iConnect

Caring Is Key

2011-03-24T18:36:00.001-05:00

Note: This article has been excerpted from Small Groups Big Impact, written by Jim Egli and Dwight Marable. The book outlines the results of the authors' large-scale statistical research among churches and small groups.

Just because a group attracts visitors to its meetings and brings new persons to faith in Christ does not necessarily mean that the group will succeed in enfolding those new persons into the life of the group. Our research revealed that the groups most successful in assimilating the new people it attracts are those with a high level of loving relationships—what we call Care.

The growth difference between groups strong in Care and groups scoring weak in Care is pronounced. Of all the groups surveyed, 44 percent of the groups strong in Care report adding 4 or more members since their group started, but less than half that number, only 18 percent, of those weak in the Care factor report the same.

Groups that score high on Care are groups that feel "like a family to one another." Members in these groups pray for each other and support one another in times of need. Joy and laughter flow in their small-group meetings, and the members spend time with one another outside of their group meetings. They share meals with each other. The research revealed that, when possible, members of these groups even try to sit together at their church's worship services.

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Can Outreach and Loving Relationships Go Together?
Our research reveals that outreach to new people (Reach) and loving relationships (Care) should and must go together. An outward focus does not diminish the atmosphere of care and support in a group—it increases it. And a strong outward focus is also incomplete in and of itself. Groups that focus on reaching others for Christ must also nurture caring relationships in order to draw new people into the life of the group.

Repeatedly in the New Testament outreach and loving community are held together. Both display that God's Spirit is at work (Acts 2:41-47; 4:31-32). Perhaps 1 John 1:3 expresses the unity of outreach and Christian community most powerfully: "We are telling you about what we ourselves have actually seen and heard, so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ."

When there is genuine care in a group, members usually feel free to share even if someone new is present. And a high level of openness and caring can draw newcomers into a deeper experience of God's love. When a group is both actively seeking new people and nurturing caring relationships, Jesus' love can draw newcomers into belonging and growth in Christ.

Discouraged or Encouraged?
The level of Care in a group impacts the encouragement felt by the small-group leader. One survey statement reads, "I feel discouraged as a small-group leader," to which respondents can answer: rarely, seldom, sometimes, often, or very often.

Their answers reveal one factor that impacts leader discouragement more than any other: the leaders most likely to be discouraged are those whose groups are experiencing very little Care between their members. On the other hand, groups experiencing high levels of Care tend to have leaders who are encouraged about their group and themselves as leaders.

Understand the Stages of Small-Group Life
The research of Bruce Tuckman has identified five stages that small groups typically go through: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning. Understanding these stages helps small-group leaders and members deepen the level of community in their groups.

The Forming stage is sometimes called the "honeymoon" stage because members tend to be very positive about the group and one another, even though they don't yet know each other well. Yet in the Forming stage members also experience uncertainty. They wonder: What is the purpose of this group? How can I fit in and contribute to the group's aims? Some people will test limits and others might try to impose their own objectives.

Conflict emerges in the next phase of group life—the Storming stage. Different expectations and personal conflicts create turbulence. Members become disillusioned with the group, its members, or its leaders. The Storming phase is a positive and welcome development, however. It means that group members are really getting to know one another and learning to work through their conflicting personalities and expectations.

Next groups enter a Norming stage as members work through their differences and take ownership in the group. Commitment and unity grow. Now people understand the mission of the group and are growing in care for one another.

This leads to the Performing stage. In this stage, members work together toward the group's goals. Each member understands how to contribute her own effort and abilities. The group now works together as a healthy team. There is still conflict as people rub against each other and offer differing ideas, but the conflict can now be resolved more positively.

Tuckman labeled the fifth and final stage, when a group fulfills its goal and disbands, as Adjourning. In small groups of Christ-followers this stage would better be called Reforming as groups multiply and launch new groups. When members "regroup" into new configurations, the stages of community begin again.

Tuckman's stages are a helpful explanation and simplification of small-group interaction. Of course, different people go through the stages at different rates, especially those entering a group midcourse.

Grow in Care through the Stages of Group Life
Here are some practical suggestions to help group leaders and members grow in Care through the stages of small group life.

Forming. In the forming stage, people want to grow in relationship with each other and they want to know what a group's purpose is. In this initial stage, provide fun relationship building activities like parties or cookouts. Allow extra time within the group meeting itself for relational interaction. It's helpful in this stage to allow more time for icebreakers and to make study questions more personal.

In this stage the leader should also clearly and repeatedly state the group's mission. This mission should be shaped by the church's small-group philosophy and the passion that God is giving the leader or the group's leadership team. Explain the five stages of group life. That way people can welcome the storming phase as a positive opportunity instead of being taken off guard.

Storming. Storming is the most challenging stage for group leaders and members. The people that seemed so wonderful last month have somehow become irritating. In this stage it is helpful to study the rich "one another" passages of the New Testament. People need to hear again God's invitation to "love one another deeply" (1 Peter 1:22), to "share each other's troubles and problems" (Galatians 6:2), to "honor each other" (Romans 12:10), and to "be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32).

Perhaps some members compare the group to previous groups that they were in and conclude that this group does not measure up. Group leaders should patiently listen to people's concerns in this stage, while clearly restating their own goals and vision for the group. People should understand that each group has its own strengths and weaknesses. This group may not match a previous group in some aspects, but it will have unique strengths to offer as members open themselves to the new ways God wants to work in their lives.

"High need" people in the group should be referred to special ministries of the church or local Christian community. Although the small group can help meet some of their needs, they likely have needs that require special help.

Norming. In the Norming stage, the leaders should keep sharing the vision for group growth and multiplication. At this point people have truly bought in, so involve them in as much ministry as possible. Notice what people are good at and what they are drawn to, then invite them to lead and contribute to the group. Send and take members to leadership and other training events that your church is offering. Have members plan fun events that both members and unreached friends would enjoy coming to.

Performing. In the Performing stage, the group leader or leaders should be doing almost nothing themselves. Others should be hosting, leading worship, guiding the Bible discussion, leading the prayer and ministry time, and so on. If the leaders have given ministry away, as recommended, they can relax and enjoy the group more as a member. Their time is now spent more with emerging leaders evaluating how things are going and encouraging them in their development, rather than doing things themselves. It is pivotal, however, to continue to communicate the mission of the group to reach out and launch new groups so that people are ready for the next stage.

Reforming. Reforming means sending out new leaders and giving birth to a new group or groups. Like human birth, however, this stage also involves pain and adjustments.

—Jim Egli and Dwight Marable; excerpted with permission from Small Groups Big Impact (ChurchSmart Resources, 2011).

40 Ways You Can Invite People to Church

2011-02-24T21:20:00.001-06:00

This is an article that I have sent to many of you before, but I wanted to get it out here on our blog so that you will have a place to refer back to it. This article is written from a pastor in Georgia, so “transpose” the details to CRossroads. Thanks. Kent (click the READ MORE button for the full article)

by Michael Lukaszewski

Here’s a practical list for inviting people to experience your church.

During the Make Your Mark series, we’re refocusing our church on one of the primary reasons were here – to share and live the Gospel and invite people to join His kingdom. Since the church is the display of God’s glory on earth, and since Jesus said HE would build His church, we believe the church should be central to our lives and faith. So inviting people to our church is part of our core mission. Here’s forty great ways you can invite people to our church. You don’t need to organize it…you and your small group, class or friends can just do it.

Grill out for the employees of a company or business.
Set up our party trailer, which comes with a grill, moonwalk, helium tank and balloons, video games, chairs, etc. at any community events.
Dress up like a Star Wars character wherever there are people and take pictures with kids and families. Give them a special invite card with the location they can download the picture. You will have a blast and invite a bunch of people to church.
Tailgate at high school football games. Give away hot dogs and invite people.
Set up a moonwalk at a local park while events are happening.
Volunteer at community runs and bike races
Hand out coffee or hot chocolate at the First Friday events in downtown Cartersville
Give out hand warmers with the church logo at winter events like the Christmas parade
Do a free oil change or car inspection in the House of Rock parking lot
Show UFC fights on Saturday night at the House of Rock
Host a block party for your neighborhood. Again, the party trailer is available.
Provide “full service” at a local gas station – wash windows and leave a car freshener
Show free family movies at the House of Rock on Friday nights
Help local schools with their fall festivals. Instead of re-creating the wheel, just help a school make their event better.
Take professional pictures at local school talent shows
Visit a nursing home
Take a couple of hours and put out door hangers in your neighborhood or apartment complex.
Go put invite cards on car windshields. Try not to get arrested…that keeps it fun.
Be intentional about coaching a kids sports team.
You and your kids set up a lemonade stand.
Have a free garage sale…give away things and invite people to church
Do a free car wash
Walk around a neighborhood and collect canned food. Invite people to church while asking for food.
Hand out helium balloons at special events
Get a truck, ladder and a bunch of light bulbs and walk around and ask people if they need light bulbs changed.
Set up a bounce house at the movie theater when a big kids movie premiers. Or in front of another store. Managers are often open to anything that draws attention to their store.
Put out road signs on the weekend (did you know about 15% of people who attend our church for the first time do so because they saw a road sign?)
Put a giant leaf sign in the back of your truck. Politicians do it – our cause is way more important!
Give away Oak Leaf silly bandz anywhere there are kids.
Enter a float in one of the parades. Walk along side it and give away candy and invites.
Take breakfast to school teachers. Simply email the principal and ask if you can do it, set a day, and make it happen.
Get a giant backpack sprayer and offer to spray for bugs in people’s homes. It might seem strange, but what a great way to talk to someone and invite them to church.
Salt driveways when it ices during the winter.
Help with field days at a local elementary school. What school wouldn’t appreciate volunteers?
Take food to fire stations. Let them know you appreciate them and that they are always welcome at your church.
Valet cars when a school has an open house.
Provide childcare for high school graduations.
Cook team meals before home games at local sporting events
Pass out candy and invites at your own house on Halloween, or downtown where hundreds of children come to trick or treat every year.
Enter a team in the Georgia BBQ classic

Better yet…come up with your own idea, get your friends or group involved, and make it happen. Let us know how we can help.

Michael is the Lead Pastor of Oak Leaf Church in Cartersville, Georgia. In 2005, he stepped out to start a brand new church in Cartersville. At its grand opening service, there were about 280 people that showed up. In 13 months, the church had grown to 900 people.

More from Michael Lukaszewski or visit Michael at www.heretolead.com/

From Comfort to Commitment

2011-01-10T15:21:00.001-06:00

Why many members find growth difficult.

Luke 15:25-32; Revelation 3:15-18

Most longtime members find it more comfortable to attend a church plateaued in size, or one experiencing gradual numerical decline, than to participate in a fast-growing congregation. Why?

1. Stability. The first, and for many the most powerful, reason for this attitude is that the worshiping community can be a comforting and affirming stability zone. For people who find that every other facet of their life is complicated by unwanted change, they want their congregation to be stable and predictable.

2. Continuity. In a church shrinking in size, there is much continuity in familiar faces, in traditions, customs, and events, in the denominational affiliation, in the music, in the organizational life, and in those trusted and long-tenured volunteer leaders and officers.

3. Giving cycles. For those responsible for paying the bills, a common pattern makes numerical decline more comfortable than growth. The typical pattern in rapidly growing congregations is a two-year lag between the membership or attendance curve and the income curve. In the numerically shrinking congregation, that lag disappears. Frequently the decline in dollar receipts lags about two years behind the decline in average worship attendance. Those longtime members may attend less frequently, but a combination of institutional loyalty, guilt, habit, and stewardship often means their financial contributions may increase rather than diminish.

4. Complexity. Growth almost invariably is accompanied by an increase in the level of complexity. The vast majority of people prefer simplicity. Life in the numerically shrinking parish usually is less complex than in the rapidly growing congregation.

5. Neglect. A substantial proportion of the pastor's time and energy must be allocated to potential future members. Since the increase in staff frequently lags behind the increase in membership, this often causes longtime members to believe they are being neglected. Gradual numerical decline is one way to offset this perception of neglect.

6. Commitment. Numerical growth tends to be more common in congregations moving toward the high-commitment end of a spectrum. Frequently, numerically shrinking congregations are drifting toward the low-commitment or low-expectation end of that spectrum. A decrease in the level of expectations for members can raise the comfort level.

from Building Church Leaders

Jesus is the Real Group Leader

2010-10-08T17:07:00.001-05:00

by Randall Neighbour

Randall Neighbour helps leaders see their group members as Jesus does.

Have you seen a TV program or movie that shows a lineup through a one-way mirror? Now imagine that you, as a small group leader, are watching a lineup of your small group group in such a manner. There they are: eight or 10 people, all with different needs and strengths. You have met with them long enough to know which ones are emotionally healthy and who is spiritually strong.

Look again. What (not whom) are you viewing? These dear ones are literally the body of Jesus Christ! 1 Corinthians 12 tells us they are all body parts. The Holy Spirit selected them (v. 13) and joined them together as hands, legs and even “inward parts.”

Click the "read more" button for the entire post

Of course, you know which one over talks and which one arrives late most of the time. But do you know this about them — every single one has the same degree of righteousness! Paul explains in Romans 3:22 that Christ is our only source of righteousness. When He indwells our lives, we receive all the righteousness we will ever have for all eternity.

I once sat in a Bible study led by Jackie Pullinger in the Old Walled City in Hong Kong. Those attending were former cutthroats and vagabonds who had recently accepted Jesus into their lives. While they were clean on the inside, their body odor revealed that they needed to bathe. Regardless, one of the seediest members of the group shared a profound insight with the others. A pastor friend looked over at me in disgust. He later asked Jackie, “Why in the world did you let that smelly bum share that spiritual insight?” Jackie scolded him: “Do you think because you went to seminary you have any more righteousness in you than he has in him? He has exactly as much righteousness right now as he will ever have, and if Christ wants to speak through him, that man has every right to be a channel for our Lord!”

Take another look at your small group. Recognize they are a “basic Christian community,” a fancy way of explaining they are joined to become the very body of Christ. His glorious Spirit lives and moves in them.

Sense the dynamics that take place as the icebreaker moves into worship and then into edification. Feel again the burden that arises as you share the vision and pray for unbelievers on your “Blessing List.” Renew your awareness about Christ leading this group. You are only the facilitator!

1 Corinthians 14 speaks of the duties that each one is to perform (vs. 26). The term for “each one” in the Greek is hekastos, a word that depicts every person participating. In a small group, there are not to be any “shy Janes” who passively observe the others. We are all expected to function as body members.

Body parts do not function independently. They are all directed by one source. The head of the body directs the hands, the eyes, the legs. None of these parts acts independently. There must be a central control, Jesus Christ, who induces the body to perform His ministry through them.

THE CHRIST WHO DWELLS IN ME GREETS THE CHRIST WHO DWELLS IN YOU

When Jesus lived on the earth, His Spirit occupied a body immaculately conceived. His life demonstrated the presence of God. He healed, He raised the dead, He cleansed the leper, He forgave the harlot. However, He could be at only one place at one time. His ministry was limited by His human body.

After Jesus arose from the dead, God gave Him a new body — one that exists all over the world, all the time. His new body provides the hands, feet and presence that penetrates all cultures everywhere. That new body is the small group, the “basic Christian community.”

Paul wrote in Colossians 1:26-27 of a great “mystery” that had been hidden for generations. He said, “I share this mystery: Christ dwells in you!” Think of what that means to your small group: Every person in the small group has Christ living in him or her. He wants to cause the small group to function as His body, even as the body provided by the Father and Mary, His mother, gave Him opportunity to perform supernatural acts.

THE MAIN FACTOR IN MAKING YOUR SMALL GROUP SUCCESSFUL

The life force of a small group is Christ empowering it — Christ is in the midst, incarnating, indwelling it. He is the catalyst directing your small group how to grow and what to do. Christ must lead the small group. You are to serve the small group, but Christ must lead the small group. Beware of thinking too highly of yourself. You are a servant who facilitates the group so they can experience the life of Christ flowing into them for healing and restoration. Your small group members must also sense His presence guiding them into ministry to the unreached people around them.

I have often told small group leaders that they are not the group’s “teacher.” Nor is the assignment to be the primary caregiver and to solve every person’s problems. Rather, their job is to create an environment where the presence of Christ is known, and where His life operates in the body members.

Here’s a suggestion: Instead of trying to control the group during your next Edification Time, usher in the topic with a very brief review of the scriptural teaching presented by the pastor. Imagine as you speak that you are rolling a ball of introduction into the center of the circle. Then be quiet! Let the Holy Spirit guide what happens next.

I learned years ago to briefly introduce the topic to the group and then stare at the toe of my shoe. By doing so, I was indicating that I would no longer control what happens. After a period of silence, someone invariably speaks. He or she probably addresses me as they do so, but I deliberately do not establish eye contact. The group realizes that I have released them and will not guide the discussion. In that freedom, the body members begin to listen for the voice of the Head, Jesus, instead of the voice of the facilitator. What happens next can be awesome!

PRINCIPLES FOR RECOGNIZING HIS PRESENCE

The experienced small group leader is sensitive to the activity of the Holy Spirit as Christ guides the group. The leader knows that His activity is taking place when these things occur:

1. Meditation. The group thoughtfully considers the direction in which the Spirit is guiding the edification time. They know that a small group meeting frequently focuses on one or two members, becoming specific in ministry to them. I have seen this scores of times. As a small group leader, I think, “Lord, I see that we are meeting tonight particularly because You want us to minister to Audrey as she agonizes over her recent divorce.”

2. Transparency. Usually the edification time begins with general statements by a few of the members. Others may still be thinking. I am sensitive to who is not speaking. At an appropriate time, I may say with a smile to a silent member, “And now — a word from Mary!” I try to help every (hekastos) person in the group to share. By the time one-third of the edification time transpires, I as the small group leader want to be sure each person has participated.

3. Confession. Learn to read body postures by observing the group. If a hand or hands cover all or part of a face, that may be a sign the person is approaching confession. Crossed arms and legs may denote withdrawal or discomfort with the discussion. When a small group member shares deeply and perhaps makes an honest confession, the dynamic of the session takes a new direction. Christ has spoken in a special way to this person.

4. Compassion. As the small group leader, I must now reinforce the group by confirming the person who is sharing deeply. Voice tone and repeating what has been shared is important: “Jim, I hear you saying that you have never been able to forgive your father for the cruel way he has treated you. Some of us have been there. We understand!”

5. Edification. No issue is so deep that Christ cannot bring victory. When the group senses the activity of the Lord in one or more hearts, a time of silence is helpful so the members can reflect and hear what the Lord is saying. Remember that edification means that I hear your need, and then I hear Christ’s voice, and then I share what He has given to me so you may be built up. Pausing to listen to Him in the edification time is very important!

6. Accountability. Once the small group hears the clear words of the Spirit flowing through the sharing time, the small group leader needs to bring the issue to a conclusion. “Let’s go around the group and share what each one of us has learned from this session. Perhaps some of us would like the group to know where we can focus our prayer about where we go from here.” I recall one man saying, “Pray that when I pass by a newsstand in a strange city I will not be tempted to buy pornography.”

7. Joy. Many years ago, our small group was called to an emergency meeting by one of the members. With tears, the person confessed, “I have sinned against my Lord and against our life together as the Body of Christ.” After the sharing, we promised to create a 24-hour prayer chain while this person travelled to a distant city where previous immorality had taken place. Many faxes and phone calls were sent by the small group to support this person. Just before our member flew back, we got a call: “I have found total victory from my sin while I have been here!” The small group greeted the member at the airport with a banner that read, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” We all rejoiced because one of the body members had been triumphant! When a small group finds joy at the conclusion of their lives together, Christ is in the midst in a special way.

HOW TO TAP INTO HIS PRESENCE

The more time you as the small group leader spend in the “Listening Room” interceding for your small group members, the greater will be the awareness of Him when you meet with your group. As the small group gathered, I frequently sat with a deep sense of awe that we were about to assemble the hands, legs and other body parts of Christ, and that He would be revealing Himself in a special way that cannot be experienced by those who are not bonded into His glorious community. Intercessory prayer for one another is the secret of tapping into His presence.

BE A WITNESS!

Once a small group discovers the active work of Jesus within them, the small group is never the same. It moves to a new dimension that shakes all their value systems. But that is not enough! It is evident from reading the four gospels that Jesus was ceaselessly active in reaching out to the lost. Indeed, He said He had come “to seek and to save those who are lost!” How, then, can a small group group possibly think they are pleasing to the Lord if they are not targeting a group of unbelievers and using their small group as a witness to draw others to Him?

1 Corinthians 14:24-25 makes it clear that the greatest tool of evangelism a small group possesses is their meeting together with observers who are “unbelievers or ungifted ones.” When Christ’s presence is powerfully manifested in a special way in a small group meeting, unbelievers are awed by His evident presence and exclaim, “Wow! I have watched a lot of hocus pocus on religious TV, but in this room I really have met Christ. He is certainly among you!” And, says Paul, they will fall on their faces and be saved.

The full evidence that Christ is in your midst takes place when the unbeliever is also in your midst and finds Him in you!

Randall Neighbour is the President of TOUCH Outreach Ministries, Inc., a non-profit organization located in Houston, Texas. His threefold ministry focus is to consult, train, and resource churches as they fulfill the Great Commandment and Great Commission through a highly relational holistic small group-based model for church life. Randall is the author of six additional resources for small group members, leaders, coaches, and groups, including the book, The Naked Truth About Small Group Ministry.

More from Randall Neighbour or visit Randall at www.touchusa.org

The Four Stages of Group Development

2010-10-06T16:27:00.001-05:00

Carolyn Taketa, talks about the four stages of development in all small groups.

Those stages are: 1) Forming, 2) Engaging, 3) Maturing, and 4) Transitioning.

Here is a brief overview of each one:

The Forming Stage. In the forming stage, people are connecting for the first time, checking out the group, and figuring out if this is a place where they can belong and grow. They are evaluating the leader, other members, the purpose of the group, and its expectations in order to determine whether this group will be worth their time and effort. The leader's prayers, preparations, and follow-up with potential members are vital at this stage. In addition, a welcoming, gracious, and encouraging environment where people have opportunities to get to know each other helps the group start off strong.
The Engaging Stage. In the engaging stage, group members are learning more about one another and starting to trust each other. Commitment to the group increases as friendships continue to grow. Members share increasingly more personal issues, support each other, and care for one another's needs. Unity is strengthened and a sense of "us" begins to emerge. As people become more open and authentic with one another in this stage, personality conflicts or clashes of opinions may arise. When such conflicts are handled with gentleness, truth, and grace, the group will be propelled to deeper levels of love for one another.
The Maturing Stage. In the maturing stage, members know and accept one another, recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of each person. The group is cohesive, mutual respect is high, and members are interdependent. Desire for personal spiritual growth and greater missional purpose drives the group's relationships and activities. The group goes "beyond itself" to reach out to nonbelievers and show God's love to those in need. Members regularly engage in spiritual disciplines and understand the role of the group in their spiritual development. The group consistently looks for ways to encourage and hold each other accountable in their commitments toward change.
The Transitioning Stage. In the transitional stage, the group begins to disband for any number of natural reasons (most of which are listed below). Group members reflect and rejoice over the ways God has used the group to help them grow and be a blessing to others. While some friendships will flourish beyond the group and others will end, the impact of the group on the members' lives will endure.

Interesting, huh? What stage you would guess your small group to be in?

When A Small Group Member Hasn’t Crossed the Line of Faith…

2010-08-30T16:06:00.001-05:00

Here’s an article for those attending a small group at the CRossroads. This speaks to a problem that I hope we get to experience, which is having people attending our small groups who have never decided to put their faith and trust in Jesus. What an exciting thing to have someone “cross the line of faith” in one of our small groups, but what happens when they know they should, but they refuse to… Click the READ MORE button for the whole article.

by Aaron Armstrong

Does one of your members only THINK they're saved? Here's what to do.

You’re sitting in your living room after small group, reflecting on the conversation of the evening. While you’re reviewing the night, you remember something a group member said, and it catches you off guard:

“I don’t know why we put so much emphasis on the Bible…it’s just a book.”

As you pray over this, you recall other similar comments and become increasingly concerned that this person may not actually be a Christian.

And, you’re right. They may not be.

According to recent Barna studies, only 19% of American born-again Christians hold to a biblical worldview, and 79% believe that the Bible is accurate in all that it teaches. Slightly less than two-thirds of this same group (62%) believe that Jesus was absolutely sinless, as the Bible teaches. Less than half (47%) believe that salvation is by grace through faith and not by works.

Given these statistics, I’d cautiously say it’s a certainty that there are men and women in small groups who may not be saved, but they think that they are.

This is a highly contentious statement to make, so I must clarify: We may not use these facts as license to self-righteously determine who is and is not a Christian. We must also be careful not to confuse someone who is immature in his faith with someone who is unregenerate. We must be wise in discerning the difference based on Scripture.

The Immature Believer

An immature believer is one who is simply confused about what the Bible teaches and what it says. He may be a brand-new Christian in need of guidance or a long-time Christian who simply has not sat under authoritative biblical teaching. He may even be one of those people who constantly fights over secondary issues.

While an immature believer may not understand Scripture well or may have some serious errors in his understanding of God, he is ultimately marked by a teachable spirit. He is open to correction from people who love him. He takes heed to godly counsel. He has a desire to learn and grow into the likeness of Christ.

The Corinthian church is a perfect example of immature believers. They lacked discernment concerning doctrinal issues. They excused gross unrepentant sin. They abused spiritual gifts in worship. Despite all this, they received correction from the Apostle Paul. They were teachable.

The Unregenerate Churchgoer

Here’s where things get complicated. The unregenerate churchgoer is very good at hiding in a crowd. Many of these churchgoers have been going to church for a long time; many more serve in the church as greeters, in children’s ministry, or even leading a small group.

Like an immature believer, these churchgoers are marked by a lack of biblical knowledge or an errant understanding of God. Others are characterized by a dogmatic legalism that elevates morality to the highest form of authority. Some believe that grace frees us to sin unashamedly; after all, God has forgiven us (see Romans 6:15). Some believe that all things are lawful, despite not being beneficial (see 1 Cor. 6:12-13). All will turn away from sound doctrine and find teachers who will tell them what they want to hear (see 2 Tim. 4:3-4).

They do not heed godly counsel. They do not submit to authority. They don’t have a desire to grow into the likeness of Christ. They are not teachable.

These are the clear marks of an unregenerate churchgoer.

You might be thinking, “Does it even matter if I think someone’s a Christian or not? What do I do with the person who is already in my group?”

The answer, again, is both simple and complicated.

Does it matter if we think someone may or may not be a Christian and how do we respond?

Our friends’ salvation and ongoing relationship with Jesus should be of great concern to us. If we love our friends, we need to do what we can to assist them, whether they are mature believers, immature, or secretly unregenerate. The following are a few of the things I’ve found helpful, as I hope you will:

Keep Christ central in all our content. Our studies must always be pointing to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Teach the gospel when it’s popular and when it’s not (which is all the time). Only the gospel has the power to transform the hearts of the mature, immature, and unregenerate alike.
Be patient. Paul exhorted Timothy to teach with complete patience. Not everyone learns at the same rate. Everyone stumbles; everyone gives in to temptation and should be treated with gentleness.
Confront sin. We must be willing to call each other to repentance. We must cultivate an atmosphere where it’s safe to confess our sins, to be open about our struggles, and give and receive appropriate correction. If I am in sin, I expect one of the men in my group to confront me. If we love each other, we can do nothing less.
Hold your ground. Not everyone will endure sound teaching, but hold fast to it, especially when it’s hard.
Be willing to say goodbye. Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is to ask someone to leave your group if they are disruptive, unrepentant and unteachable.

Are there unregenerate sheep in the fold? Probably. However, this shouldn’t come as a surprise to us. So what do we do? We keep Christ the focus of all our studies, we show patience and mercy, we confront sin in love, we hold our ground on key doctrinal issues, and we must be willing to say goodbye to those who will not do the same.

It’s intimidating, to be sure, but this is the call of leadership.

Aaron Armstrong writes regularly for SmallGroupTrader.com and is an author and designer of small group curriculum. He has hosted a small group in his home since 2007. He blogs at BloggingTheologically (Hardwords.wordpress.com) and works for a division of Compassion International.

How To Re-Start Your Small Group

2010-08-26T17:07:00.001-05:00

Believe it or not Ctrl-Alt-Del works in ministry, as well. Todd Elliot

This was an article that ran on www.smallgroups.com and I thought it was very timely for us at the Crossroads, so here you go, of course you will want to click on the READ MORE button for the entire article.

Many groups take a break from their normal pattern of meeting over the summer, either by design or simply because of people's hectic schedules. And that's fine. Some groups (and leaders) do need a break. However, many leaders have found that it can be harder to re-start after one of these breaks than they realize. If you're in that situation, you need to do some intentional things to get your group back on track.

Think of it like a re-boot on your computer. You know what three keys you press in succession to re-start your computer, right? CTRL + ALT + DEL. So I am encouraging you to CTRL + ALT + DEL your small group. Here's how.

CTRL—Take Control of Your Group

If your group is going to get back together, it will happen because you, the group leader, took control of things and decided it was time to get back in the groove again. Don't wait for others to let you know the group should get back together, or to manufacture the excitement and enthusiasm for re-starting. You are the leader; it has to come from you.

The first thing to do is set a definite date for when the group will resume its normal pattern of meetings. You might be tempted to try and contact the group and see when they want to get back together. Don't do it! It can be close to impossible to get in touch with everyone, and you can't expect people to call you or e-mail you back.

So take control. Set a date. And unless you discover that you'll be the only one there, don't change it.

ALT—Have an Alternative Meeting for Your First Time Back

Don't have just your normal meeting the first time you gather back. Do something different and fun that will catch people's interest and have them looking forward to being back together. Here are some suggestions:

Have a game night in your usual meeting place.
Go out and play some games—putt-putt golf, go karts, laser tag, bowling, etc.
Have a picnic.
Dinner and a movie.
Set up a game of kickball, whiffle ball, or volleyball.
Go to a minor or major league baseball game.
Eat at a restaurant.
Set up a potluck dinner.
Have a video-game competition.
Set up a ping-pong or corn-hole tournament.

Get the idea? Use one of these ideas or do something else. Just do something!

Once you are past this initial re-gathering time, you will probably want to re-visit your expectations for the group—and allow group members to do the same. Ask the group how they would like things to be different and what some goals for the upcoming year might be.

DEL—Don't Be Afraid to Delete Members from the Group

Life happens. We go through seasons where things change. Just because someone was in your group before doesn't mean they'll continue on. Groups can be held hostage because they keep waiting for one person or one couple to re-engage. It may never happen and the group fizzles.

Groups in that situation are much better off letting those people go and recruiting someone new. And that's really okay. It's healthy. Maybe one day the original person will come back, or maybe they'll join another group. Either way, don't take it personally. Just invest in the people you have before you.

So there you have it: CTRL + ALT + DEL your group and get off to a great "re-start!"

Some Perspective on Life Progression…

2010-07-30T17:53:00.001-05:00

As I continue to age, I have some very interesting conversations with myself comparing the experiences that I HAVE had, and the experiences that CURRENTLY come at me each and every day. By the way, these conversations are not the kind that Jim Carrey had with himself as Ace Venture posing as a lunatic football player in the movie by the same name. No, these are the conversations that a man would have with his younger self in determining whether he has lived up to the dreams and hopes that we all have in our youth. MORE….

One of my recent conversations was reflecting on the time that I spend in the car. Throughout my life I have spent much time behind the wheel of a car. There have been jobs that required me to operate a vehicle (I used to work as a courier for FedEx) and several of my daily commutes were rather lengthy. Road trips, moves, out of town conferences, church retreats, camps, etc., have all been the source of large amounts of windshield time. The conversation centered on the stuff that I have spent my time listening to while driving, and how that has progressed through the years. Here is the progression and the correlation that I noticed.

As a youth pastor my car radio was constantly blaring out the latest and greatest Christian music that was available. I have always valued music and my tastes trend to the louder more upbeat stuff and as a student minister that was welcomed stuff with my youth groups. Relating to the sound of the student culture was one of the easier aspects of ministry in those days.

As a church planter my car radio was tuned to a different sound, talk radio. As a church planter I worked with a wide variety of folks. This was a challenge to stay relevant to all that is going on in the world, so I sought a source to keep me informed and aware of the current events and the perspective that various folks had. I found this readily available in the “callers” that would call in and share their thoughts with the various host on my local station. I would often think to myself, how would caller so-and-so feel about the sermon that I am planning on sharing this week, or how would they feel about the discussion at the small group we had last night.

Currently as pastor of a growing church, when I’m in my car the only thing I listen for is my phone ringing…

So the correlation looks something like this, as a young man not far removed from those that I was ministering to I related to them through the music that mattered to them, as a young pastor trying to reach folks for a new church plant I tried to be relevant to a wide variety of people by considering the wide variety of opinions that were out there. Now as pastor of a growing community oriented church, I am listening to the people, not only through the phone calls, but also through email, texts, tweets, (even this blog) etc. These folks are looking for ways to communicate the needs that they are facing and I want to be available to hear.

So there you go, you have just been privy to just one of the conversations I have with myself. Now what kind of conversations do you have? -Kent

Barna Studies What Propels Activity in Small Groups

2010-07-07T21:41:00.001-05:00

The Barna Group recently released results of a study on what types of people are most active in “group” expressions of faith, including small groups, Sunday School classes, and house churches. The report found that women and older adults drive most faith participation in small groups and Sunday Schools. Women make up the majority of attenders of these groups, and a majority of church volunteers are female. Religious activities tend to have fewer single adults (especially never-marrieds), and Catholics, although they make up a quarter of U.S. worshippers, only one-tenth of them participate in small groups, Sunday School classes, or volunteer activities. Not surprisingly, many religiously active Americans tend toward conservative political views, but attenders of house churches are the most likely to call themselves “political liberals,” and nearly half are registered Democrats.

Barna Group 6/28/10

The Example of Barnabas

2010-05-13T11:37:00.001-05:00

George Helleson sent this “daily devotion” that he receives through email. This is a great reminder of the biblical instruction we have to support and encourage one another. Please click the “read more” button to get the full article.

Prior to meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus, Saul (who would later be known as the Apostle Paul) was one of the greatest enemies of Christians: "Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison" (Acts 8:3). But Saul's conversion to Christ was dramatic, and after a few years he tried to join with the believers in Jerusalem. However, with his reputation for hatred toward Christians, the disciples were not willing to accept him.
But one man saw beyond the past mistakes; saw beyond the slimy pit from which he had been removed; saw the grace of Jesus which had worked a miracle in Saul's life - that man was Barnabas! Barnabas believed in Saul, comforted him, and defended him to the other believers.
Acts 9:27
"But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus."
Saul was on fire for Jesus, ready to preach the gospel with the same energy he once used to persecute the church. But after just a short time in Jerusalem, Saul had to flee for his life back to his home in Tarsus. It's not clear what he did for the next several years, but there's no evidence of ministry work until Barnabas, once again, found Saul and provided the necessary encouragement.
Acts 11:25-26
"Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people."
The Apostle Paul went on to have a greater impact in the forming of the early Church and in defining Church doctrine than any other follower of Jesus. But if not for Barnabas, Paul may not have ever preached beyond his own back yard. In the early days of the Church, Barnabas believed the absolute best in people and encouraged them at every opportunity. His encouragement of Paul resulted in more fruit for God's Kingdom than anything else he could have possibly done or imagined.
We all know someone who can use a lift - someone in desperate need of a friend to believe in them - someone in need of a Barnabas! Let's encourage others today by believing in the power of Christ working through their lives; by looking beyond what we can see, to what we know Jesus can do with a life completely devoted to Him. Let's be the spark which reignites the fire in others and helps them return to the great race. Let's look for opportunities to encourage our Brothers and Sisters according to the example of Barnabas.

Have a Christ Centered Day!
Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries

With Mother’s Day Close…

2010-04-28T17:00:00.001-05:00

A very thought provoking story…

2010-04-28T15:45:00.001-05:00

Here’s a story a friend sent to me in an email. It makes you think, and may even challenge the status quo of those you allow in your home…(click READ MORE) for the story.

A few years after I was born, my Dad met a stranger who was new to our small town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around from then on.
As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my family. In my young mind, he had a special niche. My parents were complementary instructors: Mum taught me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey. But the stranger... he was our storyteller. He would keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures, mysteries and comedies.

If I wanted to know anything about politics, history or science, he always knew the answers about the past, understood the present and even seemed able to predict the future! He took my family to the first major league ball game. He made me laugh, and he made me cry. The stranger never stopped talking, but Dad didn't seem to mind.
Sometimes, Mum would get up quietly while the rest of us were shushing each other to listen to what he had to say, and she would go to the kitchen for peace and quiet.

(I wonder now if she ever prayed for the stranger to leave.)
Dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions, but the stranger never felt obligated to honor them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our home - not from us, our friends or any visitors. Our long time visitor, however, got away with four-letter words that burned my ears and made my dad squirm and my mother blush. My Dad didn't permit the liberal use of alcohol but the stranger encouraged us to try it on a regular basis. He made cigarettes look cool, cigars manly, and pipes distinguished. He talked freely (much too freely!) about sex. His comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and generally embarrassing..
I now know that my early concepts about relationships were influenced strongly by the stranger. Time after time, he opposed the values of my parents, yet he was seldom rebuked... And NEVER asked to leave.
More than fifty years have passed since the stranger moved in with our family. He has blended right in and is not nearly as fascinating as he was at first. Still, if you could walk into my parents' den today, you would still find him sitting over in his corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures.

His name?....
We just call him 'TV.'
He has a wife now....we call her 'Computer.'
Their first child is "Cell Phone".
Second child "I Pod "

Law of the Garbage Truck

2010-04-05T14:00:00.001-05:00

Perhaps you have seen this little gem in your email already (I don’t know the original author), but if not, there is quite a lot of wisdom in the words of a random cab driver…click the “read more” button for the full story.

Law of the Garbage Truck
One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport.
We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us.
My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches!

The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us.
My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean he was really friendly.
So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!'
This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks.

They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment.
As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally.

Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day.
Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so ... Love the people who treat you right... Pray for the ones who don't.

Remember Jesus taught us to love others as we love ourselves, so love yourself and others by not taking on the garbage.

Kids at Church…

2010-03-22T23:46:00.001-05:00

Amy Burch sent me this in an email. Here’s a few quotes of stuff from kids at church. I guarantee at least a small grin from each of these quotes, and a good ole fashioned belly laugh from a couple of them.

Click the “read more” button to read the actual quotes…

KIDS IN CHURCH 3-year-old Reese: 'Our Father, Who does art in heaven, Harold is His name. Amen.. ' ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A little boy was overheard praying: 'Lord, if you can't make me a better boy, don't worry about it. I'm having a real good time like I am.' ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After the dedication of his baby brother in church, Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied,'That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I wanted to stay with you guys.' ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One particular four-year-old prayed, 'And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets.' ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Sunday school teacher asked her children as they were on the way to church service, 'And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?' One bright little girl replied,'Because people are sleeping.' ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin 5, and Ryan 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. 'If Jesus were sitting here, He would say, 'Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.' Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, 'Ryan , you be Jesus!' ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A father was at the beach with his children when the four-year-old son ran up to him, grabbed his hand, and led him to the shore where a seagull lay dead in the sand. 'Daddy, what happened to him?' the son asked. 'He died and went to Heaven,' the Dad replied. The boy thought a moment and then said, 'Did God throw him back down?' ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A wife invited some people to dinner. At the table, she turned to their six-year-old daughter and said, 'Would you like to say the blessing?' 'I wouldn't know what to say,' the girl replied. 'Just say what you hear Mommy say,' the wife answered. The daughter bowed her head and said, 'Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?'

Why Go To Church?

2010-03-22T21:19:00.001-05:00

I got this in an email from Derek Emmons (our drummer) and I really enjoyed it, so I thought I should send it on…

Why go to Church?

If you're spiritually alive, you're going to love this!

If you're spiritually dead, you won't want to read it.

If you're spiritually curious, there is still hope!

Why Go To Church?

A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons.. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."

This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:

"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this.. They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!" When you are DOWN to nothing..... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!

Leaders produce leaders…

2010-03-03T15:47:00.001-06:00

Crossroads is a church where we desire for each member to be a minister! I am posting an article from John Maxwell on the attributes of an inspirational leader. These are attributes that we should all pursue, because being a minister means that we must lead others (remember, someone is always following you). As you read the article diagnose your own leadership profile and see where you might need work!

Click the “read more” button for the full article…

Attributes of an Inspirational Leader

1. Attitude Of Service To be an inspirational leader, you must adopt an attitude of service toward those you lead. This requires laying aside selfish interests to add value to another person. In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” When you serve, you awaken something magnetic inside of you. People are drawn to follow you because they know you'll find ways to make them better.
2. Affirmation To inspire means to have a positive view of others. If we’re not careful, we become fault-finders, magnifying the flaws in everyone around us. Instead, leaders should emulate gold prospectors—always on the lookout for potential gold mines. When they find traces of ore, prospectors assume there’s a rich vein to unearth, and they start digging. Likewise, leaders ought to search for the best traits within a person and commit to uncovering them. Focusing on a person’s strengths inspires them by promoting confidence, growth, and success.
3. Attentiveness Great inspirers know the desires of those they lead. As much as people respect the knowledge and ability of their leaders, these are secondary concerns for them. They don't care how much their leaders know until they know how much their leaders care. When leaders attend to the deeply felt needs of their team, the determination and commitment of each team member skyrockets.
4. Availability Leaders inspire by intentionally investing time in the people they lead. They make themselves available. People cannot be nurtured from a distance or by infrequent spurts of attention. They need a leader to spend time with them—planned time, not just a conversation in passing.
In our fast-paced and demanding world, time is a leader’s most precious commodity. While it feels costly to give up, nothing communicates you value a person more than the gift of your time. Also investing time to develop others has a way of reaping dividends. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”
5. Authenticity To inspire, leaders have to be genuine. Followers want to believe in and trust their leaders. However, when leaders break promises or fail to honor commitments, they reveal themselves as being inauthentic, and lose credibility. Trust rests upon a foundation of authenticity. To gain trust, a leader must consistently align words and deeds, while showing a degree of transparency.
Summary Inspiring is more of a process than an event. It’s more than a brilliant speech; it’s cultivating habits of brilliance that manifest themselves daily.

Adapted from John Maxwell’s “5 Attributes of an Inspirational Leader,” Leadership Wired 3/24/09

When Sparks Fly…

2010-02-13T03:03:00.001-06:00

Now that’s a title that will cause you to read on right?! Well you may be surprised, because there is no juicy news here resulting from a knock down brawl, instead our title refers to a scripture that references the work required for a man to change. Proverbs 27:17 says, “iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” The Bible is clear that we are changed when our lives are influenced by other followers of Christ. In the case of men, that influence can sometimes cause sparks. Just as the sparks fly when one piece of iron comes to blows with another piece of iron to make a sharp object, so the sparks can fly when men begin to challenge each other to pursue the value system of Christ. Metaphorically we could say along with the scripture that one follower of Christ “sharpens” another follower of Christ as the “sparks fly”.

Click the “read more” button for the rest of the post…

Here at Crossroads we are encouraging our men to “intentionally” get involved in the sharpening process. What that looks like at Crossroads is the Biblical example of “small-er groups”. Jesus modeled this in His ministry through a “sharpening” relationship with three of His disciples, Peter, James, and John (His small-er group). This brotherhood of men, pursuing the values that Jesus taught, became the building blocks of what we today call the church! We are beneficiaries of grace because these men gave their lives to the mission of “making Christ known”. They made that sacrifice because they were “iron” in each others lives.

So, with that model from our Lord, we are asking the Men at the Crossroads to find a small-er group of 3-4 men who can meet regularly to ask each other the tough questions and encourage each other towards the value system of Jesus. Men need to be challenged. It’s how we change. We are like that piece of iron that is simply minding it’s own business until another piece of iron comes along and strikes. That’s when we react and the “sharpening” occurs! This process of sharpening is not fights or battles, but edifying or “building up” one another. This isn’t easy because it requires men to be willing to admit their faults and seek counsel from each other. The Bible teaches us that we are healed when we admit our failures (spelled s-i-n). It requires great humility to willingly sit down with other men and admit your faults, but that humility leads to great change. It leads us into being the men that Jesus wants us to be. It leads us into the type of lives that Peter, James, and John had. The type of lives that change the world!

Men, seek out a small-er group! Ask some guys that you respect to join you in a process of “iron sharpening iron”. Find a time when you can gather weekly and make a commitment to the process. You will change. You will be humbled. You will get sharper. You will become the man that God wants you to be. The mission is great, and totally worthy of all that we have. Make a decision to set aside your pride and allow God to work through a brotherhood of Christ followers at Crossroads Church. One day when you walk the streets of heaven and talk with our brothers Peter, James, and John, you can tell them stories about the sparks that flew as you and your brothers were iron sharpening iron, and how your lives were spent in the ultimate effort of making Christ known!

It’s Alive!!!

2010-02-05T13:19:00.001-06:00

For the past several years there has been a steady stream of “Zombie” movies. Perhaps you have seen some of them. Some are so ridiculous that they are funny, others are quite gruesome. I have never really been a fan of that particular type of movie. I guess the idea of something that is dead coming back to a state of un-dead, but not really being alive is pretty confusing and well, like I said, ridiculous. However, I guess there are enough folks whose reality is suspended enough for them, that they keep heading to the movie theatre to watch the zombies march.

click the “read more” button for the rest of the article…

A church can exist in this confusing state as well. Some churches seem to be dead. By that I mean that they don’t seem to have ANY life. They are the same people year in and year out who basically just keep coming to church waiting to see what is going to happen that they can observe or even comment on (that last part is spelled g-o-s-s-i-p), then if someone new comes, or perhaps a new idea or activity is suggested, the “regulars” point out every possible way for that new thing to fail until everyone is so discouraged and afraid to attempt it that the idea gets laid aside. This approach leads to very little “making Christ known” happening and actually hastens the day when the church will have to shut it’s doors. Which incidentally happens to 3500-4000 churches each year.

Let’s help keep the silly zombie thing confined strictly to the movie screen and not in our real lives.

But a church doesn’t have to be in this “zombie” state. God has given His everything so that we can be part of something ALIVE! It is God’s desire that our community be vibrant and thriving. He wants us to be reaching out to new people and new groups of people to engage them in the pursuit of His values. He gave His son Jesus as a sacrifice, not so we can sit over to the side away from everyone and avoid the “world”. He gave us the greatest message of all to share with them. That message is that He loves them and we must share that message first and foremost by sharing that LOVE.

Crossroads Church is one of those places where the people desire to reach out. We want the Love, Acceptance, and Forgiveness that we have experienced in our lives to be felt by all those around us. May we never shrink from the opportunity to engage “new” people and new groups of people in an effort to make Christ known to them. Let’s help keep the silly zombie thing confined strictly to the movie screen and not in our real lives.

Take the Son!

2010-01-18T15:27:00.002-06:00

I’ve gotten this in my email a couple of times lately, this is great, take a moment to read it, it will make your day!

The ending will surprise you.

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art…

When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son. (click READ MORE)

About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, 'Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life.. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly.... He often talked about you, and your love for art.' The young man held out this package. 'I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.'

The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture.. 'Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift.'

The father hung the portrait over his mantle…Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected…

The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.

On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. 'We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?'

There was silence...

Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, 'We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.' But the auctioneer persisted. 'Will somebody bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?' Another voice angrily. 'We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!'

But still the auctioneer continued. 'The son! The son! Who'll take the son?'

Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. 'I'll give $10 for the painting...' Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.

'We have $10, who will bid $20?'

'Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters.'

The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son.

They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.

The auctioneer pounded the gavel.. 'Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!'

A man sitting on the second row shouted, 'Now let's get on with the collection!'

The auctioneer laid down his gavel. 'I'm sorry, the auction is over.'

'What about the paintings?'

'I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will... I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.

The man who took the son gets everything!'

God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: 'The son, the son, who'll take the son?'

Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.

FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, WHO SO EVER BELIEVETH, SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE...THAT'S LOVE

It Don't Cost Nuthin' to be Nice

2010-01-14T17:03:00.006-06:00

I know many of you are a bit sore that Alabama beat Texas in the BCS Championship game, I too was saddened that the game was a bit awkward with Colt McCoy getting hurt, but I still enjoyed the game and especially the outcome. (sorry Texas fans) I was born in Alabama and have been a fan of the University of Alabama every since I can remember, but really it all started with me being a fan of their coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. Who incidentally was the first and only football coach at the college I graduated from, Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. So with that bit of background I wanted to share this story that Coach Bryant loved to tell. Keep reading...

At a Touchdown Club meeting many years before his death, Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant told the following story: I had just been named the new head coach at Alabama and was off in my old car down in South Alabama recruiting a prospect who was supposed to have been a pretty good player and I was havin' trouble finding the place.
Getting hungry I spied an old cinder block building with a small sign out front that simply said "Restaurant." I pull up, go in and every head in the place turns to stare at me. Seems I'm the only white fella in the place.. But the food smelled good so I skip a table and go up to a cement bar and sit. A big ole man in a tee shirt and cap comes over and says, "What do you need?" I told him I needed lunch and what did they have today? He says, "You probably won't like it here, today we're having chitlins, collared greens and black eyed peas with cornbread. I'll bet you don't even know what chitlins
(small intestines of hogs prepared as food in the deep South) are, do you?" I looked him square in the eye and said, "I'm from Arkansas , I've probably eaten a mile of them. Sounds like I'm in the right place."
They all smiled as he left to serve me up a big plate. When he comes back he says, "You ain't from around here then?" I explain I'm the new football coach up in Tuscaloosa at the University and I'm here to find whatever that boy's name was and he says, yeah I've heard of him, he's supposed to be pretty good. And he gives me directions to the school so I can meet him and his coach.
As I'm paying up to leave, I remember my manners and leave a tip, not too big to be flashy, but a good one and he told me lunch was on him, but I told him for a lunch that good, I felt I should pay. The big man asked me if I had a photograph or something he could hang up to show I'd been there. I was so new that I didn't have any yet. It really wasn't that big a thing back then to be asked for, but I took a napkin and wrote his name and address on it and told him I'd get him one. I met the kid I was lookin' for later that afternoon and I don't remember his name, but do remember I didn't think much of him when I met him.
I had wasted a day, or so I thought. When I got back to Tuscaloosa late that night, I took that napkin from my shirt pocket and put it under my keys so I wouldn't forget it. Back then I was excited that anybody would want a picture of me. The next day we found a picture and I wrote on it, "Thanks for the best lunch I've ever had."
Now let's go a whole buncha years down the road. Now we have black players at Alabama and I'm back down in that part of the country scouting an offensive lineman we sure needed. Y'all remember, (and I forget the name, but it's not important to the story), well anyway, he's got two friends going to Auburn and he tells me he's got his heart set on Auburn too, so I leave empty handed and go on see some others while I'm down there.
Two days later, I'm in my office in Tuscaloosa and the phone rings and it's this kid who just turned me down, and he says, "Coach, do you still want me at Alabama ?" And I said, "Yes I sure do." And he says OK, he'll come.
And I say, "Well son, what changed your mind?" And he said, "When my grandpa found out that I had a chance to play for you and said no, he pitched a fit and told me I wasn't going nowhere but Alabama, and wasn't playing for nobody but you. He thinks a lot of you and has ever since y'all met." Well, I didn't know his granddad from Adam's housecat so I asked him who his granddaddy was and he said, "You probably don't remember him, but you ate in his restaurant your first year at Alabama and you sent him a picture that he's had hung in that place ever since.. That picture's his pride and joy and he still tells everybody about the day that Bear Bryant came in and had chitlins with him."
"My grandpa said that when you left there, he never expected you to remember him or to send him that picture, but you kept your word to him and to Grandpa, that's everything. He said you could teach me more than football and I had to play for a man like you, so I guess I'm going to." I was floored.
But I learned that the lessons my mama taught me were always right. It don't cost nuthin' to be nice. It don't cost nuthin' to do the right thing most of the time, and it costs a lot to lose your good name by breakin ' your word to someone. When I went back to sign that boy, I looked up his Grandpa and he's still running that place, but it looks a lot better now; and he didn't have chitlins that day, but he had some ribs that woulda made Dreamland proud and I made sure I posed for a lot of pictures; and don't think I didn't leave some new ones for him, too, along with a signed football. I made it clear to all my assistants to keep this story and these lessons in mind when they're out on the road. If you remember anything else from me, remember this. It really doesn't cost anything to be nice, and the rewards can be unimaginable. ~ Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant

Editor's Note: Coach Bryant was in the presence of these few gentlemen for only minutes, and he defined himself for life. Regardless of our profession, we do define ourselves by how we treat others, and how we behave in the presence of others, and most of the time, we have only minutes or seconds to leave a lasting impression. We can be rude, crude, arrogant, cantankerous, or we can be nice. Nice is always a better choice.

I like what Stephen Grellet, French/American religious leader (1773-1855) said, "I expect to pass through the world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness I can show to any creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer it, for I shall not pass this way again." Let's take every chance we have to "be nice", because you never know when that may lead to an opportunity to "make Christ known"!

Growing For It!

2009-11-12T02:26:00.001-06:00

Education is so very important to the life of any organization. What’s coming up next? Why do we do what we do? What can I do to add to the life of the church? All very important questions that can be answered through the process of education. The challenge of educating a growing church is that there are new folks coming all the time who need to get up to speed. One of the “latest and greatest” ways to meet this challenge is to make the educational information easily accessed through the web. Our blog serves us well as a place to put information so people can get to it at their own pace. So with that in mind, this is the first entry in what will be an effort to educate the people of Crossroads Church and get some answers to those important questions.

Click on the "Read More" button for the rest of the post...

What’s coming up next? Now that’s a question that only our Lord can answer, but we should make our plans based on what we see Him doing now. This year we have seen our Sunday morning attendance increase substantially. How exciting to see our building filled with people enjoying the Love, Acceptance and Forgiveness that we enjoy as followers of Christ! But what are we going to do when there are no more empty seats? Should we close the doors when we reach a certain number of folks at the Crossroads? Of course not, but things are going to have to be different. One thing that has worked for many churches that have faced this challenge is to start a second service. This would allow us to double our seating capacity without the expense of a new building. Yes this approach comes with some drawbacks: we would not be able to ALL worship together as one body, we will need double the amount of workers in our children’s ministry, we will need more coffee and doughnuts, etc. But consider what happens if we don’t make changes, we will limit the extent of what God is doing at Crossroads.

As God continues to add to our church, each of us needs to consider the changes that God wants us to embrace. We will have to attend church with only half the members of our fellowship. We will have to step up and take on responsibilities that previously were handled by others. We will have to seek out ways to “connect” with folks in smaller more intimate settings so that the “smallness” that we enjoy now can remain (you spell that s-m-a-l-l-g-r-o-u-p-s). These changes will not be easy! But they will be worth it! God tells us in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Our future as a church is full of hope! Hope that more and more people will come to the Crossroads and find Christ as their Lord and Savior; hope that God will continue to use Crossroads as a place where people can “connect” with friends who are loved by God and seek to share that love with the people around them; and hope that we as a church will respond to the plans God has for us by giving our very best effort in His service.

Only God knows exactly when these changes will become necessary, but I am praying now that God will prepare your heart for the role that He wants for you in the next step that we take as a church. I ask you to pray as well that God will supply His unfailing wisdom and direction as we seek to take that step exactly where and when He wants us to.

There’s more to share, but that will be coming in future posts. Do you have a question or comment about this post?, just click on the word comments below to bring up a comment box.

Trunk or Treat!

2009-10-15T16:32:00.003-05:00

Trunk or Treat is right around the corner. Mark your calendar for Sunday, October 25th, at 5:00 p.m., and join in the fun! Plan to wear a costume and decorate your cars. The best way to go is to pick a theme. Keep reading... For the 70’s you could throw down a shag rug, put on some love beads, sprinkle in a little Flower Power, carve a peace sign in a pumpkin, and you’re good to go. You could do the 50’s, 60’s or a little disco scene from the 80’s with hairspray, spandex and roller skates. Other ideas are a Mother Goose nursery rhyme theme; Clown with a trunkload of balloons; zookeeper/lion tamer with a trunkload of stuffed animals; a fishing theme, with a kiddie pool outside the car and fishing poles with lunkers and a target for casting practice; a beach theme, with sand, chairs, an umbrella and floats with candy in an ice chest; NASCAR theme, display your souvenirs or sports memorabilia; Dora the Explorer; a Cowboy theme; Camping out with a tent and sleeping bags; Christmas theme with a small tree and presents.

There’s a Verse for That!

2009-10-09T15:21:00.001-05:00

You’ve probably seen the ads for Apple’s iPhone where they state that “there’s an app for that”. The premise for the ad campaign is that whatever issue or problem you might have, or whatever need arises can be dealt with right on your iPhone because… “there’s an app for that”. This reminded me of the way things should be for us as Christ followers, whenever stuff gets crazy, or we have issues that arise we can always know that “there’s a verse for that”. You see God has given us a great resource in scripture (even better than the iPhone). We can look to the Bible as the absolute authority for each and every decision we need to make.

So, with that in mind, I am asking folks to help me out with a little project that I want to turn into a sermon series in the very near future. Here’s what I need you to do; think of a question regarding faith, Jesus, life issues, whatever, and write it as a comment to this post. Then I will take the questions that folks have, and I will do a sermon with the Biblical answer for the questions that have been posted. Easy enough right! Well, I am sure the questions we have (invite your friends to ask their questions as well) may be tough to answer, but I know that God has given us His answer right there in the scriptures.

Ask your question by making a comment on this post (look below) and then look forward to the upcoming sermon series “There’s a Verse for That”.

FAIR DAY!!!!

2009-09-30T14:44:00.005-05:00

Hey Kids Town! Grab your FREE tickets and your parents and meet us at the church parking lot Monday Oct 5th at 8:00 am for a fun filled, family day at the Texas State Fair. Say "HI" to Big Tex and check out as many shows, rides and games that you can possibly squeeze into a full day while your there...and be sure to save room for all that great fried food and treats too!!

You don't have to have children in Kids Town to join in this fun....if your wanting to take the day off just to hang with a few of your friends from Crossroads and enjoy the State Fair...be at the church Monday morning!

Please RSVP for this event: amyburch05@gmail.com

Second in a series, VISION!

2009-09-17T16:16:00.001-05:00

Here is the second post in a series of blog posts that began with “Purpose”. I hope that you will take some time and consider the things that are here in these posts. Perhaps these thoughts might make for some curious conversation among those you influence…keep reading.

Purpose is the highest point of our existence, why are we here and what are we doing here. This truth is a sobering thought that will keep you grounded if you know that the Creator provides purpose for all of His eternal creatures. VISION is the picture of what your specific purpose looks like. Purpose being at the top of our existence, means that it is going to be a very general idea, but as you begin to bring purpose into a personal focus you will need VISION to get specific. VISION is best understood through preferred circumstances. In other words, what do you enVISION your life looking like. As you consider how things will be for you in the future (both short term and long term), how do you picture your circumstances. Do you see yourself with lots of friends, or just a few, with widespread influence, or a few choice deep relationships. These thoughts make up your vision. Not only in the area of friendships, but in all areas of our lives we need a VISION of what we want to experience. This “painting” of our future keeps us motivated to work until we see that picture come to life! Proverbs 29:18 says, “where there is no vision the people perish…” this is extremely true in our hurried modern lives. We have to have a road map/painting/picture/photo/VISION to our desired circumstances or the pace of our existence will never allow us to “look up” and see where we want to be. That road map/painting/picture/photo/VISION is best laid out with the help of our Lord and Savior Jesus.

Coming Soon - Operation Christmas Child!

2009-09-01T08:22:00.002-05:00

Christmas will be here before you know it! I strongly believe you can never plan too far in advance when we're talking Christmas...right y'all!! I know many of us just did a whole lot of school shopping which may mean lots of empty shoe boxes lying around inside your closets right now! Hang on to those shoe boxes y'all and bring them to church with you for our 1st Sunday event in October. We will need them for Operation Christmas Child! Pass the word on to your friends about Operation Christmas Child now. In a few weeks we will have information that you can pass on to your friends and schools about this program that Crossroads Church supports each year. It's such a neat experience being involved in something that you know will just light up a childs heart and can change their life for eternity! KEEP YOUR SHOE BOXES!!

First Sunday!! Sept 6th!!

2009-08-31T10:16:00.003-05:00

First Sunday is next Sunday, Sept 6th!! If you are in town over this Labor Day weekend come and join us for our Sunday morning service at 10:00am and then a fantastic lunch afterwards. Believe me you won't want to miss this. Our theme of this First Sunday is a Good Ole Fashion Homemade Ice Cream Contest! Bring your ice cream all ready to go or set up your ice cream maker at the church and get it churnin' right after the service is finished. Once everyone has finished lunch the ice cream will be served and judged. Last time the ice cream was all sooo good I'm not even sure if the judges were able to pick their favorite! It won't surprise me if we have the same out come this year also! If you would like to enter the contest please email Amy Burch at amyburch05@gmail.com. We look forward to celebrating First Sunday with y'all!

First in a series, PURPOSE!

2009-07-30T15:44:00.001-05:00

Hey all, I am going to be doing a series of posts here on the blog and I want to encourage you to read them, and perhaps you can forward them around to folks that you know that might be looking for something a little more in their lives…keep reading.

The first thing I am going to talk about is PURPOSE. Purpose is the beginning of every meaningful effort that we make. What is the purpose of life, what is the purpose of death, what is the purpose of the meals that we eat this week? All of these questions as well as every other thing that we do begin with the question what is the PURPOSE of “this”?

So ask yourself what is your PURPOSE? why are you here, why were you created, (you WERE created you know), why did the Creator give you the personality that you have, why did He place you in the family that you are in, why do you have the interests, passions, giftedness, desires, etc. that you have? At Crossroads Church we believe that our main purpose here on this planet is to “make Christ known”. Since Jesus is the answer for a broken world, then let’s broadcast that answer to as many folks as we possibly can. Now with that purpose in mind, all the remaining aspects of your life can line up with that purpose and things will begin to make more sense. If you see yourself as part of a supernatural plan that the Creator of the universe has, then it will certainly give more meaning to why you are here on Earth.

I just wanted to get you thinking about some very important stuff, and there is more to come so stay tuned.

July's 1st Sunday!!

2009-06-29T09:08:00.003-05:00

Don't let the 4th of July festivities end this Saturday evening with the last "bang" of the night being that spark-tacular firework show reminding us of our Nation's freedom! Join us this Sunday, July 5th, for a "spark-tacular" afternoon of connecting with other celebrating the freedom we have in Christ! We'll be grillin' up some hamburgers and hotdogs so don't give it a second thought... just come and enjoy an afternoon of great fellowship with your friends and family over delicious food! Kiddos bring your swim suits and towels for some slip and slide action!!! The 1 Sunday menu will be sent out by email as usual so you can volunteer for an item on the list by Wednesday....if you did not happen to get the email with 1 Sundays menu and would like to volunteer for an item please feel free to respond by emailing me at amyburch05@gmail.com. As of now we could use some volunteers for side dishes and dessert items. Crossroads loves this opportunity to connect with each other...so invite your friends or neighbors to come and join in on the fun too!

Ladies Lake Fork Retreat

2009-05-04T16:14:00.004-05:00

Ladies, Somewhere over the rainbow there's a weekend waiting just for you.

Make plans now to relax with . . . all your girlfriends from Crossroads at Lake Fork. Pack an overnight bag, grab your toothbrush, comfy PJs and get ready to laugh outloud. Don't miss the fun. Mark the date, Friday, May 15th.

Chasing the Lion

2009-04-10T11:14:00.002-05:00

I read the blogs of several Christian leaders. Many of them are leaders of churches that are trying to do things a bit different than typical. When you try different stuff, you sometimes get burned. Sometimes the risks come back to bite you, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t keep trying new and different things, because sometimes the risks bring great rewards. One author that I read is Mark Batterson. Here is a post that he put on his blog that encourages those of us who are taking the risks to keep at it. I trust you will be encouraged by this as I am. The Lion Chaser’s Manifesto...

Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshiping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze new trails. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away.
Chase the lion.

Making CHRIST known is not just for experts

2009-03-31T10:28:00.001-05:00

When we say that we want to “make Christ known” we are not saying that we are experts at being Christians. What we are saying is that we are experts at needing Jesus ourselves. Click the “read more” button to see a poem that George Helleson sent me in an email. I think this poem says it really well. Thanks George!

WHEN I SAY, "I AM A CHRISTIAN"

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not shouting, "I've been saved!"
I'm whispering, "I get lost! That's why I chose this way"
When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't speak with human pride
I'm confessing that I stumble-needing God to be my guide
When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not trying to be strong
I'm professing that I'm weak and pray for strength to carry on
When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not bragging of success
I'm admitting that I've failed and cannot ever pay the debt
When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't think I know it all
I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught
When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible but God believes I'm worth it
When I say, "I am a Christian," I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His name
When I say, "I am a Christian," I do not wish to judge
I have no authority--I only know I'm loved
Copyright 1988 Carol Wimmer

Improving our image with images…

2009-03-25T15:49:00.005-05:00

Huh? I can hear the question marks in your mind as you read the title of this post. What do we have to improve? Why should we worry about our image? Do we even have an image, after all we’re a church right? Well let me assure you that we do indeed have an image in our community, and it is very important that we do all we can to keep improving our image as best we can. You see every time someone drives by our church campus and sees our building, campus, signage, playground, parking lot, etc. they make a small deposit in their memory about what they think about Crossroads Church, and since we are representing Jesus Christ as His followers here in Rowlett (and the surrounding areas) they are also making a deposit in their memory about what they think about Jesus! So as we move forward with our efforts to “make CHRIST known” we should keep in mind that it matters what “image” we put forward. In an effort to communicate with our community our plans for Easter, we have placed two banners (with cool images) out near our existing sign. These banners are really nice! They say to our neighbors that we are interested in what is going on in their family. We want their Easter to have meaning beyond just an egg hunt. We want them to get the most out of this special day and we are saying so with some quality signs (images). This statement to our community communicates that we care about them but does it with style. These banners are the result of our Leadership Team. The need for them, the acquisition of them, and the installation of them all came from the folks who serve on our Leadership Team. This team coordinates the planning and development of many aspects of our church. If you are curious or want to find out more about ministry teams at the Crossroads, let Kent know! Thank God for Crossroads and may He continue to develop us into His “image” of a church!

Smallness in a growing church

2009-03-21T08:52:00.004-05:00

I trust that you have noticed a trend at Crossroads. We are having more people in our worship service. More folks are making the choice to attend the Sunday morning gatherings at our campus. This is very exciting, as well as a bit of a challenge (more on that in a later post). The Bible teaches us that as we do the things that God asks of us, “He will add to the church”. I believe that the people of Crossroads are practicing obedience to God in many ways, and therefore God is blessing. One very real truth that we must keep in mind is that God is going to use us only to the extent that we are effective. In other words, He is only going to give us more tasks if we are faithful in completing the originals. That’s one of the reasons small groups are so important in a growing church. In a small group people are reminded that “connecting” both with Jesus, and with people who are following Him is the most-best-thing. The small environment allows for folks to really know and be known. This exposes ones needs and gifts. It allows people to use their gifts and puts them in a place where their needs can truly be met by others. If we are going to continue to be a place where God can “add to the church”, we must be a place where those He is adding are being taken care of. This happens best in a small group. If you are not in a small group, begin to attend one this weekend. If you don’t have a great experience, call me and let’s talk about it. If you are in a small group, ask God to move you into leadership of the next small group. Let’s get smaller since we are getting larger.

Billy Graham’s Prayer for America

2009-03-06T13:05:00.002-06:00

Perhaps you have seen this before, but the truth is always valuable, no matter how many times you hear/read it. I just received this in an email (thanks Kimberly) and wanted to get this on our blog so you can read it and I hope that you will agree with me and ask our Lord to answer this prayer on behalf of our country.

'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics.. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!'

When Your Hut’s On Fire

2009-02-20T13:46:00.005-06:00

I got this story in an email, and I wanted for everyone to hear this wonderful story, so, here it is:

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, "God! How could you do this to me?" Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied. The Moral of This Story: It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

New Website Underway

2009-02-15T02:13:00.003-06:00

The web home of Crossroads Church is being renovated. We are doing an “Extreme Homepage Makeover” to our website. As the changes are developed and then implemented you might see a few small changes to text and fonts and colors on our existing website, this is just to get a feel for how the final edition is going to look. The new site will be a total change from the existing one. The fact is that more and more people are looking to the internet for information and instruction on how to make it in this world. Those folks who believe their answer could be found at church are using the internet to find churches that they might want to “visit” or “check out”. That’s why we need our website to be an accurate portrayal of what our church is like. It’s kind of like when you are deciding on a book or magazine, you look at the cover and if you see something that grabs your attention you investigate further. We want our church website to “grab the attention” of those folks who are out there surfing the web for a possible church home. Now once they get to visit the “real” Crossroads Church (that’s you) they will find out that the open, welcoming, atmosphere that they see represented on our website is the real deal! With all that in mind I wish you would take a minute or two to think about what you might like to see out at our website. What kind of information do you think those folks looking for a new church might want to know about Crossroads. Click here and send me your thoughts. Thanks for your input. May God use every means possible for the people of Crossroads Church to “make Christ known”.

Help, I Need Somebody!

2009-02-05T19:22:00.002-06:00

Just as Paul, John, Ringo, and George once sang; I need some help from somebody! As you may have noticed we are having more and more folks catching the vision of the Crossroads. Thank you Lord for adding people to our church! With new people and larger numbers comes more places for folks to get involved. I want to ask you to consider finding a place where you can “ply your trade” at the Crossroads. If you have an area of interest or an area of experience that you would like to get involved in at the Crossroads, please contact me and let me know. If you are willing to just plug in where needed, PLEASE contact me and let me know. No involvement is insignificant. Our dream is that everyone would have a place of purpose in our church family. What’s yours? You can send Kent an email by clicking here

Crossroads Elves

2008-12-11T06:48:00.001-06:00

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Bunco - Ladies only (Tailgating Party)

2008-11-17T10:38:00.007-06:00

Ladies if football is not your thing then don't you worry....Lynn has put together something for you too! After you enjoy the fabulous BBQ Thanksgiving feast you all will move on into the back of the church for some Bunco while the guys watch the Cowboys and 49ers play on the big screen. Lynn will have a sign up sheet provided this Wednesday evening at Bible Study. Enjoy the great food that will be had during the Thanksgiving Tailgating Party and stick around for all the fun you'll have over Bunco...you just might win a prize!

Thanksgiving Tailgating Party!

2008-11-17T10:09:00.005-06:00

Join Crossroads Church Sunday, Nov 23rd as we celebrate Thanksgiving as die hard sport fans! Bring your appetites and make up your best tailgate recipe to add to the fantastic BBQ that will be served right after church service.

The Dallas Cowboys will be playing on the big screen for all you die hard fans and Romo is back in action so the 49ers better watch out!

Don't miss out on this opportunity to enjoy great fellowship with all those you love at Crossroads and invite your neighbor and friends to join in the festivities too. Let's reach our community guys and show them that Crossroads knows how to party too!

Sides and drinks needed for the cook-out - Thank you!

Get your Crossroads T-Shirt today!

2008-11-12T08:31:00.008-06:00

Get the word out to all those you know and those you don't know on how you spend your Sundays with a 1st Sunday t-shirt! You would be surprised how a simple thing such as wearing a shirt might change the life of one person or an entire family right in your neighborhood. Crossroads 1st Sunday is a great outreach program that takes the participation of our church members to help cultivate this program into a dynamic ministry reaching out to our community right here in Rowlett. So spread the word and you don't need a t-shirt in order to do this! Our shirts are just a fun tool to help spread the message! So contact me today for your order while they last!

Amy Burch: amyburch05@gmail.com

Youth:

Small to Large: $8

Adult:

Small to XXL: $10

Men's Steakout!!

2008-10-15T13:23:00.009-05:00

Calling all sports guys!! The Men's Steakout is this Sunday the 19th HIGH NOON!! Right after service the steaks will be sizzlin' on the grills while the Cowboys are playing on the big screen. Come see the room as it's transformed into a man cave for this event. Just kick back on the sofa and enjoy the game while you eat! Invite your other sports junky, couch potato, steak lovin' buddies too. This event is perfect for that guy who may have said more than once "that he would never step into a church!" Now you go throw Cowboys game and a steak into the mix of things and he's IN! See Pam Wilson this Wednesday evening before Bible Study to sign up and pay your $10 for the meal. Late sign up is not a problem as well. Call Amy Burch 214-755-2568 by Saturday before 4 pm.

Fun For Our Friends!

2008-10-13T09:34:00.006-05:00

Trunk-or-Treat is right around the corner. Mark your calendar for Sunday, October 25th, and join in the Fun! The best way to go is to pick a theme...keep reading For the 70's you could throw down a shag rug, put on some love beads, sprinkle in a little Flower Power, carve a peace sign in a pumpkin, and you're good to go. You could do the 50's, 60's or a little disco scene from the 80's with hairspray, spandex and roller skates. Other ideas are a Mother Goose Nursery Rhyme Theme; Clown with a trunkload of balloons; zookeeper/lion tamer with a trunkload of stuffed animals, a fishing theme, with a kiddie pool outside the car and fishing poles with lunkers and a target for casting practice; a beach theme, with sand, chairs an umbrella and floats with the candy in an ice chest; NASCAR theme, display your souvenirs or sports memorabilia; Dora the Explorer; a Western theme; Camping out, with a tent and sleeping bags; Christmas theme with a small tree and presents. Plan to bring a carved pumpkin for the Extreme Pumpkin Contest.

First Sunday September '08

2008-09-03T20:43:00.001-05:00

Make plans now to be at the First Sunday Festivities on September 7th as Crossroads kicks off Back to School with it's very own version of Are You Smarter Than a Middle Schooler? Invite your friends and family for an afternoon with burgers, hot dogs and some good old-fashioned competition. Competition at Crossroads? Bring it on.

What's On Your Radar Screen?

2008-08-06T11:24:00.007-05:00

Knowing what is moving towards you ahead of time can be a real advantage! That advantage can be provided by radar. A wonderful technology that has been around for awhile and has lots of real world uses as well as a foundational military use, radar works a bit like magic. You look at a screen on your desk or your dash, and little blips of color indicate oncoming stuff. Storms, planes, even fish can be found using radar (or some form of it).
So let's take the concept and get a little abstract. Suppose you had a type of radar that could enlighten you to things that were coming in your life. This radar would point out trends in your culture that you might want to avoid. It would also point out trends in your culture that you should pursue! This radar would identify choice opportunities for spiritual growth that lay just around the bend. This radar could even make you aware of resources, sweet resources! Sounds like a pretty cool technology...well guess what. The friendly people at Crossroads Church are bringing you just such a technology.
We are launching a monthly newsletter! The newsletter is going to be that radar that will inform you of what is coming up in the life of our church. It will also be a reference for resources that you can use in your efforts to follow Jesus and connect Him to others. Just like real radar, this "radar" can give you an advantage. As you keep up and participate in the goings on at your church, you will find a boost in your desire to serve Jesus and make Him known.
Amy Burch is going to edit our newsletter. She will be looking for articles and bits of information as well as any news that you might want to get in the hands of the people of Crossroads Church. Please let her know if you can or will be willing to be involved in the newsletter.
I know lots of you are making use of this blog as a resource for information and calendar stuff, thanks! This newsletter will supplement that as well as provide something you can take with you and share with your friends.

The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything

2008-06-22T00:57:00.009-05:00

Thanks to everyone who made our 2008 VBS such a huge success. Diana Mullins and Jessica Alexander did a marvelous job of directing our VBS. They along with a spectacular cast of pirates and mateys made this year's VBS spectaculaRRRRRRR! Photos courtesy of Pam Wilson

Our 1st FIRST SUNDAY!

2008-04-07T13:39:00.005-05:00

Wow, what a great day at the Crossroads! The weather was great for flyin' a kite, the food was awesome, and the friends were in full force! Thanks so much to everyone who brought the food, grilled the food (Joe and his team did a great job with the burgers and hotdogs), and hung out with us to fly kites, play touch football, and just plain "chill" with our friends. Let's do it again next month (on the first Sunday of the month!) Photos courtesy of Pam Wilson.

CR Calendar

2008-04-02T13:17:00.002-05:00

You can view all events by clicking on the "Agenda" tab. If you'd like to see the full size calendar, click on the Google bar on the bottom right.

First Sunday

2008-03-28T22:18:00.009-05:00

April 6th is the debut of FIRST SUNDAY! Each month on the first Sunday of the month we are going to be having lunch together at the conclusion of our Sunday service. Each FIRST SUNDAY will be built around a seasonal theme. We may be having a horseshoes tournament, watching a big ballgame, or tasting everyone's best recipe for homemade ice cream, whatever it is it will be fun! This month's first Sunday we are going to be flying kites. Each family needs to bring a soft drink, chips, and a kite! We will provide burgers and hotdogs.

How Can We Pray For You?

2008-03-26T13:02:00.010-05:00

Post your prayer request here in the "comments" section (click on the word comments just below this post) then share your prayer request as a "comment" and they will be prayed for! Your prayer requests are important to God and to us. We promise they will be handled with the utmost care. If you have a request that you want to keep confidential, you can email it here and it will stay private. Don't forget to post updates as the prayers are answered!