My sisters wedding

Sorry about the lack of posts this week. We leaving for my sisters wedding late tonight, or early tomorrow!

Alpha in just a few minutes. Going to be great!

See everyone Sunday.

Time Management

I think this is an issue for everyone. I am hooked on the website 43 folders. I am reading a book about project management. We are going through our staff, and logging some time on when we work. We are making lists in the morning or the night before to accomplish what we need to get done.

But no matter how you slice it, time is a hot commodity. Once it is gone, it's gone.

I have some natural tendencies that aren't always good. I am a bit over the top in a lot of areas. One is working. I can get in the zone, be focused and seriously work to death. So in the last 6-7 months I have tried hard to purposely take some time to relax.

God set up the Sabbath for a reason. We all need rest. I have argued that physical work is relaxing for me, but its not really accurate. So yesterday, we had a late lunched planned. And I shifted some things around, so we could take a few hours as family time.

I shut my phone off, and we didn't tell anyone where we were going. The 4 of us just hung out, laughed and had a good time.

I want my kids to look back on their childhood and remember a Dad who spent time with them, not someone who only spent time with the people of the church. I want Awnna, Colin and for sure Dara to know that they are priority to me.

I know I am getting through, because, we did this a few weeks ago as well. I had cancelled some meetings and cleared the rest of the day. At the end of the day, Awnna told me thanks for clearing my calendar and spending time with them.

The truth is we only have 18 summers with our kids, don't let it get away from you. The memories you create now are what last for them!

Colin as Superman

My Mom bought Colin a set of SuperMan pajamas. He loves them. It has a cape and everything!

Well last night before our "wrestling match" just before bed, he was running around with his cape on! The funny thing is, he was trying to looking backwards and running forward trying to see if fly.

After several attempts he looked up at me, disgusted, and said, "Dad why won't this thing fly."

To which I said, "there is no wind in here." He said quickly, "Lets turn on the dryer then."

I guess to a little boy the dryer puts out all kinds of air...?

Alpha on Wednesday part 2

Well Alpha was a success. I say lots of community taking place, as well as some people being stretched! The first night is pretty light. I unpacked the beginnings of who Jesus is and gave people time to respond.

The rest of the evening was a learning time for everyone to tell why they came to Alpha and some background about their life.

The kids met down a hallway, and the nursery age kids in the teachers lounge! It worked great.

I know next week is going to rock, now that we have some kind of game plan.

I love to see peoples questions and hesitations about the Gospel come out in conversation. It is awesome to see the body of Christ come together with seekers, new believers and mature Christ followers to openly share the truth of God's Word.

If you haven't joined yet, you still can. Register today at www.jordancreek.org under the calender page. Click Alpha and sign in!

You wont want to miss it!

Alpha on Wednesday

Do we ever have an awesome Summer of Alpha planned.

Tomorrow night is our kick off event. We have 50 adults RSVP right now. We are going to build some great community within our church!
If you havent registered go online to jordancreek.org or call me at 205-9895 so we can get the right amount of food prepared.

What I love about Alpha is that fact that is allows people to discuss the truth of God in an open format, so all questions are valid. No one has a dumb question.

We eat a meal together, then I have a prepared teaching time. After that a short break, and your table leaders facilitate some round table discussions. It is awesome how God brings together the thoughts of everyone at the table.

You stay with your same group all 10 weeks. By the time your completed you have journeyed through faith with some new found friends. You are going to love it.

Come check it out! You wont want to miss it.

Awnna

We were at Wal-Mart last night getting some things ready for Alpha. Awnna and Colin were both with me as we went through the line to pay. I as usual struck up some conversation with the guy who was checking us out. Danny was his name, and I just felt impressed to invite him to church.

So as I was chatting with him, looking for an opportunity to come up, Awnna says, "Dad, (and nods sideways with her head) are you going to, you know...?"

She was talking about inviting him to church. I asked if she wanted to do it. She shook her head, and pointed to me.

I then explained to the guy, what had just happened and handed him a James series card. He was super open and said he didnt go to church anywhere, and he really should com sometime.

Praying that he does.

What made my heart glad was knowing that Awnna is seeing opportunity to invite people and knowing that is what it is all about. I was pretty proud of her!

Investing and inviting. That makes the difference in the growth of our church! I am believing God to do some awesome things this summer. Be praying!

Funny phrases

I love to listen to phrases people say. It just cracks me up. Some people have a very unique way of communicating. I love all the styles. Listen to a few phrases by my family, and my friends and my good friend Phil.

"Skins" referring to tires
"my sled" referring to cars
"Rare as hen's teeth"
"thats about as handy as a pay toilet in a diarrhea ward"
"nervous as a long tail cat in a room full of rocking chairs"

more to come later...

Sunday

I have to say, I love what I do. I thought today was just off the hook. I dont know why anyone wouldnt want to come to Jordan Creek Family Church.

Was the band amazing or what? Father's day was so cool, and the videos worked well! James is a tremendous book about putting feet to faith, and I am just pumped!

Invite someone this week to a great church that cares about people. Use the e-invites or the invites from your worship guide today. Connect with that person you have been meaning to this week!

You will be so glad you did!

Colins updated train table

Check out these picks of his newly painted table. His grandma rocks the creative arts department!

James Chapter One

I am stoked about tomorrows sermon. Invite someone if you get a minute even late today. You never know who you are going to impact for the kingdom.

We are going through the whole chapter, nearly verse by verse.

Next week we are looking at chapter 2. My favorite book right now is.... James. Go figure.

Read chapter one tonight if you can!

Oreo Cookies

I was working at the table just a few minutes ago, and I saw Colin with an Oreo cookie. he wasnt supposed to have them. So I look over and he has a stack of just the cookies. No cream anywhere in sight!

Typical little boy. Just eating the inside! My three year old buddy.

Colins Three Today

Well, here is my little shadow. He is three today, and let me tell you he is so excited! We gave him his first birthday present today - a CARS movie rug. He can drive his CARS cars on it. He is having a blast!

All the grandparents are here, and we are having a big time!

More to come!

Busy Week

Wow, what a week. We have been doing staff performance evaluations this week. It sure creates a crazy week. I know some churches, don't do it at all, but I think it a necessary thing for growth.

Leadership is a tough thing, and it is hard to say and do the tough things. I have been listening a lot to Ralph Moore and TD Jakes. They are always talking about how to empower people, and help each other grow. I am growing so much as leader, and the past two and half years have been the most fun and the most challenging times for me.

I love our church, our team, and the opportunity to grow in this awesome city. There are 350,000 people here who won't be in any kind of church service this weekend. We are going to continue to change that stat, as long as we keep the main thing the main thing.

We are here to help people become fully devoted followers of Christ! Life change happens when we build relationships and encounter God!

Sweet!

James

I have been going through the book of James the past few weeks, and I am super excited to begin this series in James. James is my kind of guy. He just calls it like it is, and makes it plain.

I love it. Use the e-invite this week to connect with some of your friends or invite a neighbor with our new business card size invite!

We will be looking at what James has to say about "spirituality" all month long!

Sunday in the pocket

Finishing up another JCFC Sunday. Getting ready for a big week, and closing one as well!

I am so excited about the summer. This summer of Alpha is going to be amazing!

It will start on Wednesday the 20th at Valley Southwood High School. Beginning at 6:30 ending at 8:30! Meal included! It be great.

Alpha walks us through the basic questions of the faith in an open discussion format! All centered around a meal!

We need your help in making this an amazing success for the church and community! We are preparing meals, and we need volunteers for serving meals, clean up, and childcare.

We will be having at this point Creek Kids age service just for them! We are working on a Nursery Team. If you would like to help or just join Alpha, leave post or call me or something!

We are trying to get as many people there as possible! Lets get to know eachother, and some more about Jesus at the same time!

Click Comments

Just thought I'd give you an easy way to leave a quick comment on the blog! No sign in required! Give it a try!

Mens Fraternity

Just another post about MF. If you havent taken a few minutes to read about this do so today. Log on to MF and check out the concepts and materials.

I look around all the time and see how hard it is to be a real man in todays society. I am not talking about just carrying a pistol and spitting chewing tobacco, or saying that you wrestle alligators, and was a Marine for 14 years lost in the wilderness and survived with only a knife you made out of some molten lava you held in your hand until it cooled.

I am talking about being a husband who actually leads, being a father who can show his kids how to parent and love at the same time. Being a man who can handle some conflict, with grace and tact, but is still firm.

I am talking about having a relationship with Jesus that surpasses what it was yesterday. Living a life everyday that is expecting God's greater reward.

I am not even saying I have all of these things handled, but I am trying to grow in them as well. I can't wait for Men's Fraternity to kick off in the fall! It is going to be great! I am stoked to see what God is up to in our lives as men!

Garage Sales

Man do I love a good garage sale. It is that time of year again, when everyone is selling something. I love a good deal, and the bartering that takes place during a sale is my favorite part.

But it seems that no matter how often you have a garage sale, the next year you still have a bunch more junk you need to get rid of. Ever noticed that? I think the church falls in the same boat. And not with just physical junk we collect. (We have some things in the office right now, that needs to be ebayed. The official garage sale of the known world)

We collect systems, and ways of doing things that sometimes needs to be junked. Sometimes its habits that started out good, and with well intentions, that might have been very useful this time last year. But we have changed, grown, empowered others to help; and we need to "sell" some of the old systems.

We are in the process right now of looking at each department, and seeing how we can retool and revamp for the summer. We want to grow like we did last summer. The summer shouldn't be a barrier for a church, it should be a high spot. So we are going to make it just that.

I am pumped about the "church garage sale."

Shanna

Just thought I'd say what an awesome ministry assistant we have at JCFC. Shanna Kempers is doing a stellar job. She is about 3 and half weeks in to this job for us, and is just great.

She is on top of things even before I ask for it. For example I called her the other day to get a detailed print list of everyones name and phone number in the church. So when I am driving I can call whoever whenever.

Her reply? She is almost done with that, and had already thought of it.... Amazing. That is all I have to say... Amazing

Thanks Shanna!

Renewed Vision

In the past few weeks, God has really just renewed and enlarged my vision for this city. I am amazed at how he brings clarity in the midst of chaos. There are always times of pruning before growth. I feel like God is really pruning somethings in my life personally to set me up to grow as husband, father, and pastor.

Things that are healthy naturally grow. Plants naturally grow, children naturally grow, it is Gods natural design. I believe that we can and should be growing like never before.

It is going to take work on all of our parts. Not just mine. From here on out, we want to empower you to invite your families, and friends to the church! This weekend we will be giving out new tools to invite for the Deeper is Doing series.

You wont want to miss the conclusion of the 10 commands series. We are talking about getting out of the boat! We will be addressing ways to serve, and be a blessing to others!

We cant do this by ourselves.

Check this from Ecclesiastes 4:9,10,12

Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:

10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!

12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Vote for you Sermon

Dont forget to vote for your favorite sermon for the summer series Peoples Choice!

The numbers are growing! This series will follow Deeper is Doing!

Books I am reading

Ok I seem to have a bad habit. I assume it is part of a defunct personality/character flaw. I start a lot of books, but thn get attracted to another book... and before you know it. WoW, I am reading a ton of books.

check this out.

Courageous Leadership by Hybels
Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell
Unlimited Partnerships...
Project Management for Dummies By Portner
Blue Like Jazz
The Blogging Church
So You Think Your a Man By TD Jakes
The Bible by... God

But the one book I have completed a few times lately James...


Our new series called Deeper is Doing begins in just two weeks! It is a study in the book of James. We will be going chapter by chapter right through the text. Join Us as we look at Jesus' brother James take on what is spiritual!

If you want deep, you have to do!

Punched in the nose

So tonight Colin is sitting next to me at supper. We are all just chatting and eating and having a great time.

The Colin says out of the blue, "Hey Dad." Of course I turn to look at him, only to feel the full force of his pointy little fist in my nose, and hear him shriek with laughter.

He is laughing and says, "I just punched Dad in the nose..."

So I guess we need to go back over the rules of wrestling.
Rule number one, is you only do then WHEN YOU ARE WRESTLING!

Growing the church

I spent quite a bit of time connecting with people today, either or the phone or in person. I sure love making a connection and seeing peoples eyes light up.

I made 6 bread drops tonight to families that came for the first time this weekend. It was great. Everyone was receptive and I think they will enjoy the bread!

I also spoke with some that have missed a few Sundays in a row. It is my heart that everyone that comes, can really feel like they are a part of something real. I want people to know that they matter to me, and mostly they matter to God.

I makes my heart break when I see families who have had their feelings hurt, or a misunderstanding took place. Especially when I have seen such growth in their lives and their families. If you dont have a pastor's heart, you can't understand the feelings.

It really isn't about making sure JCFC is growing, and didn't lose a family, but it is making sure that the family stays connected. Of course we want to grow each week, and of course we want to see the family reconnected, but mostly I want to make sure the devil doesn't pull that new family backwards.

Our motto is helping people become fully devoted followers of Christ. I say all the time, I am willing to do whatever it takes. And I am.

I hope we reached some resolve today with this family.

I know that I was able to connect or re-connect with several others today, which was awesome!

Awesome

Apparently, the running joke about Ol Josh is the way that I respond to emails.

Typically my standard response to an email is simply "awesome." I think that says, I like the idea, go for it, sounds like a plan, I am ready for you to do that etc...

But apparently most think this is humorous. I admit I have replied, "awesome" to emails that were very lengthy, but typically felt like that is what they needed... it has been brought to my attention, that there "may" have been a question or two in the email but...

So I am working on changing that.

Sweet.

Property

Just got off the phone with one of the land owners in the Jordan Creek Area. He is calling me back on Wednesday to schedule a time to meet at his properties.

I told him we would like to build a church on the property, he was kind of shocked, and said in a very kind voice back to me, "you said you'd like to build a church?" I said, "Yes, Sir, we would."
He simply said, "Good."

So everyone pray! If you read this blog or know anyone who is looking for something to pray about, here it is! Mr Etzel is the land owner!

This is a huge milestone in our church development. This is the begining of a long process, but it is exciting!

Remember this, everything we do is for the kingdom. And the kingdom needs to be advanced in the city. There are some 350,000 people not in a church each weekend here. This is another way to change that!

Pray.

Weekend

Sunday was another good day. I had the Sunday off! No pressure for Joshua!

Dara had strep throat and couldnt make it to service. She didnt want to infect everyone, and she couldn't talk let alone sing! The band did a great job covering at the last minute!

Jeff, Rachel, Mindy, Nate, Todd and Obie, You guys did awesome yesterday! Fantastic. If you haven't been able to hear them lately, come out this weekend!

My friend Mark Atterson preached. He and his family is moving to Michigan this week to pursue some Missions Aviation work. They are a great family and will be missed!

We had several new families this weekend, that seemed to really engage and connect! Awesome. Just what we want. I love to see people when there heart is touched by the Holy Spirit and they began to let there guard down, and let God move in their lives!

It is all about helping people become fully devoted followers of Christ!

Coming home

Well, I have had a fun mini-vacation with Dara. We are in the airport now, trying to catch up on email, and a list of calls to return.

It seems like you have to work in overdrive to take a break, take a break, then start right back up in overdrive! But it was an awesome time for the two of us to get away for a couple days.

I have said (but I dont always practice) that is "if you don't come apart, you will come apart." I have had some time to regroup, and rethink. I am excited to get back home, and get going again!