Thoughts on Church Planting

We launched our church in September and we are entering into our fourth month at Awaken. Here are some thoughts so far:

1. Must make time to pray.

2. Must make time to study.

3. Most things I have planned have not worked out the way I thought... different, better. Before you plan your church, become your church.

4. Give lots of money and invest lots of time in the community.

5. Family first.

6. If Jesus is not leading, I should not be going.

7. Always.... Always cast vision. Don't just cast vision, fulfill it.

8. Preach with the power of the Holy Spirit with confidence.

9. Be you, not the church down the street or on the internet.

10. Preach series, topic or verse by verse depending on your style and where your church is and what your church needs.

11. Build people not numbers.

12. Need to start baptisms and communion.

13. 65 people strong! - lots of responsibility.

14. Delegate, even if you can do it better.

15. Accountability and mentors are good to pray with and to gain wisdom, insights and share mistakes and successes with.

16. Find your identity and be you.

17. Never forget vision.

18. Be in the community, always meeting people.

19. Be with your church always mentoring someone. Set up leaders in your church to mentor others.

20. Get good small group leaders.

I Love my Church

I love my church. I have been attending churches most of my life and have been a Christian for 11 years now and I can honestly say that I LOVE MY CHURCH. I have liked many of my churches in the past, but I love it here at Awaken. Here is what I love about it:

1. The Gospel: It is preached; not weak or watered down, but just truth.

2. Music: I can relate to the music and worship God with songs that are relevant, meaningful and true.

3. The People: The people here at Awaken are awesome. Everyone is caring and real. They are the church, not a club.

4. Community Groups: I can meet with people every Tuesday night with laughs, food, the Bible, maybe tears and come away feeling like I furthered my walk with Christ.

5. The Place: We meet at the YMCA in Hixson. The Activity Center is where we meet. There is nothing amazing about it. It is small and old, but it is us. 

6. Age: Most people that do not go to church are between 16-29. We are 93% 29 and under. We are reaching the ones falling away. With that said, we need people 30 and above for leadership and wisdom. 

7. Mike Lamb: Mike Lamb goes to our church. Thats all that needs to be said.

8. Church Plant: We are a church plant, which means we can have new creative things that change the way people think and feel about church. 

9. Love and Honesty: Everyone loves and is honest about who they are.

10. Giving: Half of our money goes back into our community and missions.

I hope you have a church and love your church. If not, come become apart of us. If you do not live in Chattanooga I can network and find a church in your area.

Is Jesus Really Real?

When you think of Jesus, what is he first thought that comes to your mind? Is their an image? A thought? A word that comes to mind? I know we know a lot of Bible answers and maybe history answers, but what does that really mean for your life. He claimed to be the Savior of the world. Either He is God and made the biggest impact in the history of the world, or He is the biggest cop-out and impostor that has ever lived. Lets get real: He claimed to be God. People don't just claim to be God and if they do you can tell by their lifestyle and nature that they are not God. But Jesus, what about Him? Was He really God? Is He really God?

Now, some say yes and some say no. If you say no, then I believe that there is no hope for humanity and life is void and pointless now and in the end wen we die. If He is real, then I believe that their must be an evidence and a radical life change in the lives of His followers. Do you see it? Are His followers different? Do they encourage, love  and give their lives to people in their communities or are they annoying, bad tippers and just want to convert you? We need to reTHINK CHRISTianity and what it means to be a follower of this man, this God named Jesus.

This week at Awaken we are talking about "Engaged in Christ". We will talk about who He is, Biblically, and why He is God and worth following. If you do not go to church anywhere or are bored to death in church, then I would like to invite you and challenge you to be engaged in Christ. We meet at the Hixson YMCA and meet from 10:30-11:45 on Sunday mornings. 

Why the church in America will continue to die...

There is bad news. Although many sit in church and may close their eyes and praise God and maybe even shed tears, the reality is that all churches and all denominations are declining or heading for a decline. And the real bad news is because it's not even that Satan is a work (although he is), but is is because the church is turning people off and away. The population continues to grow rapidly, but the church is decreasing rapidly. 

A study done among 16-29 year olds states that the reason that most of this age group does not go to church is because it is judgmental, anti-homosexual, hypocritical, boring, irrelevant and using words like insensitive to describe the church.

Now one question to ask is, would you go to any business or spend any money or even attend anything that was lead with these characteristics? Why does Wal Mart strive and succeed? They have everything you need (relevant). Why are bars flooded every night of the week? People at bars are (non judgmental) and people accept you. Why do millions of people scream and yell and get excited at Football games every week? Because they're awesome and anything but (boring). You getting the point? Why are Wal Mart, bars and football better than Jesus? They are not, but the church makes it look that way.

Listen, if you do not go to church, I can totally understand why, but I also want to challenge you to find a place where you can go and worship the God of the universe, because He is the One that longs to be with you. If you are involved in a church or have a leadership role, I challenge you to make some drastic changes if you want a younger generation to follow Jesus, because currently they are all going away. Be like Christ, not Pharisee's. Stop judging people in bars when your 95lbs over weight. Don't look down on the pot head while you are looking at porn when your wife is not looking. Stop judging someone that listens to "bad" music while your judging them for listening to it. What we've done church, is that we have judged the non Christian while in the mean time we have not judge ourselves and held one another accountable. The church must change or the church in America will continue to die. Lets get started. 

SEX

Listen, many people are curious when they hear the word sex. A simple, yet powerful three letter word; S.E.X. You see it on TV, many people like to have it and it catches your attention really quick.

Is sex for everyone and anyone?? Well it depends on who you ask and their view on sex. There are many different ways and methods, but is there a right way and a right method and even for the right person?

Biblically, sex is great and meant for marriage. Many people in life don't mind sleeping with... well, anyone, but they miss out on "the one" for them. If you are not a Christian that may not make sense to you, but if you are a Christian, then Biblically you need to wait for your husband/wife.

Sex is a very, very touchy subject. Many have had unpleasant and even fearful experiences when it comes to sex and they need to deal with it. We are getting ready to launch a church. Its called Awaken. We are teaching on things like marriage, sex and a distorted view of sex called; porn. We are not afraid to open up and talk about the big elephant in the room. Jesus talked about the things that were relevant to the culture in which he preached. This Wednesday from 6:00-8:00pm we have a community group meeting and we'll talk about sex. Come with questions. Contact me if you are interested in helping us launch Awaken or if you wish to come and check it out. We just want to be real with God and each other. justin@awakencc.org

What do you think about sex?

PS I could write volumes on this subject, so this is simply a quick overview to get people thinking. We also look to launch a series about sex in the Fall at Awaken.

Community Group -Wednesday 6:00-8:00
Sunday Nights - 6:00-7:15
info@awakencc.org

Days without God

Sometimes I get so focused on my life (wife, kids, job friends and more) that I live days without God. Yeah, God has put these blessings in my life, but they should not replace the One that created me. Have you lived days without God? What about weeks, months or years? What about ever? People today are more open to spiritual things than ever. There is a God-shaped whole in all of us that can only be filled by....guess who? Yep God.

At Awaken we are starting Community Groups. Community Groups are groups of people that meet in homes throughout the week where people "do life" together. We eat, hangout, be real with one another and ask questions, read the Bible and learn more about the God of the universe. We realize that no one is perfect, so no one has to act perfect. Hangout with a bunch of single people or maybe honestly your marriage sucks and you need to "do life" with other married people. We all mess up and need to lean on one another.

Live life with God and bring other people along with you. Your life was never meant to be alone. Even with just you and your family, you need people to come beside you and "do life" with you. Let me know if you are interested in a Community Group and we'll get you plugged into one.

True Faith

I was talking to a friend the other day about religion. We were talking about God, Jesus, personal faith and more. Although we do not have the same beliefs, we shared in a productive, non threatening conversation. One thing she said about Christianity is that she respects the religion, but not the church. She said that so many people claim the name of Christ, but do not live it. She has her beliefs and she lives them. This is a huge problem.

Many people in our traditional, religious city of Chattanooga believe in God or "god". Many even believe or acknowledge Jesus, but the problem is that many do not truly know Jesus, they know about Him, but do not know Him.

True faith is truly having faith, period, not just claiming it with words. Not just an acknowledgment, but it actually changes the way you live. Its real. It is your life. Many should stop calling themselves Christians or Christ followers unless they are. Its not about being perfect, because everyone fails and will let you down, but its about giving your life up for something that will outlast you. The God of Heaven, Creator of heaven and earth, came into the world in form of a man called Jesus. He lived, loved, taught, impacted and died for the forgiveness of the sin of humanity. He rose again the third day. He ascended into heaven where we who have faith in Him, will join Him one day. This is the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ. No one like Him has ever lived or will ever live again. He was God and He was with us. We should follow him and claim him or continue to deny Him with our actions and stop claiming Him. Too many "Christians", are making the bride of Christ look like a whore and turning away those who may possibly be interested in Jesus because of the actions of His "followers". Lets embrace the good news of Jesus and allow Him to impact our lives, friends, church and community.

Churches Have to Change or Die

Most churches in every denomination have been declining for years now. Not good. Obviously if the population keeps growing and churches keep declining, then less and less people are going to church each and every week. Something must change.

This Sunday Night at Awaken from 6:00-7:15pm as we go through our "Identity Series". We are going to talk about our Christian Worldview and how Christians and Christian churches, for the most part, have not lives out a Christian Worldview. I believe for this reason the church is in decline. It has become about programs and not people. It has become about lists and not love. Join us this Sunday Night as we seek to do something different in and to our culture to make Christs name famous by living out a true Christian Worldview.

What If People Quit Church?

What if people quit church? Well the reality is is that they do. So the question should not be "What if people quit church", but "Why do people quit church". I did my own little survey with some family and friends. I always read and heard people just did not go to church because it was judgmental, hypocritical and so on (negative thoughts). Although those topics probably lead the way for reasons people do quit church, I found another answer.

I asked people and they just said, "I do not know, I just quit". I asked was it because it was hypocritical, judgmental and so on (negative thoughts)... but they said " no, I just quit".

I think one question pastors, church planters and the rest of the body should ask is "Is our church helpful?". I think if we were really helpful and impacted peoples lives, they would stay. Words like hypocritical and judgmental are negative words. The people I asked did not go to a negative church, but did not go to a helpful church either. I think if we implemented ideas like being relevant, engaging, funny, thought provoking and more, in our messages, small groups and in our church atmosphere and environments, we would probably keep people's attention and be helpful to their lives. We need to be real with people, love them and relate to their lives.

We shouldn't only be asking ourselves defensive questions like "What do we do to be non hypocritical and non judgmental" But proactive questions like "What are we doing to be helpful"

I don't know. These are just some thoughts. What do you think?

The Net Church

Excited about going to the Net Church tomorrow.

Preacher or Pastor?

When many think of a preacher they think of someone who can preach. Someone who can communicate the truths of God's Word to people and relate it to their everyday lives. Some people call it preaching, teaching, speaking, communicating, but the point is you want people to hear and apply the undeniable truths from His Word. I believe this is what God has called me to do.

A Pastor is a Shepherded. Someone who watches over their flock. They care about each individual under them no matter what they do or who they are. They have a passion to make sure each person in their church succeeds in life. Pastors should look out for the good of the families in their church. This is something God has called me to do as well.

I believe I am called and gifted in both areas, but if I were to choose one, it would be a pastor. I love pouring into the lives of people. We are a very young church (a month and a half old) and I have been able to pastor and do some life on life already. I get excited for a young engaged couple that is coming to our church this Sunday. I look forward to pouring into their lives. I am excited to go over a budget with a 24 year old guy to help him glorify God in their finances. I know while we are a small church I can have more hands on with most members. As we grow, others will need to step up to help oversee all of the flock.

What about you? What about you as a pastor or a member? Pastor, do you like to preach or pastor more? Would you rather hear your pastor preach or pastor you?

What if Starbucks marketed like most churches?

"The Real Life"

I am a big dreamer. I dream of many people coming to Christ and walking by faith and loving each other. That is the heart of my job. As I serve in Student ministry, I want students to bow at the feet of Jesus. Although this is a great goal and sounds good, it is not always an instant reality.

Take for example a girl in my youth group. I think that she is loving Jesus and following hard after him and I find out that she struggles with cutting. Or another girl that has a different guy with her every other week. Or some guys that only come to church because they have to. In a real life and in a real world, ministry is not always neat and fun. Sometimes it is messy and sometimes it just sucks. But welcome to the real world where real depraved beings exist.

The hope is not to preach the next "best message", or plan a great trip, or have a rockin band, but the next step is to sit down one on one and hear the pains and hurts. The next step is to listen and care.I cant wait to see the world change, but it takes time.

12 to 200 to 80 = lives changed

We took a group of 12 people that were willing to serve God in a foreign land; Honduras. We developed a youth ministry service for youth who were not interested in church. The first Sunday morning 5 adults and a few kids met in the church. After adding a relevant message, drama's and testimonies the church went from under 20 on Sunday to 120 on Monday night. Then 200 on Tuesday. God did some incredible things through our team. Through the week we saw 80 people trust in Christ. We give him all of the glory.

I think of Paul and how he adapted his life around the lives of the people he was ministering to. He said that he wanted to become all things to all people. Meaning he would do whatever it took to bring people to Christ.

A good application for the church in Honduras along with our churches in North America is to change things up from time to time. Continue to evaluate what is working and what is not. Throw tradition to the curb if the lost are not being rescued. Do what you can to reach your community even if is against the flow of what "church people" want. Think. Follow Jesus in reaching people.

The Emerging Church

Here are some thoughts on the emerging church. Most of these thoughts were brought about by Mark Driscolll's book "Confessions of a Reformission Rev".

First of all I learned today that there are two distinction. Here are 2 different looks (take note the names: Emerging vs. Emergent):

1. The Emerging Church: Seeks to reach people for the glory of God. This definition is true to God and His Word and is focused on Jesus for who He is. This movement I seem to like. They are about being real and genuine. This movement is very much involved in engaging the culture. Bringing Jesus to a postmodern culture.

2. The Emergent Church: Some trends: More mystical, no literal death of Christ as forgiveness of our sins, homosexuals are not sinful, hell is not literal, God does not know the future and gender roles. "the emergent church is the latest version of liberalism." -1

These are just a few thoughts. I am sure over the next week I will have some more thoughts.

Where is the Christian church?

Where are you church? when a kid is walking down the street dribbling a ball and has no friends; where are you church? When the crack-whore that lives 10 minutes from you and is getting ready to over-dose; where are you church? When the dad that does not know how to be a dad is frustrated and is 2 seconds from leaving his family; where are you church. I do not mean to come across in a hatred way, but church; you suck. where are you at? With the prostitute; where are you; drunkard, gossips,sinners, cutters; where are you church? You are the only one that can give them hope, so let me ask you one question where are you. Where am I? - Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise, but as wise, making the most out of every opportunity because the days are evil. - People are making unwise choices and are suffering. Make a wise choice today. Love someone. Help someone.