting great results, when I'm doing my work at the last minute. Joshua defeated a great land, and did great works that are still notably incredible today. And he had to get his people PREPARED to do the work. Sure, God did it - and God provided the miracle and dropped the walls...but would He have done this if Joshua hadn't prepared his people?
Stop waiting on things to happen. Stop living on ability, and begin preparing for anointing! It's not a matter of giving God "room to work"- it's honestly a matter that at times, I've been too lazy to do what needed to be done to prepare to possess the promise for my life, my church, and my family! According to the miracles and possessions I study in the Word, without proper preparation, possession is only an idea!
Pastor, leader, friend... can we decide today that no longer will we do things last minute? We will see the promise possessed in every way by preparing spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, and figuratively for it? If you aren't prepared, possession isn't a reality for you!
Let's journey together.
Monday, July 30, 2012
God's Moving
Hey Radiators! I just wanted to let you know what God is doing. I received a text last night before going to bed from a girl that's been attending Radiate. As you know we've going through the Doors of Access series - that's all about God's promises, and closing doors that keeps the enemy out, and God's promises in. And throughout this series, God has been transforming people, and taking us all to new levels.
She proceeded to let me know about some relationships that have been dragging her down, and holding her back, and how she wanted to close the door on some of them...but the enemy has been in her ear telling her she couldn't do that, and that it was a mistake. Sometime during yesterday's Word, God spoke sweetly into her spirit and encouraged her that she COULD close the door, and she COULD make the separation - in order to move forward with God's promises in her life. But, just to be sure she opened up God's Word and found strength, comfort, and Biblical Promises to help her through! She ended her text with a declaration that the enemy couldn't win anymore!
THIS is what Radiate is all about. THIS is what Kingdom is all about! THIS is what God is all about! This is not the first, last, or most random text I have received since pastoring Radiate... in fact, texts/conversations like this are fairly regular... and it's showing me one very important thing: GOD IS UP TO SOMETHING BIG! God NEVER separates you from something, or changes something in you and fails to replace it with something better. Actually, anytime there is separation or change in your life - prompted by the voice/love of God - there is always something greater coming!
I'm so excited about what God is doing in me, through me, and WITH RADIATE! Now... get out there and bring someone with you to Radiate this week! Don't hold this to yourself, get out there and bring someone!!!
If you'd like to attend:
Sundays - 10:45am
Killian Elementary School (2621 Clemson Road)
She proceeded to let me know about some relationships that have been dragging her down, and holding her back, and how she wanted to close the door on some of them...but the enemy has been in her ear telling her she couldn't do that, and that it was a mistake. Sometime during yesterday's Word, God spoke sweetly into her spirit and encouraged her that she COULD close the door, and she COULD make the separation - in order to move forward with God's promises in her life. But, just to be sure she opened up God's Word and found strength, comfort, and Biblical Promises to help her through! She ended her text with a declaration that the enemy couldn't win anymore!
THIS is what Radiate is all about. THIS is what Kingdom is all about! THIS is what God is all about! This is not the first, last, or most random text I have received since pastoring Radiate... in fact, texts/conversations like this are fairly regular... and it's showing me one very important thing: GOD IS UP TO SOMETHING BIG! God NEVER separates you from something, or changes something in you and fails to replace it with something better. Actually, anytime there is separation or change in your life - prompted by the voice/love of God - there is always something greater coming!
I'm so excited about what God is doing in me, through me, and WITH RADIATE! Now... get out there and bring someone with you to Radiate this week! Don't hold this to yourself, get out there and bring someone!!!
If you'd like to attend:
Sundays - 10:45am
Killian Elementary School (2621 Clemson Road)
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Mediocrity is Stupid
Mediocrity makes me angry, and I don't mean the subtle, nice, sweet angry...I mean the legitimate, name calling, angry. As in the fact that if mediocrity were an actual object I would throw it against a way and punch it in the mouth. Why you ask? Anger is bad, unholy, ungodly. Oh really? Then why was Jesus so mad in the temple? Sure, it was because of the selling going on in the temple, but it was because the temple was being used for things never intended. It was because the temple was designed for GREATNESS, and was being utilized for much less - and it made Him angry.
Mediocrity is the very enemy of excellence. Excellence is what we are called to...notice I said excellence, NOT perfection. How do I know? I was made in the image of an excellent God, I was created out of His very creativity and hands, so how is excellence NOT in my DNA? Is it because I've forgotten of His excellence? Is it because excellence costs? Is it because excellence causes me to honor people, even if I don't know how? I don't know why excellence isn't in the DNA of so many... but I do know this - excellence precedes greatness!
If I cannot pursue excellence, then I'm not really pursuing Him! In God's very nature - He is excellent. Colossians 3:17 says "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Here's what is being said by Paul - who was in jail by the way...he was persecuted for this yet teaching it...THAT is excellence - do EVERYTHING in the name of Jesus. Or in the name of excellence and greatness. What I do is not just for me or others, it's to proclaim the very nature and name of Jesus!
Earlier in Colossians 3 it gives us instructions on things to cut out of our lives, if we are pursuing God. Here's why... NOT for religious duty, but for an excellent relationship! As Christians, pastors, husbands, wives, sons/daughters, and lovers of God... EXCELLENCE will take you places. Excellence is:
Mediocrity is the very enemy of excellence. Excellence is what we are called to...notice I said excellence, NOT perfection. How do I know? I was made in the image of an excellent God, I was created out of His very creativity and hands, so how is excellence NOT in my DNA? Is it because I've forgotten of His excellence? Is it because excellence costs? Is it because excellence causes me to honor people, even if I don't know how? I don't know why excellence isn't in the DNA of so many... but I do know this - excellence precedes greatness!
If I cannot pursue excellence, then I'm not really pursuing Him! In God's very nature - He is excellent. Colossians 3:17 says "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Here's what is being said by Paul - who was in jail by the way...he was persecuted for this yet teaching it...THAT is excellence - do EVERYTHING in the name of Jesus. Or in the name of excellence and greatness. What I do is not just for me or others, it's to proclaim the very nature and name of Jesus!
Earlier in Colossians 3 it gives us instructions on things to cut out of our lives, if we are pursuing God. Here's why... NOT for religious duty, but for an excellent relationship! As Christians, pastors, husbands, wives, sons/daughters, and lovers of God... EXCELLENCE will take you places. Excellence is:
honoring your boss/man of God
pursuing God
finishing responsibilities
working on your projects/job despite emotions
honoring God!
Church, STOP with mediocrity...mediocrity will keep you in your pit, excellence will propel you to your palace! Mediocrity kills dreams, excellence resurrects them. Mediocrity discourages others, excellence encourages others. Excellence comes at a cost - but the reward is worth it! Today - live the life you were called...a life of excellence!
Excellence will change your life... mediocrity will steal it!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Dreamers
Dreams
Dreams are probably one of the most forgotten things in our lives. Many times they are due to lack of sleep, what we have eaten recently, or thoughts going through your head. But, many times they are also words from God - a time of revelation, explanation, and warning. Dreams may be the very opportunity to hear from God, and receive the passion He has for your future! But there are 2 types of dreams: 1- sleep dreams, 2- promise dreams, both of which can be coincided.
When God places a dream in someone He wants to help see it through. It's usually big, unattainable by human standards, and full of amazing potential - because that's what God is all about. I found a scripture recently that rocked my world with this kind of thing.
"By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations who designer and builder is God." (Hebrew 11:9-10, ESV)
Wow. Get this: Abraham went to a FOREIGN LAND or a land he had never been to before. He wasn't accustomed to the land - he was new there. Didn't yet belong, but he knew something that others didn't. He knew things that no one else knew... it was his land of PROMISE! And as he squatted on the land, pitched tents, and began to live there he looked around and saw things. He saw buildings, foundations, cities, and great things that GOD would build there. Why? Because he was having a DREAMING moment with God. God was pushing Abraham into the future of his promise. He was allowing the dream to push through into his heart.
One thing Abraham realized that a lot of dreamers don't - God was the builder! The originator of the dream, and the builder of the dream was God. The dream and building of it doesn't come FROM you - it comes THROUGH you! God uses you to accomplish something good, great, and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
Dream - dream big! See big things, Accomplish great promises. Let your dreams decide your decisions and you're actions/reaction. But remember: GOD originated the dream, and builds the dream... you are the honored vessel He is using. Love it. Enjoy it. Receive it. DREAM IT!
Friday, February 17, 2012
I Refuse
God,
I refuse to quit. I refuse to stop. I refuse to give up. I refuse to let down. I refuse to question. I refuse to dream small. I refuse to settle. I refuse to slow up. I refuse to not see people turn to you. I refuse to focus on anything but you. I REFUSE!
I believe you save. I believe you provide. I believe you help. I believe you forgive. I believe you give. I believe you love. I believe you won't let me down. I believe you are always with me. I believe you have gone before me. I believe you see my future, forget my past, and delight in my present. I BELIEVE YOU!
I'm sorry I've sinned. I'm sorry I've dishonored. I'm sorry I've disrespected. I'm sorry I've hated. I'm sorry I've ignored. I'm sorry I've gotten angry. I'm sorry I've doubted. I'm sorry I've been a hypocrite. I'm sorry I've relied on myself more than you. I'M SORRY!
I love your love. I love your honor. I love your providence. I love your lesson. I love your Word. I love your Son. I love your presence. I love your anointing. I love your dominion. I love your grace. I love your forgiveness. I LOVE YOU!
I will see real revival. I will see real salvation. I will see real deliverance. I will see real freedom. I will see real spirit moves. I will see real love. I will see real ministry. I will see real promises. I will see real Christianity. I will see real greatness. I WILL SEE!
Sincerely,
Broken For You
I refuse to quit. I refuse to stop. I refuse to give up. I refuse to let down. I refuse to question. I refuse to dream small. I refuse to settle. I refuse to slow up. I refuse to not see people turn to you. I refuse to focus on anything but you. I REFUSE!
I believe you save. I believe you provide. I believe you help. I believe you forgive. I believe you give. I believe you love. I believe you won't let me down. I believe you are always with me. I believe you have gone before me. I believe you see my future, forget my past, and delight in my present. I BELIEVE YOU!
I'm sorry I've sinned. I'm sorry I've dishonored. I'm sorry I've disrespected. I'm sorry I've hated. I'm sorry I've ignored. I'm sorry I've gotten angry. I'm sorry I've doubted. I'm sorry I've been a hypocrite. I'm sorry I've relied on myself more than you. I'M SORRY!
I love your love. I love your honor. I love your providence. I love your lesson. I love your Word. I love your Son. I love your presence. I love your anointing. I love your dominion. I love your grace. I love your forgiveness. I LOVE YOU!
I will see real revival. I will see real salvation. I will see real deliverance. I will see real freedom. I will see real spirit moves. I will see real love. I will see real ministry. I will see real promises. I will see real Christianity. I will see real greatness. I WILL SEE!
Sincerely,
Broken For You
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