Hey Element Church! WOW! June. Today was a great day. Had a few bumps in the road but all in all was another awesome day at church. Here is my ruminations from the day.
--- 498 this morning. 2nd service was PACKED. 10 people on the front row. I am STOKED we had so many but HATE it when people have to sit in the front. Both services are filling up. If we have any seats it's in first service. (I wish e:coustic would have worked. We need the "ability" to grow)
--- We took aim at abortion today. I was VERY excited about the message. Mostly because I really felt like God helped me learn some stuff that I got to share. People seemed to respond well. Abortion isn't an issue that hits a lot of families. We'll see how people respond to issues that hit a little closer. lol
--- I hadn't planned on this at all but I REALLY felt led at the end of first service to ask for any women who had been through an abortion and wanted prayer to raise their hands. 4 women in first service and 6 or 7 men and women did in 2nd service. We had a good moment of prayer for all of them.
--- "God loves the women who aborted her child just as much as he loved the child she aborted." I said that today. I REALLY feel like we need to say that more as Christians. People need to know that we don't just stand up for the unborn, we will stand WITH the women who aborted their babies with the love of Jesus. There IS healing. There IS forgiveness. There IS hope. There IS restoration. Do I believe it's wrong? YES! Do I believe Jesus can forgive? ABSOLUTELY!
--- The band stinkin' KILLED it today! (And by killed I mean good...REALLY GOOD)
--- We have unbelievable volunteers. CRAZY what gets done from 6 AM to 12:30 PM.
--- Continue to pray with us for God's timing in our building. Just waiting still!
--- Next week will be interesting. Alcohol. I heard one pastor preach a message last year and his title "Can a Christian drink a cold beer? (because we all know it's a sin to drink a warm one)" Thought that was funny. Not sure what my title will be. Here are some I'm working on...
- "How can it get better than this?"
- "WASSSSSUP and other silly things you might say when drinking!"
- "Tastes great...less thrilling"
- "The Kings name isn't Bud"
- "Pure Rocky Mountain stream water...Not sure Coors is what God had in mind."
LOL totally don't know where that came from. That's a random Sunday afternoon from Jeff for ya.
--- Getting ready to go hang out with friends tonight. I look forward to Sunday nights every week. That's about it.
--- Four blogs I am really looking forward to doing this week that I'll bust out starting tomorrow hopefully. Have an awesome week!
Following Christ,
Jeff
Showing posts with label church life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church life. Show all posts
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Sunday Rumination (5-25-08)
Hey Element Church! First off, let me say "THANK YOU!" to our veterans and those who are currently serving in the military. Also, a thank you to our fallen soldiers who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. We were able to worship God yesterday because of the lives of soldiers who fought on our behalf. From the Revolutionary War to the current war in Iraq men and women have fought and died for us. Regardless of where you stand on war in general or the current war, you are able to have AND share your opinion because of the men and women who fought for you!! Their sacrifice and commitment blows me away!
--- I took the afternoon off yesterday and didn't blog. I actually played Xbox instead. lol
--- 463 in church yesterday. 2nd service was VERY full. I was pleasantly surprised with the Memorial weekend #'s.
--- We had several first time guests today. One thing we have asked for since we started Unplugged almost one year ago was that God would bring us someone new every week. We have yet to have ONE Sunday where we didn't have one at least one first time guest. PTL
--- We finished off our Little Rascals series yesterday. I can honestly say that this was one of the MOST challenging sermon series' I've ever done. It was so close to home and God challenged Sabrina and I GREATLY through this series. I want to be the BEST parent I possibly can.
--- We had Aaron Brakefield and his wife Christina with us yesterday. Aaron has a wonderful ministry to teenagers in Brazil. I HIGHLY believe in what they are doing on the mission field. I believe we had some new people step up to support them financially. Element is also going to support the Brakefields through our general fund.
--- Our missions philosophy is and always will be Cheyenne first and foreign second. The Brakefields and their youth center WILL be a foreign mission Element takes on. I'll get a video we didn't have time to show yesterday at church up later. Aaron put it together as a highlight of their youth center. Take some time to watch it if you'd like when it's up.
--- No e:coustic was...a relief. I actually got to greet people after the 9 AM service. There was one couple who had been coming for 2 months that I had never met. That's crazy!
--- If there is one phrase that can sum up our time recently at Element it is "Technical difficulties". I swear if we solve one problem 5 more are created. We FINALLY defeated the buzz demon in our sound system yesterday by using the projector we bought for e:coustic instead of the theater projector. It was AMAZING! BUT, we created several other sound problems in the process. Now we have a microphone demon. My wireless mic was wiggin' out BIG TIME!
--- Untouchables is next. This is going to be a challenging series too! Taking on some VERY difficult subjects. I'll get the video promo up later that Adam made. I think production wise it is his BEST! We're themeing the series around the old gangster stuff. Guys who were "untouchable". I think we captured that through the video.
Alright, got stuff to do. I need to do this on Sunday afternoon like I normally do. Much easier than when the fam is all awake.
Following Christ,
Jeff
--- I took the afternoon off yesterday and didn't blog. I actually played Xbox instead. lol
--- 463 in church yesterday. 2nd service was VERY full. I was pleasantly surprised with the Memorial weekend #'s.
--- We had several first time guests today. One thing we have asked for since we started Unplugged almost one year ago was that God would bring us someone new every week. We have yet to have ONE Sunday where we didn't have one at least one first time guest. PTL
--- We finished off our Little Rascals series yesterday. I can honestly say that this was one of the MOST challenging sermon series' I've ever done. It was so close to home and God challenged Sabrina and I GREATLY through this series. I want to be the BEST parent I possibly can.
--- We had Aaron Brakefield and his wife Christina with us yesterday. Aaron has a wonderful ministry to teenagers in Brazil. I HIGHLY believe in what they are doing on the mission field. I believe we had some new people step up to support them financially. Element is also going to support the Brakefields through our general fund.
--- Our missions philosophy is and always will be Cheyenne first and foreign second. The Brakefields and their youth center WILL be a foreign mission Element takes on. I'll get a video we didn't have time to show yesterday at church up later. Aaron put it together as a highlight of their youth center. Take some time to watch it if you'd like when it's up.
--- No e:coustic was...a relief. I actually got to greet people after the 9 AM service. There was one couple who had been coming for 2 months that I had never met. That's crazy!
--- If there is one phrase that can sum up our time recently at Element it is "Technical difficulties". I swear if we solve one problem 5 more are created. We FINALLY defeated the buzz demon in our sound system yesterday by using the projector we bought for e:coustic instead of the theater projector. It was AMAZING! BUT, we created several other sound problems in the process. Now we have a microphone demon. My wireless mic was wiggin' out BIG TIME!
--- Untouchables is next. This is going to be a challenging series too! Taking on some VERY difficult subjects. I'll get the video promo up later that Adam made. I think production wise it is his BEST! We're themeing the series around the old gangster stuff. Guys who were "untouchable". I think we captured that through the video.
Alright, got stuff to do. I need to do this on Sunday afternoon like I normally do. Much easier than when the fam is all awake.
Following Christ,
Jeff
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Sunday Rumination (5-18-08)
Hey Element Church! Got a birthday party to get to with our kids and need to leave at 2:30. Currently 2:06 so this may be a shortened Rumination.
--- I felt GREAT this morning! Got a very good nights rest and woke up ready to rumble. Compared to last week I felt 1000 times better.
--- 452 in church today! We are consistently hitting that mark. I know everyone says when summer hits that church attendance goes down. Why don't we break that norm! I am believing for growth through summer. Who's joining me?
--- We made the announcement today that it was the FINAL service for e:coustic. We've said from day one that if a ministry wasn't bearing fruit we'd prune it (that's politically correct for CUT IT OFF!) LOL We made the decision Monday at our Lead Team meeting. The fruit didn't justify the energy, time and commitment of having it. That's the reason why. We had 23 last week in there, I think 19 this week!?? Adam said he started the service today with the band, sound team and light guy. That's not good! I don't feel like we missed the voice of God. The whole lead team felt God was asking us to do it, and maybe that's all God wanted. To see if we'd obey. I was hoping for a better response but it just didn't happen. I'm not sure anyone new connected through that service, it was all just transfer from e:worship. Anyway, we made the decision and it's done!
--- If you're an Elementer I again encourage you to come to the 9 AM service. It, by far, has the most room to grow. Also, if we start filling up again I encourage Elementers to sit down after worship starts. Leave seats for newcomers before we sit!!
--- I have some MAJOR suggestions for church planters who are considering a staggered service. So many things we learned from doing this. Most of them are things NOT to do! lol
--- ALL HYMNS THIS WEEK! I thought Adam led the band to an absolute home run today. The Elemented up 5 hymns and rocked it out. I had such an awesome time of worship before I preached in the 9 am service. We sang All Hail the Power; Holy, Holy, Holy; Come Thou Fount; Fairest Lord Jesus; and Amazing Grace! There is such GREAT theology and teaching in the old hymns. I think we miss that in the newer songs. I love singing those songs with a new modern feel to them!
--- It was funny cause at least one of our band members didn't know many (if any) of those songs. We get so worked up about "traditional" vs. "modern" and they wouldn't have known which category they were in. If we'd just shut up and worship (I know oxymoron) we'd enjoy church a lot more.
--- I really felt like today's message was very good for ME! It was right where Sabrina and I are at in parenting. Very challenging for us.
--- I haven't felt like I connected like I could yet in this series. Don't know what it is, just haven't felt great about it. I think pastors go through that in spurts. You "feel" on and then you don't. What's great is typically whether I think it was good or not, God still uses it and people tell me they got something out of it. We can't always trust our feelings.
--- We launched the "Untouchables" promo today. It was one of Adam's BEST video productions since we started I thought. I'm PUMPED for that series. Make sure and begin inviting people to it!
--- Took up our Climb pledges today. We'll update you on that later this week! We're trying to raise $100,000. We encourage you to partner with us.
--- Adam and I are going to a Conference in Washington D.C. this Wednesday. We're going to hear from some GREAT pastors and communicators. Check it out here. Can't wait to be stretched!
Alright, that's about it. Gotta wake everyone up from their nap and get ready for the party! Thanks Element Church for letting me lead you! You are a blessing.
Following Christ,
Jeff
--- I felt GREAT this morning! Got a very good nights rest and woke up ready to rumble. Compared to last week I felt 1000 times better.
--- 452 in church today! We are consistently hitting that mark. I know everyone says when summer hits that church attendance goes down. Why don't we break that norm! I am believing for growth through summer. Who's joining me?
--- We made the announcement today that it was the FINAL service for e:coustic. We've said from day one that if a ministry wasn't bearing fruit we'd prune it (that's politically correct for CUT IT OFF!) LOL We made the decision Monday at our Lead Team meeting. The fruit didn't justify the energy, time and commitment of having it. That's the reason why. We had 23 last week in there, I think 19 this week!?? Adam said he started the service today with the band, sound team and light guy. That's not good! I don't feel like we missed the voice of God. The whole lead team felt God was asking us to do it, and maybe that's all God wanted. To see if we'd obey. I was hoping for a better response but it just didn't happen. I'm not sure anyone new connected through that service, it was all just transfer from e:worship. Anyway, we made the decision and it's done!
--- If you're an Elementer I again encourage you to come to the 9 AM service. It, by far, has the most room to grow. Also, if we start filling up again I encourage Elementers to sit down after worship starts. Leave seats for newcomers before we sit!!
--- I have some MAJOR suggestions for church planters who are considering a staggered service. So many things we learned from doing this. Most of them are things NOT to do! lol
--- ALL HYMNS THIS WEEK! I thought Adam led the band to an absolute home run today. The Elemented up 5 hymns and rocked it out. I had such an awesome time of worship before I preached in the 9 am service. We sang All Hail the Power; Holy, Holy, Holy; Come Thou Fount; Fairest Lord Jesus; and Amazing Grace! There is such GREAT theology and teaching in the old hymns. I think we miss that in the newer songs. I love singing those songs with a new modern feel to them!
--- It was funny cause at least one of our band members didn't know many (if any) of those songs. We get so worked up about "traditional" vs. "modern" and they wouldn't have known which category they were in. If we'd just shut up and worship (I know oxymoron) we'd enjoy church a lot more.
--- I really felt like today's message was very good for ME! It was right where Sabrina and I are at in parenting. Very challenging for us.
--- I haven't felt like I connected like I could yet in this series. Don't know what it is, just haven't felt great about it. I think pastors go through that in spurts. You "feel" on and then you don't. What's great is typically whether I think it was good or not, God still uses it and people tell me they got something out of it. We can't always trust our feelings.
--- We launched the "Untouchables" promo today. It was one of Adam's BEST video productions since we started I thought. I'm PUMPED for that series. Make sure and begin inviting people to it!
--- Took up our Climb pledges today. We'll update you on that later this week! We're trying to raise $100,000. We encourage you to partner with us.
--- Adam and I are going to a Conference in Washington D.C. this Wednesday. We're going to hear from some GREAT pastors and communicators. Check it out here. Can't wait to be stretched!
Alright, that's about it. Gotta wake everyone up from their nap and get ready for the party! Thanks Element Church for letting me lead you! You are a blessing.
Following Christ,
Jeff
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Blog Link
Hey Element Church! I am so proud of our student ministry we have at Element Church and the leadership God has placed there. I'm SUPER pumped to see where Fusion goes now that Curtis and Andy can give more focused time to their respective groups (Varsity and JV). Fusion I believe is living out Paul's charge to Timothy of "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set forth an example...!" Every month Varsity Fusion does a RAK with the students. Here is a link to the latest RAK on the Fusion blog. GREAT JOB FUSION! If you have a child in 6th - 12th grade, let me implore you to get them involved in Elements student ministry. I can't wait until my own kids are under the leadership and example of couples like Curtis and Heather and Andy and Aubrey!
Proud Leader,
Jeff
Proud Leader,
Jeff
Friday, May 9, 2008
IFT
Hey Element Church! What is IFT? Well, it's a new practice I hope to incorporate into office life and the life of our pastors. IFT stands for Impromptu Fun Time. Church life and office life has been CRAZY lately. I need to model for our team better the ability to just get away from work and have fun. THAT'S OK! We are not going to be a church staff or office that is ALWAYS just WORKING WORKING WORKING! There are seasons we go through that is CRAZY intense. For us, that season has been since October 7th, 2007. Seems like EVERY week is another major decision that could change Element forever. SO, yesterday I took Adam and Andy (new youth pastor) out for a movie. We went and saw Iron Man. By the way STINKIN' AWESOME movie! It was very cool just to get out of the regular grind of things and hang with the boys. Anyway, every so often we'll need an IFT. You need an IFT too! Don't be afraid in your family. Your life. Your day, just to get an IFT. It may not be a movie out but it can be 5 minutes of calling a friend. Calling your wife. Looking at pictures of your fam on the computer or in your wallet. Just a break from your day. It works! IFT, new vocabulary for Element Church.
Having Fun,
Jeff
Having Fun,
Jeff
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
$27,000
Hey Element Church! Just wanted to update you on The Climb totals. May 18th is the day we will be taking a special offering at Element for the Climb commitment cards and donations. However, we have already received over $27,000 from Elementers in actual donations and over $10,000 in pledges. PRAISE THE LORD! That $27,ooo was given through a few MAJOR donations. Amazing the generosity of God's people. You too can join The Climb as we take this mountain in the life of Element Church. Go to The Climb link on our web-site www.elementweb.net or get your commitment card at Element on Sunday. All we ask is that you pray and seek God in what He can do through you. Thanks Element for listening to the Lord.
Listening with you,
Jeff
Listening with you,
Jeff
The Climb (Building Update)
Hey Element Church! I know many of you are wondering on when work will begin on remodel. Many of you outside of Element I know would like to see the facility as well. Below I've put the video tour we showed this past Sunday. Then I'd like to offer people the chance to join The Climb as well. So three things to talk about here.
#1 Facility update. We are waiting on permits at this point. We can't demo or build without the proper permission from the city. We'd love to do the demo this Saturday. If we do, we'll let you know through the blog, and if you signed up we'll call you. I am VERY anxious to get this thing rollin' as I know you are too. We want to do things right, so patience is a priority right now.
#2 Video Tour: Check it out below.
#3 The Climb: The Climb is our four month drive to raise money to renno
vate our new facility into our worship center. Our goal is to raise $100,000. It is your opportunity to partner financially with Element Church and the Kingdom to help impact our city. We do not own the building, AND we don't plan on being there forever. This is not our final destination. Therefore, we are not going to make this building OUR building. It will be presentable, usable and inviting but it will NOT become our idol. We need to pour money into people and not facilities so we are going to do things in a way that reflects that as best possible. It may mean we don't do certain things, or upgrade certain items. We MUST remember it is NOT about the building. There will probably be a day when God calls us to buy land and build, but that time is not yet. So, you can click on the logo to the right if you'd like to give financially to The Climb. (Follow The Climb links on our web-site) Please pray about what God can do through you over the next four months. Don't look at your budget but ask God "What do you want to do through me?" and then trust him for it. If you're an Elementer you can fill out a pledge card at church and turn it in on May 18th.
Following Christ,
Jeff
#1 Facility update. We are waiting on permits at this point. We can't demo or build without the proper permission from the city. We'd love to do the demo this Saturday. If we do, we'll let you know through the blog, and if you signed up we'll call you. I am VERY anxious to get this thing rollin' as I know you are too. We want to do things right, so patience is a priority right now.
#2 Video Tour: Check it out below.
#3 The Climb: The Climb is our four month drive to raise money to renno
vate our new facility into our worship center. Our goal is to raise $100,000. It is your opportunity to partner financially with Element Church and the Kingdom to help impact our city. We do not own the building, AND we don't plan on being there forever. This is not our final destination. Therefore, we are not going to make this building OUR building. It will be presentable, usable and inviting but it will NOT become our idol. We need to pour money into people and not facilities so we are going to do things in a way that reflects that as best possible. It may mean we don't do certain things, or upgrade certain items. We MUST remember it is NOT about the building. There will probably be a day when God calls us to buy land and build, but that time is not yet. So, you can click on the logo to the right if you'd like to give financially to The Climb. (Follow The Climb links on our web-site) Please pray about what God can do through you over the next four months. Don't look at your budget but ask God "What do you want to do through me?" and then trust him for it. If you're an Elementer you can fill out a pledge card at church and turn it in on May 18th.Following Christ,
Jeff
Monday, May 5, 2008
RAK for May
Hey Element Church! Here is our RAK (Random Act of Kindness) challenge for the month of May. One of our core values and part of our DNA at Element Church is to serve our city. Because we can't always do big church wide service projects or events we try and give practical ideas each month to you to do. This month is to do something kind for the people that serve us every day. Whether it's having your kids take cookies to their school's teachers lounge with a thank you, getting pizza, cookies, or brownies for the fire department in your neighborhood, or buying donuts (LOL) for the police department (I couldn't resist), whatever it is and whoever it is that you can think of that serves our city, let's serve them. Here was our promo video for our RAK.
If you want, shoot us an email at info@elementweb.net to let us know what you did. Get your kids involved. Our kids are already excited about taking something to the Fire Station.
Serving,
Jeff
If you want, shoot us an email at info@elementweb.net to let us know what you did. Get your kids involved. Our kids are already excited about taking something to the Fire Station.
Serving,
Jeff
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Sunday Rumination (5-4-08)
Hey Element Church! I tried laying down for a nap as soon as I got home from church today but my brain wouldn't shut off. It takes me a while to unwind from Sunday morning. I wanted to rest before Partnership but just couldn't do it. I'm relaxing watching some NBA Playoffs. Got the FTG (First Time Guest) emails sent out and now I'm gonna blog. Gonna head out to Partnership here in about an hour. Here are my ruminations on the day.
--- This series is really stretching and challenging me. As soon as I started prep for this series, my parenting skills were put to the test. Jonah tried stealing something from a store. We got our first phone call from school for Jonah acting up. Jonah was thrown out of e:kidz one morning at church and the girls seem more clingy and whiny than ever.
--- I am VERY honest in saying that I have a TON to learn as a parent. I need to grow yet in so many areas. I make mistakes and am not perfect as a parent. This series is helping me as much as it will anyone.
--- Husbands when is the next date you're planning for your spouse?
--- 473 in church today.
--- Over $10,000 already pledged for The Climb today. $5000 already giving in cash. Please pray about what God can do through you. Our goal is $100,000! Let's pray for God to provide EVERYTHING we need. We'll be taking our official pledge offering on May 18th.
--- We're hoping to get in for demo this week! We announced in first service but I don't think we did in 2nd and 3rd to sign up if you can volunteer. If you are a willing and able volunteer and did NOT sign up at the e:connect table, please email us at info@elementweb.net
--- We're putting in for the building permit tomorrow.
--- We played an old school Will Smith music video today. "Parents Just Don't Understand" Brought back memories.
--- I am very opinionated on some parenting things, and there were a couple of silent moments today that made me wonder if anyone agreed with me. lol I fully know that not everything I believe in as a parent do others believe. And that's ok.
--- We got in on time today and had a GREAT set up! Setting up two worship centers and preaching three times is VERY tiring! We were done with 36 minutes to spare today, AND I ABOUT WENT CRAZY! I sat down and couldn't stop thinking about the service. I almost rather be working right up to start time. I'm a pacer, fidgiter and nervous wreck on Sundays. You may see me on Sundays wandering around the halls. In and out of the worship center. Up and down from my seat. That's the way I roll. I can't stay still on Sundays. AT ALL! I've been preaching for 8 years almost and am just as nervous each week as I was 8 years ago. CRAZY!
--- Got rid of the HORRID buzz today, only to deal with an annoying crackling. Once we figure one thing out, something else starts.
--- I preach WAY to stinkin' long in third service. I have MUCH more freedom so they get the extra goods. That middle service makes me feel so rushed. If I don't get out of there I won't make it in e:coustic. At the end of the service is when I really feel it. I just don't feel the freedom to slow down and let people meditate and ponder the Word. Gotta do what you gotta do.
--- I was doing GREAT on time until last week. Gotta get back on track.
--- Only seeing people after one service is still weird to me. Feel disconnected.
--- Day of Giving is Friday. Please stop by Lions Park this Friday and support the Day of Giving. Non perishable food. Leftover prescription drugs. Giving blood and marrow. Plus other stuff. Great way to serve the city.
--- Our new Random Act of Kindness was revealed today for the month. We are challenging you to do something for the service agencies of the community. The video showed me taking pizza to a local fire station. Do something for the firemen, policeman, teachers lounge, nurses/doctors, politicians, etc. Let's serve those who serve us everyday.
--- Alright, I'm getting ready to head out to Partnership Class. Hopefully we'll be bringing in our first ever Partners. We'll be offering a class each quarter for the first few years.
Following Christ,
Jeff
--- This series is really stretching and challenging me. As soon as I started prep for this series, my parenting skills were put to the test. Jonah tried stealing something from a store. We got our first phone call from school for Jonah acting up. Jonah was thrown out of e:kidz one morning at church and the girls seem more clingy and whiny than ever.
--- I am VERY honest in saying that I have a TON to learn as a parent. I need to grow yet in so many areas. I make mistakes and am not perfect as a parent. This series is helping me as much as it will anyone.
--- Husbands when is the next date you're planning for your spouse?
--- 473 in church today.
--- Over $10,000 already pledged for The Climb today. $5000 already giving in cash. Please pray about what God can do through you. Our goal is $100,000! Let's pray for God to provide EVERYTHING we need. We'll be taking our official pledge offering on May 18th.
--- We're hoping to get in for demo this week! We announced in first service but I don't think we did in 2nd and 3rd to sign up if you can volunteer. If you are a willing and able volunteer and did NOT sign up at the e:connect table, please email us at info@elementweb.net
--- We're putting in for the building permit tomorrow.
--- We played an old school Will Smith music video today. "Parents Just Don't Understand" Brought back memories.
--- I am very opinionated on some parenting things, and there were a couple of silent moments today that made me wonder if anyone agreed with me. lol I fully know that not everything I believe in as a parent do others believe. And that's ok.
--- We got in on time today and had a GREAT set up! Setting up two worship centers and preaching three times is VERY tiring! We were done with 36 minutes to spare today, AND I ABOUT WENT CRAZY! I sat down and couldn't stop thinking about the service. I almost rather be working right up to start time. I'm a pacer, fidgiter and nervous wreck on Sundays. You may see me on Sundays wandering around the halls. In and out of the worship center. Up and down from my seat. That's the way I roll. I can't stay still on Sundays. AT ALL! I've been preaching for 8 years almost and am just as nervous each week as I was 8 years ago. CRAZY!
--- Got rid of the HORRID buzz today, only to deal with an annoying crackling. Once we figure one thing out, something else starts.
--- I preach WAY to stinkin' long in third service. I have MUCH more freedom so they get the extra goods. That middle service makes me feel so rushed. If I don't get out of there I won't make it in e:coustic. At the end of the service is when I really feel it. I just don't feel the freedom to slow down and let people meditate and ponder the Word. Gotta do what you gotta do.
--- I was doing GREAT on time until last week. Gotta get back on track.
--- Only seeing people after one service is still weird to me. Feel disconnected.
--- Day of Giving is Friday. Please stop by Lions Park this Friday and support the Day of Giving. Non perishable food. Leftover prescription drugs. Giving blood and marrow. Plus other stuff. Great way to serve the city.
--- Our new Random Act of Kindness was revealed today for the month. We are challenging you to do something for the service agencies of the community. The video showed me taking pizza to a local fire station. Do something for the firemen, policeman, teachers lounge, nurses/doctors, politicians, etc. Let's serve those who serve us everyday.
--- Alright, I'm getting ready to head out to Partnership Class. Hopefully we'll be bringing in our first ever Partners. We'll be offering a class each quarter for the first few years.
Following Christ,
Jeff
Friday, May 2, 2008
Partnership Class
Hey Element Church! Our first ever partnership class is this Sunday from 4-6 PM. For a read on what a partner is read this post. Basically it's what we've traditionally known as members. We love the action implied in the word partner. A partner is involved in the ministry. Is invested into it. Is a shareholder into what goes on. While a member can be all that too, a member can also just be someone who belongs to a group and doesn't invest in it at all with time, talents or treasures. Anyway, if you're an Elementer I encourage you to attend and learn about how you can make the next step in Element as a partner. We ARE providing FREE childcare and we failed to announce or promote that very well. You can still attend, just email info@elementweb.net. We'd love for you to be a partner at Element Church! By attending you don't automatically become a partner, you will have the choice to do that. We will be discussing such things as: Our denomination, where we came from, what we believe, our organizational structure, what it means to be a partner and the requirements to be a partner.
Following Christ,
Jeff
Following Christ,
Jeff
The Lease Is On!
Hey Element Church! WE SIGNED THE LEASE TODAY! Praise the Lord! Our contractor is putting in for the building permit and hopefully we'll be in there next week working. Amazing! We actually took the group that showed up for First Friday over to the building for a Tour and had an AWESOME time of praise and prayer over the building. Here are a couple of pictures. We have a video tour on Sunday for you to see and some information on joining The Climb. It was cool to worship and pray for the first time in this building. Can't wait to get to work!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Three for Thursday
Hey Element Church! This was my three for Tuesday, here is an update on those three things.
#1 No nightmares but it was a nightmare drive back from Gillette last night. The snow was so bad we almost turned around about 38 miles outside of Gillette. The event was great and the band STINKIN' ROCKED last night. I hope you realize how blessed you are to have Adam lead in worship and the band mates that serve each week. We were following the white line directly in front of our car for a couple hours it seemed. Just crazy swirling snow. It was weird to be back in Gillette at the student ministry I lead for so long. Travis is doing an AWESOME job leading Inside Out Student Ministries up there.
#2 WE GOT THE LEASE TODAY! WOHOOOO! They agreed to all of our requests. I need to read over the fine print tonight but our realtor says everything looks good. We should be signing tomorrow and the place is hours. We don't pay rent until July 1st so we have 2 months to begin work on it. Our contractor came by and he will be putting in for a building permit on Monday and we can begin demo next week on some walls. I CAN'T BELIEVE WE'RE DOING THIS! Is what keeps going through my mind. We'll be presenting "The Climb" finance challenge on Sunday. We have some video to show you of inside the building and more details as well. There will be an opportunity for you to sign up to help volunteer as well. MAN, this is huge for us. God has provided in such wonderful ways, let's continue to serve and follow Him and seek Him with me on continuing to work miracles.
#3 First off, let me say I am SO thankful for Amber and her VERY hard work for setting up our prayer flight today! I'd do it again tomorrow if it were set up. I hope we're able to do it again next year. So THANK YOU AMBER! HOWEVER, If you're looking for an exhilarating way to lose your life, try flying on a day like today! Holy mackerel. We were able to fly over the city today and pray over it for the National Day of Prayer. If you live in Cheyenne, you know what it was like today. And we flew in a five seat plane around the city. Who needs six flags when you can do that. WOW! I LOVE flying but get nervous every time. It really made me nervous when the pilot referred to "It's gonna be a rodeo up there" We were the three amigos up there man. Grant sat shotgun up front, I was directly behind him facing backwards looking at Adam facing me in the backseat. The whole flight Grant had perma-grin. He's the ultimate optimist. I think Grant soaks up every moment of life and it's awesome. I'm convinced Grant could find happiness in a pile of poop...LITERALLY. If he could have, he would have asked the pilot to do loops. Which it felt like we almost did a couple of times. With perma-grin behind me I had vomitron in front of me. Adam admitted before take off that he gets motion sickness. Hmmm...Me thinks we have a problem. The first thirty seconds of the flight were bliss. The rest I was waiting to receive chunks in my lap. Adam was not feeling well. His face eventually turned white. His lips were white. He did not look good. I tapped perma-grin on the shoulder, pointed to vomitron and said "We need to set her down." For me, I prayed over the city in between my "PLEASE SAVE US LORD" prayers! Every dip that plane took my prayers changed to "HELP US LORD!"
Ok, enough drama. I really was blown away up there as we bounced around the air above Cheyenne. I seriously prayed this prayer for the whole flight (in between laughing at Grant, Adam and me) "Lord take this city. Lord take this city. Lord take this city" I thought how many of those houses, cars, business contained people who ABSOLUTELY needed Life in Jesus? We circled the Capitol at a steep banked turn. That was beautiful. Again I prayed "Lord take this city!" We flew over our new building "Lord take this city!" We flew over our house "Lord take this city!" You know what God wants? To take the city.
It took a while for Adam to recover and I think it took a while for Grant to get rid of his grin. It took me a while for my heart to stop racing. Again, thank you Amber for setting that all up. I tease about the flight, but we are BLOWN AWAY that you would set it up and think of us.
That's it! Three for Tuesday.
Still laughing,
Jeff
#1 No nightmares but it was a nightmare drive back from Gillette last night. The snow was so bad we almost turned around about 38 miles outside of Gillette. The event was great and the band STINKIN' ROCKED last night. I hope you realize how blessed you are to have Adam lead in worship and the band mates that serve each week. We were following the white line directly in front of our car for a couple hours it seemed. Just crazy swirling snow. It was weird to be back in Gillette at the student ministry I lead for so long. Travis is doing an AWESOME job leading Inside Out Student Ministries up there.
#2 WE GOT THE LEASE TODAY! WOHOOOO! They agreed to all of our requests. I need to read over the fine print tonight but our realtor says everything looks good. We should be signing tomorrow and the place is hours. We don't pay rent until July 1st so we have 2 months to begin work on it. Our contractor came by and he will be putting in for a building permit on Monday and we can begin demo next week on some walls. I CAN'T BELIEVE WE'RE DOING THIS! Is what keeps going through my mind. We'll be presenting "The Climb" finance challenge on Sunday. We have some video to show you of inside the building and more details as well. There will be an opportunity for you to sign up to help volunteer as well. MAN, this is huge for us. God has provided in such wonderful ways, let's continue to serve and follow Him and seek Him with me on continuing to work miracles.
#3 First off, let me say I am SO thankful for Amber and her VERY hard work for setting up our prayer flight today! I'd do it again tomorrow if it were set up. I hope we're able to do it again next year. So THANK YOU AMBER! HOWEVER, If you're looking for an exhilarating way to lose your life, try flying on a day like today! Holy mackerel. We were able to fly over the city today and pray over it for the National Day of Prayer. If you live in Cheyenne, you know what it was like today. And we flew in a five seat plane around the city. Who needs six flags when you can do that. WOW! I LOVE flying but get nervous every time. It really made me nervous when the pilot referred to "It's gonna be a rodeo up there" We were the three amigos up there man. Grant sat shotgun up front, I was directly behind him facing backwards looking at Adam facing me in the backseat. The whole flight Grant had perma-grin. He's the ultimate optimist. I think Grant soaks up every moment of life and it's awesome. I'm convinced Grant could find happiness in a pile of poop...LITERALLY. If he could have, he would have asked the pilot to do loops. Which it felt like we almost did a couple of times. With perma-grin behind me I had vomitron in front of me. Adam admitted before take off that he gets motion sickness. Hmmm...Me thinks we have a problem. The first thirty seconds of the flight were bliss. The rest I was waiting to receive chunks in my lap. Adam was not feeling well. His face eventually turned white. His lips were white. He did not look good. I tapped perma-grin on the shoulder, pointed to vomitron and said "We need to set her down." For me, I prayed over the city in between my "PLEASE SAVE US LORD" prayers! Every dip that plane took my prayers changed to "HELP US LORD!"
Ok, enough drama. I really was blown away up there as we bounced around the air above Cheyenne. I seriously prayed this prayer for the whole flight (in between laughing at Grant, Adam and me) "Lord take this city. Lord take this city. Lord take this city" I thought how many of those houses, cars, business contained people who ABSOLUTELY needed Life in Jesus? We circled the Capitol at a steep banked turn. That was beautiful. Again I prayed "Lord take this city!" We flew over our new building "Lord take this city!" We flew over our house "Lord take this city!" You know what God wants? To take the city.
It took a while for Adam to recover and I think it took a while for Grant to get rid of his grin. It took me a while for my heart to stop racing. Again, thank you Amber for setting that all up. I tease about the flight, but we are BLOWN AWAY that you would set it up and think of us.
That's it! Three for Tuesday.
Still laughing,
Jeff
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Three for Tuesday
Hey Element Church! Three things I'll blog about in this post.
#1 I literally nightmared about Element THE ENTIRE NIGHT! It was horrible. Sweating, waking, getting up wondering if it was real. I had a dream that Adam intentionally sabotaged Sunday morning cause he was mad at me. We were yelling at each other in the worship center with people coming in for church. Worship was HORRIBLE, I didn't have my sermon prepared and people left in droves during my message. IT WAS SCARY! It seemed so real. I dream A LOT and I tend to dream more when BIG decisions come in ministry. I was that way in every other pastorate I've been in. I then woke up at 5:50 AM jumped out of bed and yelled "OH CRAP I'M LATE!" I TOTALLY thought it was Sunday morning and I'm supposed to meet the boys at the office for the trailer at 5:45 AM. I started to grab clothes and I said "WHAT DAY IS IT?" I could not remember what day it was. Thankfully my wife told me it was Tuesday or I may have driven all the way to the office. LOL CRAZY!
#2 We're praying and waiting for final word on the lease. Keep praying and we'll post as soon as we know. We have received $5,000 so far from two people that we're putting toward The Climb! I had a WONDERFUL conversation with an Elementer today who came into our office and handed me a check for $2000. They are SUCH a blessing as a part of our church, whether they gave ANY money they are worth a TON to us! You know who you are and I want you to know how much you are appreciated. Thank you for letting God work in and through you!
#3 Thursday the staff of Element has an AWESOME opportunity. An Elementer who works in the aeronautics division for the state has set up an opportunity for us to fly over Cheyenne on Thursday for the National Day Of Prayer and pray over the city. Each Capitol city of each state in the America is trying to have a fly over prayer. We get to participate in Cheyennes. How cool is that? This Elementer contacted a company to set all this up. The president of the company asked what pastor was flying. They said "The pastor of my church." "What church?" was the response. "Element" The president replied "Oh, you mean Jeff?" The Elementer asked how they knew me and this past Sunday was the president's first Sunday attending Element. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? That just doesn't happen. Grant, Adam and I are planning on going up at this point. Curtis couldn't make it. He can pray as he flies his fancy helicopter all over the city. LOL I'm jealous and bitter if you didn't notice! Element needs a helicopter. HA!
I'm headed to Gillette with the band tomorrow to go up and serve our mother church! High Plains Community is a HUGE part in who we are. Element wouldn't exist without them. I'll blog on Thursday and post some pictures and/or vid of the event.
Following Christ,
Jeff
#1 I literally nightmared about Element THE ENTIRE NIGHT! It was horrible. Sweating, waking, getting up wondering if it was real. I had a dream that Adam intentionally sabotaged Sunday morning cause he was mad at me. We were yelling at each other in the worship center with people coming in for church. Worship was HORRIBLE, I didn't have my sermon prepared and people left in droves during my message. IT WAS SCARY! It seemed so real. I dream A LOT and I tend to dream more when BIG decisions come in ministry. I was that way in every other pastorate I've been in. I then woke up at 5:50 AM jumped out of bed and yelled "OH CRAP I'M LATE!" I TOTALLY thought it was Sunday morning and I'm supposed to meet the boys at the office for the trailer at 5:45 AM. I started to grab clothes and I said "WHAT DAY IS IT?" I could not remember what day it was. Thankfully my wife told me it was Tuesday or I may have driven all the way to the office. LOL CRAZY!
#2 We're praying and waiting for final word on the lease. Keep praying and we'll post as soon as we know. We have received $5,000 so far from two people that we're putting toward The Climb! I had a WONDERFUL conversation with an Elementer today who came into our office and handed me a check for $2000. They are SUCH a blessing as a part of our church, whether they gave ANY money they are worth a TON to us! You know who you are and I want you to know how much you are appreciated. Thank you for letting God work in and through you!
#3 Thursday the staff of Element has an AWESOME opportunity. An Elementer who works in the aeronautics division for the state has set up an opportunity for us to fly over Cheyenne on Thursday for the National Day Of Prayer and pray over the city. Each Capitol city of each state in the America is trying to have a fly over prayer. We get to participate in Cheyennes. How cool is that? This Elementer contacted a company to set all this up. The president of the company asked what pastor was flying. They said "The pastor of my church." "What church?" was the response. "Element" The president replied "Oh, you mean Jeff?" The Elementer asked how they knew me and this past Sunday was the president's first Sunday attending Element. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? That just doesn't happen. Grant, Adam and I are planning on going up at this point. Curtis couldn't make it. He can pray as he flies his fancy helicopter all over the city. LOL I'm jealous and bitter if you didn't notice! Element needs a helicopter. HA!
I'm headed to Gillette with the band tomorrow to go up and serve our mother church! High Plains Community is a HUGE part in who we are. Element wouldn't exist without them. I'll blog on Thursday and post some pictures and/or vid of the event.
Following Christ,
Jeff
Monday, April 28, 2008
Life Groups Serving
We had some Life Groups who served in some cool ways recently and though I'd share those quickly.
Some of Matt and Reagan Kauffman's Life Group served as Chaperone's at Prom this past Saturday night. I would never have thought of doing that and thought it was VERY cool. Way to go Matt and Reagan! I think they're just trying to re-live high school.
Adam leads the worship team each Thursday as a Life Group. Two Saturday's ago they played a gig for LifeChoice just before their Life Walk to raise money for the ministry. The band took out the whole set up and led worship for the walkers before the event. Life Choice is an incredible ministry serving women who are dealing with unplanned pregnancies. We try and support them as much as we can. Then this Wednesday the whole band is driving up to Gillette to play for a youth outreach night at our "mother" church High Plains Community Church. Good job Adam!
Element Knitters. This is a ladies Life Group and they knit TONS of stuff and give it to the Safe House here in Cheyenne. They are continually serving by making and giving these items away. They make washcloths and put them in baggies with essential toiletries for the people at the Safe House. Great work ladies!
I know Grants group has served at the Comea House a couple times serving meals.
The staff really isn't a Life Group but we take turns each Friday serving lunch at the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen. My Friday is this Friday. I enjoy it every time I go! Good job staff! (Can I tell myself good job?)
Thought I'd update on that. Please try and get involved in the community Day of Giving May 9th here in Cheyenne. It's a great way to serve lots of different people!
Serving,
Jeff
Some of Matt and Reagan Kauffman's Life Group served as Chaperone's at Prom this past Saturday night. I would never have thought of doing that and thought it was VERY cool. Way to go Matt and Reagan! I think they're just trying to re-live high school.
Adam leads the worship team each Thursday as a Life Group. Two Saturday's ago they played a gig for LifeChoice just before their Life Walk to raise money for the ministry. The band took out the whole set up and led worship for the walkers before the event. Life Choice is an incredible ministry serving women who are dealing with unplanned pregnancies. We try and support them as much as we can. Then this Wednesday the whole band is driving up to Gillette to play for a youth outreach night at our "mother" church High Plains Community Church. Good job Adam!
Element Knitters. This is a ladies Life Group and they knit TONS of stuff and give it to the Safe House here in Cheyenne. They are continually serving by making and giving these items away. They make washcloths and put them in baggies with essential toiletries for the people at the Safe House. Great work ladies!
I know Grants group has served at the Comea House a couple times serving meals.
The staff really isn't a Life Group but we take turns each Friday serving lunch at the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen. My Friday is this Friday. I enjoy it every time I go! Good job staff! (Can I tell myself good job?)
Thought I'd update on that. Please try and get involved in the community Day of Giving May 9th here in Cheyenne. It's a great way to serve lots of different people!
Serving,
Jeff
Building update
Hey Element Church! Just wanted to update where we're at with this building. First off, let me say I'm blown away at your support of us as your leaders! You guys are such a blessing to serve. I wouldn't want to take this mountain with anyone else but you guys!
#1 Our realtor stopped by the office today to update the progress. He actually advised me on Friday not to announce this to the church on Sunday. Did I listen? Of course not. lol He said things are looking good. The ownership group is meeting tomorrow to discuss the final details. Pray for God's will and provision please. We should have a final lease to sign by Wednesday or Thursday. I'll definitely let you know.
#2 "The Climb" That is what we will be calling your opportunity in joining us financially in taking this mountain. Our goal is to raise $100,000 to pay for the remodel and building costs as we move in. Maybe you happened upon this blog or you follow Element Church from a distance and would like to help support our move into this building. We'll announce the final details of The Climb on Sunday if, Lord willing, the lease goes through. If you're an Elementer, please be praying about what God would have you do financially to climb with us.
#3 I received a REALLY cool email today with some other confirmation of the opening of this building: "I also wanted to share with you that when you spoke of the new building, we listened intently. Then when you spoke the words "600 Carlson Ave" my mouth dropped. My coworker was in the process of leasing that exact space. She talked adamantly about her plans for her new business. They then realized that this space wasn't going to work for them and are moving on to securing a different location. It was wonderful to see how God had been working to allow that space to remain available for the church. I came to work this morning and told my coworker of your message on Sunday and she's excited. They are now planning to attend the parenting series next month."
This is NOT a done deal yet so PLEASE keep praying. I share these details at church and on this blog so you can join us in praying for God's provision and for His will. We will have an "even if" faith in all of this. "But even if He doesn't..." we will still follow, trust, love and serve our God! AMEN?
Waiting,
Jeff
#1 Our realtor stopped by the office today to update the progress. He actually advised me on Friday not to announce this to the church on Sunday. Did I listen? Of course not. lol He said things are looking good. The ownership group is meeting tomorrow to discuss the final details. Pray for God's will and provision please. We should have a final lease to sign by Wednesday or Thursday. I'll definitely let you know.
#2 "The Climb" That is what we will be calling your opportunity in joining us financially in taking this mountain. Our goal is to raise $100,000 to pay for the remodel and building costs as we move in. Maybe you happened upon this blog or you follow Element Church from a distance and would like to help support our move into this building. We'll announce the final details of The Climb on Sunday if, Lord willing, the lease goes through. If you're an Elementer, please be praying about what God would have you do financially to climb with us.
#3 I received a REALLY cool email today with some other confirmation of the opening of this building: "I also wanted to share with you that when you spoke of the new building, we listened intently. Then when you spoke the words "600 Carlson Ave" my mouth dropped. My coworker was in the process of leasing that exact space. She talked adamantly about her plans for her new business. They then realized that this space wasn't going to work for them and are moving on to securing a different location. It was wonderful to see how God had been working to allow that space to remain available for the church. I came to work this morning and told my coworker of your message on Sunday and she's excited. They are now planning to attend the parenting series next month."
This is NOT a done deal yet so PLEASE keep praying. I share these details at church and on this blog so you can join us in praying for God's provision and for His will. We will have an "even if" faith in all of this. "But even if He doesn't..." we will still follow, trust, love and serve our God! AMEN?
Waiting,
Jeff
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Sunday Rumination (4-27-08)
Hey Element Church! Man oh man am I wiped today. I think three services affected more today than any other. Much of it had to do with just the heaviness of the message upon me today. The future for Element is SO exciting but the HUGENESS of what God is asking us to do is so far beyond me. We announced today two MAJOR pursuits in Element Church:
#1 August 1st we'll be bringing Pastor Grant on staff full time. Up until now Grant has worked for Frito Lay full time and donating his time to Element. That needs to change for Grant and for our church. We have grown so quickly that Grant can't keep up with the connecting and small groups and we can't go any longer without him being able to. SO, we are stepping out in faith to hire Grant full time. I CAN'T WAIT to have him in the office, ministering to YOU every day.
#2 We are in pursuit of a building to lease for the ongoing ministry of Element Church. WE NEED SPACE if we are to grow any more. God is HUGELY blessing us with people coming to Element and we don't want that to stop. This will be a HUGE step of faith, but one I think we have to take. We are working on a lease for about 16,000 square feet of space on 600 Carlson Ave. The worship center will hold 300 - 400 people. It would house our offices, kids and a MUCH NEEDED youth space. We'd have the ability to expand into existing empty space adjacent to what we'd be getting if needed. We have a local contractor who is donating his time to help lead the project. As a team of 6 last Spring we laid hands and prayed over the building for God to give it to us. Two months ago I received a phone call from an ownership group that heard we were needing space. They said "We have some space with think you'd be interested in." It was the building we prayed for. More details will be coming this Sunday. PRAY PRAY PRAY for God's will to be done in all of this. This is our mountain. I'm advancing onto it and need YOU to go wit me!!
Here is my other rumination on the day.
--- I am more tired today than maybe any other Sunday at Element. I am SPENT! Feel emotionally and physically drained. Wouldn't want it any other way. Typically means it was a good day at church.
--- The theater employee was 30 minutes late in opening the door this morning. That adds some stress.
--- Had MAJOR technical problems again today with audio/visual stuff. It's starting to REALLY bug me. Getting VERY distracting and I don't like it. Not sure what to do.
--- Adam played TWO originals today. He wrote the song Yearn a couple of years ago and is an AWESOME worship song. I think it's good enough to "make it". He then sang a new song he wrote today called "The Heart of a Warrior". It was based on my heart of a warrior sermon I did on March 30th. I LOVE the fact that we can do original music. Adam wrote another one inspired form our Eternity series that we'll bust out real soon. It too is AWESOME!
--- We'd love to do an Element Worship CD some day. Put some of our original stuff on it. That would be cool.
--- PACKED HOUSE TODAY! 505 in attendance. The Sunday I announced we were going to two services we were way down in attendance if I remember correctly. It was confirming to bust 500 again on the day we're announcing that we are pursuing a building.
--- This building scares me for a couple reasons. #1 I don't want to be about a building. We ARE NOT buying but leasing this space. It will be a 3 year lease. I FULLY expect to move in three years to another, larger location. Either that, or plant another church from Element. (Not me personally, but Element daughter a church) Maybe a video campus here in Cheyenne. (That is a whole other blog) #2 The risk! This is by far the BIGGEST decision I've EVER made in ministry. Moving here affected just my family. Moving now to a building affects our entire church. This is a financial risk for us. We have it made at the theater. But I don't want to "have it made". I want to anticipate God will show up when we need him. He won't lead us down a road He can't provide on. Financially this is a faith move for us.
--- 1st and 3rd service were full. In 3rd we had folks on the front row. I hate that. It's so uncomfortable. Heard one of the families on the front were first time guests too.
--- 55 in e:coustic today. That's up from previous weeks. That's good!
--- I preached on mission, vision and where we're going as a church today and how we'll get there. I want to blog a little this week about what I preached on. I think our decision making process is so helpful to what we do. Maybe it can help another pastor who reads this. Maybe not. I'll blog it anyway.
--- Partnership class this Sunday at 4 PM. Don't miss out on that. If you want to take the next step in Element to get more plugged in and be a part of what's going on you need to come to that.
--- Seriously, Elementers, you guys are the GREATEST! I absolutely love, LOVE leading this church! Can't imagine not doing this.
--- That's it for now. Blog more later.
Following Christ,
Jeff
#1 August 1st we'll be bringing Pastor Grant on staff full time. Up until now Grant has worked for Frito Lay full time and donating his time to Element. That needs to change for Grant and for our church. We have grown so quickly that Grant can't keep up with the connecting and small groups and we can't go any longer without him being able to. SO, we are stepping out in faith to hire Grant full time. I CAN'T WAIT to have him in the office, ministering to YOU every day.
#2 We are in pursuit of a building to lease for the ongoing ministry of Element Church. WE NEED SPACE if we are to grow any more. God is HUGELY blessing us with people coming to Element and we don't want that to stop. This will be a HUGE step of faith, but one I think we have to take. We are working on a lease for about 16,000 square feet of space on 600 Carlson Ave. The worship center will hold 300 - 400 people. It would house our offices, kids and a MUCH NEEDED youth space. We'd have the ability to expand into existing empty space adjacent to what we'd be getting if needed. We have a local contractor who is donating his time to help lead the project. As a team of 6 last Spring we laid hands and prayed over the building for God to give it to us. Two months ago I received a phone call from an ownership group that heard we were needing space. They said "We have some space with think you'd be interested in." It was the building we prayed for. More details will be coming this Sunday. PRAY PRAY PRAY for God's will to be done in all of this. This is our mountain. I'm advancing onto it and need YOU to go wit me!!
Here is my other rumination on the day.
--- I am more tired today than maybe any other Sunday at Element. I am SPENT! Feel emotionally and physically drained. Wouldn't want it any other way. Typically means it was a good day at church.
--- The theater employee was 30 minutes late in opening the door this morning. That adds some stress.
--- Had MAJOR technical problems again today with audio/visual stuff. It's starting to REALLY bug me. Getting VERY distracting and I don't like it. Not sure what to do.
--- Adam played TWO originals today. He wrote the song Yearn a couple of years ago and is an AWESOME worship song. I think it's good enough to "make it". He then sang a new song he wrote today called "The Heart of a Warrior". It was based on my heart of a warrior sermon I did on March 30th. I LOVE the fact that we can do original music. Adam wrote another one inspired form our Eternity series that we'll bust out real soon. It too is AWESOME!
--- We'd love to do an Element Worship CD some day. Put some of our original stuff on it. That would be cool.
--- PACKED HOUSE TODAY! 505 in attendance. The Sunday I announced we were going to two services we were way down in attendance if I remember correctly. It was confirming to bust 500 again on the day we're announcing that we are pursuing a building.
--- This building scares me for a couple reasons. #1 I don't want to be about a building. We ARE NOT buying but leasing this space. It will be a 3 year lease. I FULLY expect to move in three years to another, larger location. Either that, or plant another church from Element. (Not me personally, but Element daughter a church) Maybe a video campus here in Cheyenne. (That is a whole other blog) #2 The risk! This is by far the BIGGEST decision I've EVER made in ministry. Moving here affected just my family. Moving now to a building affects our entire church. This is a financial risk for us. We have it made at the theater. But I don't want to "have it made". I want to anticipate God will show up when we need him. He won't lead us down a road He can't provide on. Financially this is a faith move for us.
--- 1st and 3rd service were full. In 3rd we had folks on the front row. I hate that. It's so uncomfortable. Heard one of the families on the front were first time guests too.
--- 55 in e:coustic today. That's up from previous weeks. That's good!
--- I preached on mission, vision and where we're going as a church today and how we'll get there. I want to blog a little this week about what I preached on. I think our decision making process is so helpful to what we do. Maybe it can help another pastor who reads this. Maybe not. I'll blog it anyway.
--- Partnership class this Sunday at 4 PM. Don't miss out on that. If you want to take the next step in Element to get more plugged in and be a part of what's going on you need to come to that.
--- Seriously, Elementers, you guys are the GREATEST! I absolutely love, LOVE leading this church! Can't imagine not doing this.
--- That's it for now. Blog more later.
Following Christ,
Jeff
Thursday, April 24, 2008
This is how I feel about Sunday...
Hey Element Church! I saw this on a fellow pastors blog. He used it for the same reason. They are announcing some big stuff this Sunday at their church. What God has laid on my heart and what I am sharing at Element on Sunday makes me feel like this little boy. We're talking about what's next at Element, at it scares the living daylights out of me. HA! It scares me in such a way that we MUST rely totally on God. That's a great place to be. Again reminded that if I can accomplish what God asks me to do in my own power, then God didn't do anything. I want to be a part of something that it's obvious, "God has to do this!". Ready to skate,
Jeff
Friday, April 18, 2008
Sermon Series Sneak Peek
Hey Element Church! If you're on the "inside" here you get the heads up on what's coming next. We're announcing our next sermon series Sunday, but you find out today. I'm super excited about this series. It's called "Little Rascals: From Diapers to Diplomas". It will be my first time EVER talking about parenting. I know not everyone is a parent and we will be intentional about making sure that each sermon can relate to everyone in all stages of life. I am DEFINITELY not the perfect parent and in already preparing for this series am being challenged. If you're an Elementer and a parent, you need to be at this series. If you're an Elementer and NOT a parent, you know parents and you need to be at this series. Anyway, here are the graphics for the series. Enjoy.
Is it from God?
Hey Element Church! I posted here and here on making sure that what we do in church is actually God asking us to do it. That our "vision" for a church or ministry IS the call of God. While those two posts definitely didn't cover or answer all the possible variables in the call of God, or hearing the voice of God, I still believe it's true. We shouldn't move unless we are dead sure God is behind it. The Israelites didn't move in the wilderness until the cloud lifted and went before them. Moses' vision to lead the people of Israel was ludicrous, but God was behind it. Joshua's vision of taking on Jericho was a death sentence, yet by simply walking God showed up. Nehemiah's vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem was laughed at, yet in 52 days it was done. How do we know if our vision is from God?
We have some major decisions coming our way at Element Church. In fact, over the course of the next week some of the biggest decisions I've had to make as a leader will occur. Second guessing takes place. Sleepless nights. I dream a lot about decisions while I sleep, and I've done that. God has given us a vision to be and do certain things at Element Church, and with that it brings LOTS of uncertainty. It brings risk. It brings fear. I read lots of other pastors blogs. I don't agree with everything I read, or everything these pastors believe. If I only read or listened to people that totally agreed with me, how could I be stretched? I could I be SOLID in what I believe? So keep that in mind as I share what I read on another blog this week. Now, while this is not a "dead set recipe" for knowing, I thought it was some good insight. This is from Perry Noble.
Jeff
We have some major decisions coming our way at Element Church. In fact, over the course of the next week some of the biggest decisions I've had to make as a leader will occur. Second guessing takes place. Sleepless nights. I dream a lot about decisions while I sleep, and I've done that. God has given us a vision to be and do certain things at Element Church, and with that it brings LOTS of uncertainty. It brings risk. It brings fear. I read lots of other pastors blogs. I don't agree with everything I read, or everything these pastors believe. If I only read or listened to people that totally agreed with me, how could I be stretched? I could I be SOLID in what I believe? So keep that in mind as I share what I read on another blog this week. Now, while this is not a "dead set recipe" for knowing, I thought it was some good insight. This is from Perry Noble.
How do you know if your vision is from God? Great question…here are a few suggestions…
- If you feel confident that you can accomplish what is in front of you with no problem at all…then you didn’t hear from God.
- If no one is angry at you…then you didn’t hear from God.
- If you don’t have to ask anyone to sacrifice to make the vision come true…then you didn’t hear from God.
- If religious people are not steaming at you, blogging about you and/or leaving your church…then you didn’t hear from God.
- If you have the money in the bank to do what God has asked you church to do…then you didn’t hear from God.
- If every step is perfectly designed and nothing happens to totally throw you off along the way…then you didn’t hear from God.
- If someone doesn’t try to talk you out of what you are about to attempt…then you didn’t hear from God.
- If you don’t stay up at night thinking about the vision…then you didn’t hear from God.
- If your vision is in contradiction to God’s Word…then you didn’t hear from God. (And no, you didn’t get a “special revelation” that gave you permission to trump His Word!)
- If you know all of the answers…then you didn’t hear from God.
Jeff
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
The next One
I am admittedly not a natural evangelist. And by evangelist I don't mean a traveling preacher. I mean the guy who can and does naturally share their faith with anyone at anytime. A true evangelist, with the spiritual gift of evangelism, can share their faith and not be obnoxious about it but actually engage the other person in a real conversation about faith, Jesus and salvation. An evangelist isn't the person who leaves a track on the toilet seat, or yells on the street corner. Anyway, that is for another post. It always gets me excited when I do get the opportunity to share my faith with someone who does not know Jesus and they are actually receptive or even initiate the conversation themselves. Just recently I met someone who openly does not know Jesus YET they are REALLY searching for the Truth. I was able to sit down with them for almost an hour and talk about my faith and theirs and try to answer some questions. In no way is this due to my amazing evangelist skills but to their pursuit of me to ask questions. This person had been turned off by other Christians, even pastors, because they weren't willing to allow them to question or search. The reason is they wanted them to make the decision NOW. I mean "Why wouldn't you do it now right?" Anyway, the reason I titled this "The next One" is because of what keeps me excited about my faith. What keeps me anticipating what will happen at Element Church. What keeps me pumped about what other churches experience. The thing that does this is the "next one" who will receive Jesus. We don't know who it will be but God does. The "next one" could be at your work. The "next one" could be in your home. The "next one" could be the person you meet tomorrow. I've added this person I've met to my prayer list and will pray for them by name each morning. I want to do my best and BE my best to them and around them to try and show them Christ in me. I don't know when or if they will receive Jesus but I know they could be the "next one". Do you have a next one? Do you pray for the "next one"?
Waiting for the next one,
Jeff
Waiting for the next one,
Jeff
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