The Dynamic Duo

It is so awesome to be part of launching The Point. I love being in the thick of it all … I love hitting the streets and interacting with people … in fact, lots of people lately.

The dynamic duo – Todd & Malachi – was at it again yesterday. We went out canvassing for a couple of hours. We hit about 200 homes – a lot of walking … well, at least me – Malachi slept in the stroller … lucky guy.

I was able to connect with several people. I met two guys in front of their house – tattoes and body piercings. My usual line is “Hey I am starting a new church here is some info.” I knew this wouldn’t work with these guys … so I tried a slightly different approach … it went something like this … “Don’t say no … I am starting a church for people who think church sucks” … they laughed and we engaged a 10 minute conversation. We exchanged names and their final words – “I think we may have to check out this church.” Pray for Don & Mark!

After … Malachi finally woke up … we went to the park. He is the best evangelism tool in the world. My son opens up so many doors – just by his name. We met a few new moms – funny thing – I am the only dad at the park on Mondays – somewhat weird! We reconnected with someone else we met a few weeks ago. Connect and Reconnect – great tool!

I get more and more excited with each passing moment! I love living for the POINT of life >> God!

Get That Trailer!

The coolest thing about God is that He is our life-resource! He finds creative ways to provide for every need in life.

As we start this new church we have to load the vehicles … drive them to church … unload them … run a service … reload the vehicle … drive them home … then unload again … A LOT OF WORK!!!

Someone found out about our need for an enclosed trailer. Today they dropped off a check for 2000 bucks and said, “Go get that trailer.”

WOW … I started to tear up … and I responded, “This is one more indicator, green light that The Point is God’s dream.”

What does this have to do with you? Everything … never give up. If God has placed a dream in your heart pursue it with all of your life. He will provide EVERYTHING YOU NEED! He is your life-source!!!!!!

Life with God

Ephesians 3:20: “God can do anything, you know — far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us” (MSG).

What an amazing scripture to live with. I love that verse in the Bible. It compels me. It motivates me. In the middle of starting this new church this verse drives me to “trust” God in all moments of life!

I discovered 4 Truths from Ephesians 3:20 that propel me to move forward!
1. God’s ability is untouchable – He can do anything!
2. God’s vision is unreachable – If you can dream it, then it is not big enough!
3. God’s love is unmatchable – He wants to work with us!
4. God’s Spirit is unmistakable – He will use us to accomplish his wildest dreams!

I am convinced, now more than ever, that the Point is a God-sized dream!

Houston … we have lift off!

It is hard to imagine that so many months ago we started to make plans for The Point! So much work and so many hours have gone into getting this new work off the ground! This could not have been done without the hard work of our Launch Team – this 30 member team has really been the backbone of being prepared. Thanks guys!!!

We had our 1st service yesterday … we had 103 in the auditorium and 6 children. Not bad for our first service!

The most important part of the day was that we had 3 first time commitments to become discoverers of God. This made all of the hard work and long hours well worth it.

I watched “Evan Almighty” the night before with my family. This was our faith building exercise.

There are several things I got out of this movie that are kind of parrallel to church planting: 1. It is hard work!
2. It doesn’t always make sense.
3. Trust God at all times.
4. Embrace the unknown.
5. Wait for God to fulfill His promise.

I know that God has called us to launch this new church. I can’t wait until His promise fully happens. Until then we will trust God at all times and embrace the unknown.

The Growth Factor

Well, I am days away from starting a new church in Westbury, NY. I am so scared I could probably wet myself, but I do know that it is God’s plan for me and my family. How do I know? My said, “It’s okay.” I am so glad that God has called churches to grow. So here are some ramblings about “growth” before our first service.

The Acts record of growth
120 = Acts 1:15
3120 = Acts 2:41
“added” Every day (at least 365) = Acts 2:47
15,000 = Acts 4:4
Everyone knows = Acts 4:16
More & More – Acts 5:14
All know teaching = Acts 5:28
“multiplied” Growth = Acts 6:1
Tens of Thousands = Acts 21:20 (25 years later)
over 60,000 from 120 (GC Campbell)

Two Types of Meetings: (1) Large Group Worship and (2) Small Group Fellowship

Acts 6
· Church growth causes problems (v. 1“… rumblings of discontent …”)
· Problems are unmet needs (v. 1 “… widows … discriminated …”)
· Pastors can’t do it all (v. 2 “… meeting of all the believers …”)
· Lay leaders are to assist (v. 3 “… charge of this business …”)
· Pastors focus on prayer & teaching (v. 4 “… prayer – preaching – teaching …”)
· Church grew faster after delegation (v. 7 “… believers greatly increased …”)

I am totally excited about launching THE POINT. In fact, I am praying that we start off large and continue to grow. Growth causes problems … which leads to answers … which allows more people to get involved in ministry!

Walmart Evangelism

Last night a friend and I had to go to Wal-Mart to buy candy for our outreach at the Westbury Fall Festival today. We bought a $120 worth of candy … I never realized that we could fill a whole cart with candy … it was a lot of candy!

As we are getting ready to check out two of the Wal Mart employees were walking buy – they noticed an entire cart full of candy – one said, “Hey, tell me where the party is?” I replied, “Let me hand you an invite card to the party.” I handed him an invite to The Point!

He stopped for a moment … looked up to the left and said, “Thank you. I was just saying this week that I had to get to a church. I didn’t know where to go, now I know.”

The Point >> A Casual Church with Serious Faith!

13 Days … But Who's Counting?

It is hard to believe that we are 13 days from lift-off! Unbelievable! Many of you have been praying, supporting, and believing in this project. YOU ARE AWESOME!

FAITH … obeying God even when it does not make sense! That’s what this wild-ride is producing in our family!

What I have learned since February when the Lord called us to do this?
1. Absolute trust in God.
2. Understanding that God trusts me.
3. Life is never easy.
4. Ministry has its challenges.
5. Family is our greatest support.
6. We have amazing friends.
7. Churches are better than we may think.
8. People need Jesus.
9. Jesus loves all people.
10. God uses people to love people.
11. Excellence is a way to worship God.

Life is full of interesting twists and turns but in every situation God wants to teach us something – many things. Listen for the lessons that God wants to teach you!