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Why Go to Church!

Our senior pastor at Crossroads Church in Loveland Colorado, @johnsmithcrsrds, has shared in a couple of leadership settings that statistics are showing that the average church attendere goes two out of every nine weeks.  Stating the obvious -- this is not good!

A few years ago in a leadership gathering with Bill Hybels, senior pastor of Willowcreek Community Church Bill shared five reasons why it is important to go to church -- I trust this will resonate with you.

1. Jesus modeled it for us. He made it a practice of His.  Luke 4:16 "When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom."
2. A reminder that you are not alone -- that you are not crazy
3. Important for our children.  Your kids are depending on you  They cannot drive themselves.
4. The Power of the Manifest Presence of God -- Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."
5. Out of Discipline and Obedience. Hebrews 10:24, 25 "And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, 25not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

 

What's In a Name ... "Journey"

One of the joys I have had in being a part of Journey Community Church all these years is actually playing a vital role in naming it.  In 1998 we, as a leadership team, through a series of events, were sensing a need to change our church name that would give us our own unique identity.

Through a series of conversations and meetings some of the suggestions being tossed around were East County Community Church, East County Christian Church, Gateway Community Church amongst many others -- nothing was clicking or settling right.  

As a last minute ditch effort I suggested Discovery Community Church with the tag line, "where you discover your life's purpose." It didn't catch on with any one on the team.

Then before we were to enter a meeting where we would decide the name of the church amongst one of the earlier sugguestions, I was having a conversation with work colleague about our future options.  Nothing new was coming to the forefront.  

Then through the corner of my eye, I noticed the Journey Bible on my book shelf, I went and grabbed it and what caught my attention was the tag line "A Bible for Seeking God and Understanding LIfe." Then I rememberd stating outloud, "Journey a Church for Seeking God and Understanding Life."  Though we didn't keep the tag line -- the name Journey really stuck with us hence the name we have today.  

Over the years we have recognized how Journey truly does embody who we are as a church -- for we, as we often say, are on a spiritual journey.  And we further say that regardless of where you may be in your journey -- whether you are in the earliest stages where you are just beginning contemplate God's role in your life or further along where you are wrestling with how to live by faith and passionately follow Him -- you are all welcome.

In addition we have also come to recognize how image laden "Journey" is how we have been able to use it through out our ministry life -- here are some of my favorite examples:

• My Journey -- what is often referred to as a testimony
• Basic Journey -- our new believers class
• Heart of the Journey -- our spiritual formation and practices seminar
• Journeymen -- men's ministry
• Our Journey -- spiritual growth process

 

 

 

My last GLS at site #44

Over the past couple of weeks I have been experiencing a series of "lasts" (experiences I am having for the last time) as I have been preparing for my move from San Diego to Colorado.  

One of these lasts took place this past Thursday and Friday being a part of the Willow Creek Association Global Leadership Summit here in San Diego where for nine years Journey Community Church has served as the host site (site #44).  During my 16-year run at JCC I have had the privilege of leading several different teams and departments and serving as the GLS point leader was truly one of my favorites.

At the conclusion of every GLS I become a human thanking machine -- making it my priority to thank the incredible volunteers who serve with tireless passion and energy.

(A pre-service team meeting way before guests start arriving.)

Many of our volunteers take up to three days vacation to serve at this event.  During our nine years we have never had to hold any type of formal recruitment, in fact we often turn away those who ask to volunteer and many of our team have been serving all nine years we have hosted the event!

This last GLS we had 42 churches, businesses and organizations represented with over in 400 attendance making it our biggest attended GLS to date.

So 9 years and 82 sessions later I want to say thank you to all who served and made the GLS such a rewarding and vision infusing learning experience.  I truly hold you in highest regards!  I have no doubt that in 2013 as Journey will celebrate 10 years of hosting the GLS -- it will be the best yet!

I will definitely miss being there with you, but I will be keeping tabs as Crossroads also serves as a GLS site (#138) serving the northern Colorado area.

Let us continue to lead where we are!

A 16-Year Journey Comes to a Close

On February 25, 1993 being relatively new to San Diego (just 2 months) my roommate at the time, Clint Hardick, invited me to the first public gathering of Horizon Christian Fellowship Rancho San Diego.  It was there in Suite 160 on 2930 Jamacha Road where I heard founding pastor Mike Burns share the vision that he and his wife, Laurie, had to start the kind of church that could potentially reach the 400,000 plus unchurched in East County San Diego.  Though I was on staff at another church at time -- I remember leaving inspired by what I heard that evening -- I count it as such a privilege to have been amongst the first 40 that were there that evening.

It would be almost 3 and 1/2 years later on September 7, 1996 that I had the privilege of joining the staff of that church that we know now as Journey Community Church where I have been serving ever since. During this time I have held almost every pastoral role in the life of our church -- most recently serving as the connections pastor -- where I provided leadership to our small groups ministries.

Well last weekend, August 3 & 5, I shared with our church that my time at Journey was coming to a close.

The short of it is that after much prayer, fasting, counsel and the leading of God's Spirit I accepted the call to serve as the executive pastor of Crossroads Church in Loveland Colorado.  I cannot begin to tell you (in future posts I will) what an exciting opportunity this is for our family!

Our family -- my wife Tara, whom is the one I think most of you will really miss has served as a kids ministry director for several years, my son Rhett & daughter were recipients of gracious send off and heart-felt prayer.

Over the past 16 years I have had the incredible privilege of serving under two Godly leaders -- Mike Burns and Ed Noble respectively, worked with a great staff team and serving with some of the best volunteers in the world.  

In addition I cannot thank you enough for the countless prayers you have prayed on behalf Rhett over the past nine years because of his heart condition and I trust that I can count on you to continually be praying for him moving forward.

Also there been so many life moments that took place because of Journey most notably I met Tara here and both my kids were dedicated here.

However, perhaps what I am most grateful during my time here is how you, the people of Journey, allowing me the incredible opportunity to have a front row seat in your lives where I have been able to see God move in some amazing and miraculous ways that served to strengthen my own relationship with Him in ways you will never know this side of Heaven.

It has been incredible privilege and honor to have been a part of this team for so long, however the greater honor for me was to be apart of you in this church -- so with all this being said.

Thank You!

The Land Between -- GLS Weekend Extra

Still wanting more from what you experienced this GLS weekend?

Here are some additon learnings from Jeff Manion .. enjoy!

 

Also for more information on book "The Land Between" available at the Daily Journey Counter this weekend,  check this out below:

 

The Land Between -- "GLS Weekend" @Journey

2011will mark the 8th year that Journey Community Church will serve as the Global Leadership Summit (GLS) host site in the San Diego area.  Annually this world-class leadership training event impacts hundreds of leaders in our community and tens of thousands globally.  For three years now we have designated a weekend to feature an actual GLS message given at a previous event to give our church a sampling of what an incredible event the GLS is.

This weekend, May 27 & 29, is our GLS weekend featuring one of the highest rated sessions from last year's conference.  It is the message "The Land Between" by Jeff Manion senior teaching pastor at Ada Bible Church.  The message is also the topic of a book by the same title that we will have available after each of our services at the Daily Journey counter. 

Here is a sample of what you will experience this weekend.

 

In addtion Journey members will be able to sign up for the 2011 GLS at an incredible host site rate after services also at the Daily Journey counter. 

You will not want to miss this weekend!

What You Need to Know for Good Friday & Easter @Journey!

Easter Weekend at Journey Community is quickly upon us.  There is still time to pick up the phone and invite someone.  I know there is still a few more people I need to follow up. 

So here is everything you need to know to make you and your guests' experience has meaningful as possible.

GOOD FRIDAY -- 5PM & 7PM:

• Service is scheduled to go 70 minutes in length.
• Communion will be served.
• Doors will be open 15 minutes prior to start of the listed service times and kids will check in will also be available from that time.
• Kid's ministry for infants to 5thgrade.
• Middle school and high school students are to attend the main service.
• Bookstore open at the conclusion of each service for a half hour
  

EASTER SUNDAY -- 8AM, 9:30AM & 11AM:

• Service is scheduled for 60 minutes.
• Easter kicks off a new series.
• Doors will be open 15 minutes prior to start of the listed service times and kids will check in will also be available from that time.
• Kid's ministry for infants to 5thgrade.
• Middle school and high school students are to attend the main service.
• Intepretation for the deaf will be available for the 11am service
• Complimentary refreshments available after each of the service
• Bookstore open at the conclusion of each service for a half hour

NEXT WEEKEND:

• Part 2 of Series that launched on Easter.
• Regular service times resumes: Fri. 7pm, Sun. 9 & 11am.
• Kids ministry for all services.
• Middle School & High School at 9 & 11am
• Kids Fun Day after the 11am service.

Journey Community Church. 619-464-4544. 8363 Center Drive La Mesa CA 91942.  wwwjourneycommunitychurch.org

CLEARING THE WAY -- the New Weekend Series at JCC

Today begins the 2nd Quarter of 2011 and if this quarter proves to be anything like the first we are in for quite the ride!  We began the year with the Jesus Creed series where we saw unprecedented movement in the life of our church.  We saw hundreds take significant faith steps (raising the bar in their devotional life, extending acts of compassion to their "neighbors" and finding the beauty of being in community with others)  in loving God and loving their neighbors.  And immediately after, we launched into the SHIFT series where again hundreds and hundreds stepped out in faith -- this time in areas of serving within the life of our church and out in our community!

This weekend we are launching a new series: CLEARING THE WAY -- Getting Ready for an Encounter with God.  A breakdown of what this series will look like.  Don't be a fool and miss any of it.

For centuries, followers of Jesus have known that though we can’t control when we have “God encounters,” we can make sure that we are ready and in the right place. You’ve got to clear the way! This is where the idea of the season of “LENT” came from. In this series we’ll look at three things that will help us “clear the way” as we get ready for The Weekend (Good Friday and Easter Sunday).

April 1 & 3 Fasting — Giving God a Little More Attention and Space
April 8 & 10 Focus — Making Sure We Don’t Completely Miss the Point
April 15 & 17 Forgetting — Unlearning is the Key

 

Are you ready to ... "SHIFT!?"

This weekend we begin what could potentially be pivotal and life-changing series for us a church and as individual Christ Followers -- the series is called SHIFT.

At certain times, we need increased momentum in our lives. We feel like something is a little off, we are lugging a little too slow or somehow need a surge of juice. That¹s when it¹s time for a shift.

This isn¹t about going in the wrong direction, it isn¹t a U-turn, it¹s about executing a gear change, it¹s a about an adjustment that will give us momentum A SHIFT.

This series will look at five different shifts that we think are staring us in the face, five cultural shifts, five momentum changers for us as a community and you as an individual. We only have so much energy so let¹s use it wisely, let¹s make sure we¹re in the right gear. Let¹s shift!

February 25 + 27    SERVE SHIFT From Renters to Owners
March 4 + 6             STUFF SHIFT From Giving to Surrender
March 11 + 13         FAITH SHIFT From Wishing to Expecting
March 18 + 20         MISSION SHIFT  From Watching to Engaging
March 25 + 27         PRAYER SHIFT From Saying Prayers to The Center

What Makes a Good Book?

What makes a good book? 

Though there are many determing factors that you can mention, for me, what makes a good book is whether it gets me and others talking. Not just thinking, but talking where what is being read compels me to share my learnings or its content with others.

An arena of life that I spend a good portion of my time is in a local church.  And here are five books that I and friends and colleagues of mine have read that have lead to some great discussion about the church and what it means to be a Christ follower.  I hope you will be prodded to read one or all of these books.

1. The Next Christians by Gabe Lyons 
2. Untamed by Alan Hirsch  
3. Generous Justice by Timothy Keller 
4. Radical by David Platt 
5. Crazy Love by Francis Chan

I believe it has done so for the following reasons ...

• The timeliness of its content -- it has implications for the world we are living in now.
• Accessibility -- people can engage in its content regardless of the prior knowledge to subject matter.
• It gets you think because as it challenges your current point of view.

Jesus Creed "The Series"

Jesus Creed the series will be launching this weekend at Journey.  The series based on the book The Jesus Creed by Scot McKnight will be a part of a church-wide initiative that will include an accompanying group study that all of our small groups will going through.   In additon there are supplemental learning materials --  McKnight's books the Jesus Creed and a devotional 40 Days Living the Jesus Creed.

If you are not in a small group and would like to join one.  New groups are starting in view of this current series.  The Jesus Creed small group study will begin the week of Jan. 17 and continue for the next 7 weeks to coincide with the series.  You can sign up for a group and/or purchase either of the Jesus Creed books at the Small Group Rally tonight 6:30pm at Journey Community Church or after the services this weekend.

Also toward the end  of the series we are excited to have Scot McKnight join us. For a complete breakdown of the series, see below.

Here is a complete breakdown of the weekend series:

“Spirituality”—most of us feel like we want it. We would like to think of ourselves as a “spiritual” person. But how are you suppose to figure out whatʼs real, whatʼs true, what actual spirituality looks like? Even if you are connected to a church, who do you ask? Even if you decide to read the Bible, where do you start? I mean itʼs a big book! Itʼs almost like we are suffering from information overload. It would be nice if someone who really knew what they were talking about could boil it down and just give us something
to work with. Enter Jesus, who did just that. 

“Love God. Love your neighbor.”This little ditty is something author and New Testament scholar Scot McKnight calls “The Jesus Creed.” Join us as we take a closer look at the center of Jesus Spirituality.

• January 14 & 16     Everything Life in a Line
• January 21 & 23     OneThe Lord is One…and that Changes Stuff!
• January 28 & 30     WhoThe Great and Very Wrong Question: Who is my Neighbor?
• February 4 & 6       Unlikely A Connection with God Where You Least Expect It
• February 11 &13   Scot McKnight Author of the best seller, The Jesus Creed
• February 18 & 20    Love Itʼs Not What You Think

No Bible Reading Plan in Place ... No Problem

So we are heading toward the half way mark of January and if you don't have some type of Bible reading plan in place?  No worries, but I would prod you to do something. 

In most years I have had something in place before the New Year has begun.  In the past of I have read through The One Year Bible (which we offer in different formats in our bookstore), The Chronilogical Bible in a Year, or a specific series of devotionals.  However, this year I find myself stuck, with no plan in a place.

Yet, there is a need to do something. We need a steady of diet of God's Word getting through us regularly. So in the mean time here is what I am doing and this is something you can dive in today if you find yourself stuck.  Because January is a 31 day month, read one chapter of Proverbs every day and read one Psalm each day corresponding to the date on the calendar.  I have found my first days of this year filled with great reminders of God's faithfulness and recementing of some foundational truths.

Now here are some places you can check out with potential plans:

• Our Daily Journey ministries has some great resources stop by their counter after services.
• The You Version provides over 50 different plans.
• The Discipleship Journal has some solid options.
• New Hope Christian Fellowship has some great plans.
• A customized reading plan for you via MONVEE

If you plan in place that is serving you well, I would love to hear about it.

"My Top 5 Movies of 2010" (God at the Movies 8 candidates?)

God at the Movies has been a series our church has done for 7 years running.  It has proven to be a series that stirs up great conversation and presents an incredible opportunity to bring spiritually seeking friends.  Now whether we present an 8th installment of this series this summer has yet to be decided.  However, as it is the beginning of the year and many are making lists of what their favorites and best of's the past year. 

Here are my top five movies of 2010 all of which, in my opinion, would be great candidates for God at the Movies 8 should we decide to do it.

1. The Social Network (for those of you missed it in theates, it comes out on Blu-Ray and DVD on January 11.  Aaron Sorkin proves again what an incredible writer he is.)
2. Inception (This is really more like 1b and a film you will need to see more than once)
3. Toy Story 3  (The best of the three. Whereas sequels never deliver like original, this one does!)
4. True Grit (Go see it now.  Who doesn't think Hailee Steinfield playing Mattie Ross gives a stellar performance!)
5. How to Train Your Dragon ( Very poignant learning moments for me as a parent and leader)

I hope you will be prodded to go and see some of these films. 

What were your favorites from last year?

Do any of these make your list?

When I Begin to Drift ... SHIFT (Self Examination Questions)

Yesterday, I had the privilge of sharing the final message of 2010 at Journey Community Church.  In my message (titled SHIFT) I shared that at times we will drift from keeping the "one thing" in focus, and when we do we need to SHIFT. 

I shared some self examination questions that I have found helpful in shifting God back into focus as the "one thing.

Here they are in case you missed them:

• Is there any area of sin that I am struggling with?
• Am I genuinely engaging in the lives of people whom Christ desires for us to reach?
• Am I living life of conscientious dependence on Him?
• “I am living life with a grateful spirit?”

 

 

There is Still Time! "What Your Need to Know Regarding the Journey Christmas Services!"

Here is what you need to know regarding our Christmas Eve Services at Journey Community Church. 

 

Service times are Thursday Dec. 23 at 7pm & Friday Dec. 24 at 2,4, & 6pm. Please note that doors will be open 20 minutes prior to each service.  And if you don't take off right away stick around for complimentary holiday goodies.

There is childrens ministry class for kids 5 younger on the 23rd and for infant to care to 5th grade on the 24th.  Middle School and High School students are to attend the main services.

And for those of you last minute shoppers our bookstore will be open 6:30-8:30p on Dec. 23 & 1:30-8:00pm on Dec. 24.

On Sunday December 26 join us for one service at 10am as we celebrate one last time in 2010.  We will be partaking in communion in that service.

Journey Community Church. 8363 Center Drive La Mesa CA 91942. 619.464.4544 www.journeycommunitychurch.org.

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What a Difference a Year Makes!

On November 9 at the Journey-Up Rally I had the privilege of interviewing four people whose lives have been linked by and radically changed by a series of promptings and invitiations.

One of the persons whom I interviewed was Marie Foster.  One year ago to the date of the rally Marie was confronted by the most devasting news of her entire life.  And now a year later she was sharing about how she had come to know Jesus in a personal way, was baptized and is being healed of past wounds.

What a difference a year makes! 

However, this interview was a bit of teaser.  There was much left in her journey we wish we could have heard and was left wanting.  That was by intention.  This weekend (Dec. 3 & 5) as we kick off a brand new series A LITTLE MORE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT we will get to hear her journey in its entirety.  The purpose of Marie and others on the panel sharing their journeys  during this series is to convey how critical a simple invite to a weekend service might change someone's life for eternity.

And what a great opportunity is in front of us as this series leads up to four Christmas services we will be having on Dec. 23 & 24.  For a complete break down of the series and info on our Christmas series click here.

Be sure to pick up invitiation pieces at Guest Services.

 

 

The Journey Holiday

This past weekend during our worship experiences and in a previous post -- I shared why it is important to go to church and with the holiday season going into full swing beginning with Thanksgiving I want to layout what the next six weeks will look like so you can set your calendars accordingly. 

So Here is the Holiday Schedule at Journey:

Friday Nov. 26         No Service in view of Thanksgiving Holiday

Sunday Nov. 28       Vintage Us part 11 (Communion Service) 9 & 11 am.

A Little More Christmas Spirit
'Tis the season...and it's going to be over before you know it. If you're over the age of 10, Christmas sneaks up on you too fast, and is gone before you have the chance to really enjoy it. Instead, let's imbibe deeply in what we've come to call "the Christmas Spirit." How about a little more this year? The following three weekends will be meeting at our regular times of Fri. 7pm and Sun. 9 & 11am.

Dec.  3 & 5     A Little More Sharing

Dec. 10 & 12  A Little More Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Dec. 17 & 19  A Little More Celebration

Christmas Services: A Little More Cheer
Thursday Dec. 23 (7pm)  & Friday 24 (2,4 & 6pm)

Sunday Dec. 26 one service only at 10am.

Friday Dec. 31 No Service in view New Year's Day holiday

Sunday Jan. 2, 2011 regular service times 9 & 11am.

Jan. 7 & 9, 2011 regular service schedule resumes

Journey Community Church meets at 8363 Center Drive La Mesa CA 91942.  619.464.4544

The Bible Going Through You

John Ortberg, author of The Me I Want to Be, shared in a previous work, "More important than going through the Bible, is the Bible going through you."

Along this same train of thought Dallas Willard when asked what spiritual practices were most helpful in communing with God?  He shared along with solitude, the memorizing of chunks of Scripture is most important,  suggesting a great place to start would be Colossians 3.

I have also found that immersing myself with certain chapters of the Bible to the point that I become so familair with it that interacting with it becomes like a second nature also has the same effect of getting the Bible through me.  When I say familiarizing myself with the text I am referring to being able to quote certain parts of the chapter, summarize the chapter's main points and simply retelling the overall story or lesson with your own words.

One such chapter that I have found important for me to familiarize myself with is Acts 10.  After reading and reading this chapter over and over again, here is a helpful outline to get grasp on this 48-verse chapter.  This is the chapter that I will speaking on this weekend.  Here is a basic summary of the book. Obviously this is not all to tell about this chapter, and at the same time if someone were to ask what is Acts 10 about you can answer with this basic over.

1:        God Speaks to Cornelius  (10:1-8)
2:        God Speaks to Peter  (10:9-20)
3:        Cornelius and Peter Speak to Each Other (10:21-33)
4:        Peter Speaks to the Gentiles (10:34-43-48)
5:        We Speak to the World

 

"5 Reasons Why You Should Make Going to Church a Priority"

Earlier this year at a small gathering of Global Leadership Summit (GLS) site pastors Pastor Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Community Church lead a mentoring session where we could share recent learnings in the leading of our respective churches.  Through the course of dialogue Bill brought up the importance of reminding our  congregations why it is important to go to church.  What he shared gripped me and I have often referred back to my notes.

As we head into the holiday seasons and our schedules get a little fuller and a little less routine with various gatherings to attend and travel.  It can be real easy to de-prioritize church attendance.  So now is as good a time as any to remind ourselves why we need make going to church a priority.

So here my notes from that gathering.  The content below I will be presenting in my message this weekend.

1. Jesus modeled it for us. He made it a practice of His.  Luke 4:16 When he came to Nazareth, where he hadbeen brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom.

2. You are not in it alone -- you are not crazy.

3. Important for our children.  Your kids are depending on you, they cannot drive themselves.

4. The Power of the Manifest Presence of God.  Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."
   
5. Out of Discipline and Obedience. Hebrews 10:24, 25 "And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Why We Don't Do the Family Fall Festival

Over the past two weeks our church leadership held a series of town hall meetings with our lead pastor Ed Noble fielding questions primarily about the completion of our stewardship campaign, yet it was also opened for any questions about our church life in general.  One of the questions that was raised is the subject of this post.

"Will we be bringing back the Family Fall Festival?"

As the one of moderating the questions and one who had led the event for several years, I decided to answer the question.

The simple answer was "no." 

Here is a re-edited post that I did last year addressing that very question. 

Beginning in year one of our church’s 17 year history we had put on an annual Halloween event called the Family Fall Festival (FFF) that over the years had grown to be quite an undertaking involving hundreds of volunteers, thousands of pounds of candy and thousands of people in attendance. And for all-intention purposes was a pretty successful event in the life of our church.

However, in recent years we have not had this event and it is a good thing. I will explain shortly, however let me first explain what I have deemed as some positives of the event in years past.

1. It served as a great way to introduce ourselves to the community. In 1997 we relocated our church t and with a name change to our church in 1998 we were new and relatively unfamiliar. This event served as great way to introduce ourselves by providing a “give” community event completely free to all participants. I liken the FFF to a better, more strategic open house. I have been a part of a church open house in the past where over 50,000 direct mail pieces were sent to neighbors to come and check out the newly built church in their area. In an eight-hour span -- I believe 50 people showed up -- with the majority of the people being attendees of the church who wanted to get an early look at the property.
2. It served as a great invite opportunity for our church. Whereas inviting people to a weekend service may have been a little more risky -- inviting friends to a free event for their kids where they were sure to get tons of candy and participate in a whole slew of games and rides was a no brainer. It also gave to our guests a positive first impression of Journey or maybe church all together.
3. It mobilized people into action. For many their serving at the FFF on a one time basis was the first step to committing to an on-going serving role. 

Now there were many other positives, but these were the main ones that stood out. Now like most things -- terms lose meaning over time and practices lose its effectiveness over time. Such as the case I believe with the FFF.

Now here are some of the main reasons why I feel not having this event anymore is a good thing.

1. After about 5th year we did this event in the La Mesa community we were pretty well established as a presence in the area. So if the purpose was to introduce ourselves to the community this was no longer necessary.
2. The crowd that we were drawing changed. More and more this became a Christian community event versus an outreach event. It was not uncommon to see another church bus show up to drop of its members. In fact one church pastor (of a huge church in the area) said that they actually copied our flier and put in their church program to encourage his members to attend our event. Now I am all for events that unite the big C church and I am all for serving other churches -- yet this was not the purpose and focus of the event.
3. Volunteer involvement continually decreased. Now this is no reason to stop an event yet some of the reasoning for is valid. Often people chose to do an event in their own neighborhood (expect a follow-up post on this)
4. Overall effectiveness was in question. Though some have acknowledged that the FFF was the initial introduction to our church, over the years these stories have become less frequent. In addition I also believe seekers are changing as well and these methods do not necessarily address where they may be.

7/11 Vintage Us

This weekend Oct. 29 & 31 we will be presenting the 7th out of the 11 messages scheduled for the series Vintage Us.  Now that we are just past the half way point it gives me opportunity to try reinvision us for the rest of the series. Often times in a longer series (6 weeks or more) we can hit a lull in our inviting as well as our attending efforts.

So I hope these thoughts will stir some thought in you.

First, we have 5 great weekends left a list of those specific messages are below.  And if you are new t the series click here for a series description.

October 29 & 31:  Full Disclosure — Suffering and Persecution (Acts 5b, 7 & 8)
November 5 & 7:  Leaders-R-Us — God Invites You to Lead (Acts 6)
November 12 & 14:  The End of Exclusion, Part One — Godʼs Inclusive Vision (Acts 15)
November 19 & 21: The End of Exclusion, Part Two — Godʼs Expansive Community (Acts 15)
November 28:  The End of Exclusion, Part Three — The Core that Pulls Us In (Acts 15)

Second, I know that the programming team are prayerfully bringing their best efforts to craft services, that are fresh, Biblically relevant, creative and mindful of our spiritually seeking friends -- all this to say that services will be well done and you can be confident in your inviting efforts.

Third, we want to continue be mindful that lost people matter to God and that those around us need him more than ever.

All this to say hope to see you this weekend and be sure to bring someone with you!

The "Little" & "Extra" Things Matter

The little and extra things matter -- especially in planning events.  I was reminded of this, this past Friday when I had lunch with a friend.  He is someone who has been coming to our church and due to exstensive travel that his work requires is still looking for a way to get more involved.

Every time we meet he brings with him a puzzle piece that was given out in one of our services a couple of years ago.  He says he keeps it on his dresser to remind him that he is has piece to play in the life of our church -- which was the intent of giving out those to every attendee that weekend.

 
Lest, you think these gestures, atleast in the church world, is for new people or people young in their faith journey.  Keep this in mind ...  this is someone who has been to his share of church services over his life time and is very familiary with churches.  You possibly have one his father's books in your home or you atleast know someone who does.  Yet for this seasoned believer a little thing like a puzzle piece is being used in a very meaningful way.

So as you plan an event or service, keep in mind that those, seemingly, simple extras do make a difference!

Vintage Us -- the New Series Starting at JCC

This weekend we will be starting a new series which will be our most comprehensive series to date taking us through Thanksgiving weekend.  As this series will be taught out of the book of Acts here is a suggestion to help make your weekend experience more complete.  This something I am doing right now -- which is to read a chapter of the book of Acts each day during the duration of the series.  If you were to do this, you would have read through this 28 chapter book about two-and-a-half times.  

Me I Want to Be author John Ortberg has said, "the goal is not to get through the Bible, but to get the Bible through you." 

Vintage Us Rediscovering the Original ChurchItʼs almost a cliché: “Iʼm into Jesus, just not real crazy about this Christianity thing.” Recently, world famousauthor Anne Rice announced she was “quitting Christianity.” Not Jesus, Christianity. “Him? Yes.  Us? No, thanks.” But Jesus meant for the “Us” to be something other than the weird, institutional, religious organization that has somehow morphed into and slid under the moniker “Church.”

So, we go back — we always go back— to the source, the ancient documents. We go back to re-engage our true self, our destiny; and rediscover the vintage us.Weʼll look at the story of the unprocessed and undiluted church — as told by Luke (a man on the scene to see it firsthand, but with the chops of a skilled historian) in the book we now call Acts.

September 17 & 19: Jesus — Here and Now, There and Here (Acts 1)
September 24 & 26: Organic, Unprocessed Spirituality (Acts 2a)
October 1 & 3: Now This is Church (Acts 2b)
October 8 & 10:  God Heals (Acts 3)
October 15 & 17: “God, Give Me Guts!” (Acts 4)
October 22 & 24:  Messing with God is Not Smart (Acts 5)
October 29 & 31:  Full Disclosure — Suffering and Persecution (Acts 5b, 7 & 8)
November 5 & 7:  Leaders-R-Us — God Invites You to Lead (Acts 6)
November 12 & 14:  The End of Exclusion, Part One — Godʼs Inclusive Vision (Acts 15)
November 19 & 21: The End of Exclusion, Part Two — Godʼs Expansive Community (Acts 15)
November 28:  The End of Exclusion, Part Three — The Core that Pulls Us In (Acts 15)

Prayer Inducing Scriptures

Yesterday in our staff leadership team meeting before taking about an hour or so to pray on behalf of our church, lead pastor Ed Noble asked for us to share any Scripture verses that we have found helpful in our own lives in shaping and framing our times of prayer.  I shared two Scripture passages that have been helpful to me and I hope will be encouragement to you as you seek the Lord in prayer.

The first is Ephesians 3:20,21 (ESV) Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Now this passage has helpful in my prayer life in this way.  Often it feels as if my prayer times is a long list of requests which is not necessarily a bad thing, yet at times I believe I know when I have  crossed the line of looking  at God as the Almighty One, who can do all things versus Him being Santa Claus or a genie to fulfill my  every desire.  Yet what these verses challenge me to do is to ask even more and to ask more boldly.  Often times the opposite is true of how we pray.  The problem is not that we are asking too much, it is that we are not asking enough.  To further clarify my thoughts here what the Ephesians passage shows me is that what I often ask God for falls vastly short of what He desires for me.  Often I settle and pray for temporal means or desires, when in reality He desires for us to ask things of HIm that will render eternal, lasting and more meaningful & significant outcomes.

To put it simply ... We think we are asking God for some amazing things, we don't the half of it.

The second is Psalm 91:14-16 (NSRV)  Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name.  When theycall to me, I will answer them; I will be wiht them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them.  With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation.

As we read this passage it is full of so many promises and this has been so important and helpful as I have prayed for myself and for others -- the reason being is that these verses remind me that the God I am praying to is for me.  This notion that God is for me or us is often overlooked and it so critical that we don't.  Because I believe we have all prayed prayers not having them answered the way we desired; or even sensed how God was leading us to pray.  Yet if we can remember that God is for us, we can be at greater peace regarding the outcomes that He lays out for us.

Journey "Community"

Today I began my 15th year on staff at Journey Community Church with an all-staff community outreach at San Miguel Elementary School in Lemon Grove.  We gave our time normally dedicated to our staff devotions and weekend programming meeting to clean out and organize a teachers resource center that has been needing some attention for 10 years.  Do to budget cuts, staff reductions and limited funding what we may consider normal operational tasks are now luxuries. 

This is a first of what will be many opportunities to serve our neighboring communities.  Specifically we are building a long-term relationship with this school under the great leadership Principal Heidi Bergerner (pictured below in the center) that you will be hearing more about in the near future.

 

And what is true in almost every instance where we live beyond ourselves and for others, that those serving not necessarily the recipients are the ones who benefit the most and are grateful for the experience.

Our team did an incredible job! And our team was incredibly energized, already asking when the next team outing will be.

San Miguel Elementary is considered at Title 1 school with a good portion of children coming from families of under-resourced means.

Thank You GLS 044 Team -- Better Late Than Never

After going AWOL on my blog for the months of July and August and arguably most of the year -- I have started to re-engage in September.  What I missed most about blogging is having that outlet to express what was going on in my life -- even if for only the benefit of myself being able to process my thoughts.

Exactly one month ago today our church hosted a two-day world class leadership training event The Global Leadership Summit (GLS).  We are one of over 200 sights across North America that hosted this event with over 60,000 in total attendance.  We have been serving as the host site for the past seven years and I am incredibly grateful to be able to be apart of the team that puts the event on -- which is  primarily by volunteers who take vacation time for three days (this includes an event prep day) to serve local church participants in the area.

Under the leadership of our on-site event mananger (OEM) Alex Layson to say our team does an unbelievable job hosting event would be an understatement.  We never do any recruiting of team members, most recommit for the next year at the end of the current year's GLS.  And we have also managed to decrease the actual amount of volunteers needed to pull off the event so more of them experience the GLS as participants and at the same time not compromise our excellence in serving.

So I know this is a month late, I hope the notion better late than never applies here, so as the lead pastor for the GLS Site 044 I owe you a heart-felt thank you -- I truly do hold you in the highest regards! 

I Thessalonians 5:12, 13 "We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work."

Why I Go to Church

Today I was reminded afresh of two simple learnings that have stuck with me for some time and has proven true,  time and time and again.  The first being the importance of going to church.  I told you they were simple, yet it is coupled with this thought -- "You never know how God may speak and that is no small thing."  The second being that the real ministry often takes place after the official and planned programming is over.

After finishing my hosting duties at the conclusion of the 9am service a woman, whom initially I did not recognize, asked for a few moments of my time.  She shared how this was her second week back at Journey and how she attended for a period of time 10 years ago.  She further requested to meet with our newly appointed senior pastor Ed Noble and myself in the future to share all that God has done in her life.  In addition she wanted to thank us for our role in the process.

Now I was curious.  I could understand Ed's impact through his messages and, though she had been living on the East Coast for the past  seven years she could easily be listening to the Journey podcast, but my role was unclear.  Then as she further shared her journey, my memory was coming back to me and now her face became recognizable.  

10 years ago this woman attended Journey for the first time and I prayed with her after the service.  She shared how being Jewish she could not reconcile who Christ claimed to be.  She sensed God's movement in her life, but Christ, His death on the cross and His resurrection was a stumbling block to her.  Yet she did not want to give up on the stirring that was taking place in her life.  At the time the songs we sang in service,though moving at times, when they mentioned Jesus she could not sing them.  She wanted some direction.  She mentioned that I encouraged her to read The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel and affirmed her desire to pursue God.  Long story short after successive weeks of attending Journey and her own personal study of who Chris was over time, she came to recognize Jesus Christ as her Messiah and she wanted me to know.

Wow!

This was the highlight of my day! -- on a day that there was much to celebrate and praise God for.  

Going back to my two simple learnings. Now, my vocational role predicates me being at church.  Nonetheless if I was not there I would not have had this connection.  In addition I would not have been able to hear through her story the affirmation that what we do through this local expression of a church matters and is making difference.  In addition it was not some planned element, but a chance occurrence, she ran into me as I was about to exit the worship center.

Psalm 122:1 says "I was glad when they said to me let us go to the house of the LORD."

What is MONVEE?

There is still time to sign up for the Journey Early Engagment MONVEE gathering this Sunday July 11 at 10:30am.  To register,  e-mail your name, mobile number and intention to attend to [email protected].

Here is a preview of what MONVEE is

MONVEE is Coming to Journey

MONVEE is coming to Journey!

Todd Tolson, shared a couple a weeks ago at a weekend service, one of his responsibilities as our discipleship pastor is to look for innovative and fresh ways to help us connect with God.

Last year he submitted an application for Journey Community Church to be a beta-church and over the past 7 months we have been rolling out MONVEE in its beta form in the life of our church primarily through our staff and leadership. 

To under-gird the philosophy behind the tool we have showed parts of the MONVEE simulcast (that took place earlier in the year ) in 4 gatherings with anywhere from 15 to 70 in attendance that featured teaching from the likes of John Ortberg, Dallas Wilard and MONVEE co-founder Mark Bankord and Eric Parks to name a few

The feedback has been incredibly positive! 

The assessment has been spot on! 

In addition there have been quite a few surprises where people discovered new things about themselves and uncovered areas of struggle where change and growth are needed.  We purposely had participants be from all stages of life, young and old, married, single, divorced to get a good sampling of feedback.

Now that MONVEE is out of its beta-phase we are excited to offer MONVEE to Journey, to anyone who has a passion to grow in their relationship with God & others; those with an entrepreneurial spirit; and or those who want to be an early adopter in the future of spiritual formation.

So what is MONVEE?  That is what you will discover at the MONVEE gathering on Sunday July 11.  To register go to Guest Services this weekend or e-mail your name, e-mail and mobile number to [email protected].   A flier like this one will be in the church program this weekend.

In addition John Ortberg's newest book "The Me I Want to Be"  (available in our bookstore was written in conjunction with MONVEE and is a great resource to get a better grasp on the importance of hand-crafted spiritual growth.  Those who attend the MONVEE gathering will be able to purchase this book at special price.  

Totally Pumped for the GLS!/ Summit Weekend @JOURNEY

Here is a recent tweet by one of the speakers at this year's Global Leadership Summit (GLS) taking place on Thursday and Friday August 5 & 6.

This was tweeted by the legendary former General Electric CEO Jack Welch, whom many regard as one the greatest CEO's & business leaders of our time, shortly after filming the video cast that will be presented at the GLS.

When I saw this ... it totally pumped me up for an event I am already excited about!  I have been to 12 out of the previous 14 summit experiences either at the Willow Creek Community Church campus (where the event is broadcast from) and at satellite sites.  The two years I missed I have listened to every message on tape and CD.  I cannot overstate how this world-class leadership training event has impacted my life and ministry!

This will be our 7th year in hosting this event as the San Diego Host Site (summit site 044).  In addition we have played a critical role in helping make this leadership training event more accessible to leaders throughout San Diego County by helping launch two new summit sites in Oceanside and Murrieta.  Both respective churches hosting these sites have brought big teams to our location in years past.

At the end of this two-day experience I am left with two thoughts. One being of excitement with all the fresh learnings that need to be processed and then lived out; Two one of discontent looking around the room knowing that more people should have been here -- many I know by name specifically from our church.  I have yet to meet a person who has attended the GLS saying "what a waste time."  Instead the extreme opposite has been true -- they only comment on what an incredibly life-changing event this was.

So for those of you still not convinced to attend.  For the second year now we are holding what is referred to as "Summit Sunday," where we give you a taste of the GLS experience by presenting one of the highest rated summit talks from previous years.

 

This years talk is "Shadow Mission" by author of The Me I Want to Be by John Ortberg.  We will be presenting this message alongside a great run of worship songs. I have no doubt that after hearing this message you will be compelled to register for this event.  Please note that this is the last weekend you can register at the best host site rate. Be sure to stop by the GLS table after each of our three services.