Are you onboard?

Not too long ago I was talking to a pastor in PA. He is new to his position as senior pastor in PA but has been a pastor for a few decades. A member of his new congregation told him that she was leaving the church because he was too aggressive in trying to reach people for Christ. Are you serious?! She wanted to come to church and be "fed". She said she didn't want to have to worry about other people.

Now as a leader in a church you never want to see people leave. But having a person leave because they don't want to have to worry about others or share Jesus with them, in my opinion is a good thing. If someone has attended a church for a while but is not onboard with what the leadership is doing I think its better for them to move on.

God refers to us as branches and He is the vine. John 15:1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."

Sometimes I feel that John 15 isn't only for us personally but for our churches too. He allows people to leave who are harmful to his ministry. Some people are purposefully harmful, gossiping, backbiting, being negative about leadership. While others don't realize that by sitting in church but not being involved is harmful too. The church needs every person to do their part to be effective.

The church I am a part of is going to begin a large outreach in the near future. We are going to be focusing on unity within our church, small groups, and local community. We will be searching for needs in our community and serving people together. I am excited about how God will use this time in my life and in the lives of everyone who gets involved.

Yet I can't help but think... will there be people who don't want to reach out? Will there be people who choose to leave because they are comfortable with where they are at? Will there be people who do not want to grow spiritually? People who do not see meeting the needs of the community as important?

God has asked us to take care of Widow's and Orphans, to give food and clothing when needed, to share our possessions. We have hungry people in our area, both physically and spiritually.

It is a time for the christians in our church to get onboard, or out of the way. That might seem harsh but God asks us to be all in. He doesn't want people sitting on the fence. He doesn't want observers but participants! We have the choice to follow our leaders across the Jordan into the promise land, or turn around back to wandering.

Lives will be changed for those who step out in faith! I hope everyone commits and becomes a part of it.

Be looking for updates coming in November about the life change & God stories happening during this time of community!

Feel free to comment and share your story as you commit to these 40 days of community!

Does God really provide?

God's provisions has taken up much of my thoughts lately. I've been teaching my Sr. High students about growing spiritually. One of the signs you are growing spiritually is being a giver. Now i'm not just talking about finances but about time, energy, and talents. In Matthew 6 Jesus indicates that where our treasure is that is where our heart is. So if I were to take a look at your checkbook and your calendar, I would be able to see the things you care about. The things you spend your money, time, and energy on, those are the things you care most about.

Someone can say that God is number one in their life yet they don't give constantly to the church they attend. They can say God is number one but they are not helping to serve in any ministry in the church. They may say God is number one but they do not set time aside every day to talk to Him and read His Word.

The coolest thing about that part of scripture is in verse 33 it says: "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need."

How cool is that? God will give us everything we need if we put Him above everything else in our life!

I have seen this happen in my life and the life of my family. My parents were great examples of trusting God when things seemed bleak. We have had people share food with us, give us vegetables out of their gardens, even randomly been given cash right when we needed it!

My parents set the example of always giving trusting that God would honor their faithfulness.

It seems crazy to give 10% of your income when you can't hardly pay the bills. But try it! Hand over your life to God. Give in an act of faith and see the blessed life that you will receive.

God won't give us everything we WANT but he will be sure to provide for our NEEDS if we are genuinely trying to keep Him first in our life.

The best part of trying to keep God first in our life is the community we become a part of with our church family. God created us to live in community so we could help one another out. Those who do not attend a church or who do not get connected in their church end up feeling very alone when hard times come.

Get connected! We are better together!

How are you doing today? If you haven't taken time to talk with your creator, father, and friend do it right now! If you don't put Him first he will end up last!