" We're putting our chips on kids"

I’m not much of a gambling man.  We all know there are no guarantees at any card table in Vegas.  The skill in gambling comes down to the ability to calculate probabilities … and that’s about it.  Any fool knows that anything is possible.  But there is a tipping point where the factors lend to the higher odds of something being probable.

BridgePointe is just like any other church.  It has limited resources, volunteers, promotion time, and money.  So we as a church have to decide where to put our “chips.”  The leader in me wants to maximize all of our resources and desires the greatest return on our investment.  I want to minimize the gamble by identifying the most probable payoff spiritually.  Research shows that Children's Ministry is the best investment for our return. It is far more probable that people will respond to spiritual truth before the age of 18 than at any other season in their life.

In regard to spiritual decisions made about God, The Barna Institute research puts the probability at 32% for children between 5 and 13 years old, 4% for children between 14 and 18, and 6% for people 19 years and older.  In other words, attracting younger children to a church to learn about the Love of God will have 5 to 8 times the impact of attracting the same number of older children or adults.  Barna's research on faith development and discipleship also found that the moral development of children is complete by age 9. Research affirms that the foundation for lifelong values and morals are formed at the earliest years.

Barna's research also showed that church attendance by children has a lifelong impact.  The majority (61%) of adults who attended church as children still attend regularly, while only 22% of those who were not churchgoers as children attend church today.  Early churchgoing also has an impact on whether parents bring their children to church.  For parents who were churched as children, 63% take their own children to church.  That's double the proportion among adults who were not churched and now have children of their own (33%).

 This is the ancient insight the Bible gave us: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and 
when he is old he will not depart from it." 
(Proverbs 22:6)

So at BridgePointe, we’re putting on chips where there is the greatest spiritual return:  our kids.  The greatest outreach and ministry window today is among young children.  Look soon for a re-branding of our pre-school.  A new look, new name, new logo, new toys, new matts, new check in lap tops, and new t-shirts for our volunteers.

We’re not gambling at BrigdePointe.  No need to second guess what is possible.  We have probability working for us.  With the odds on our side, we’re investing, not spending.

"Who Carries You?"

Meet a man who has no money, no job, no influence, no family, and no future. He is a paralyzed man living in first century Israel. He has spent his life on a mat that was maybe 3 by 6 feet. That’s his world. Someone has to feed him, clothe him, carry him, move him from getting bedsores and clean him up when he soils himself. It’s humbling; it’s humiliating. He is a grown man who will never be independent.

He cannot contribute to society so he is forced to be a beggar. Most depressing is that there is no real solution.  There are no medicines, surgeries, rehab, or treatment centers that can help him. It’s only in his dreams, really, that he walks, has a job, enjoys a woman as a wife, or plays with kids.

But the one thing he has going for him in life is that he has friends … and great friends. According to Mark 2, his friends courageously go for broke and with a “whatever it takes attitude” they manage to carry their paralyzed friend to see Jesus. Since the house Jesus was teaching at had drawn a crowd, they are forced to be creative:

4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on.

5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Imagine that? Jesus directly alludes to the faith of paralyzed man’s friends. There were a lot of things that were completely out of this man’s control, but he knew that having friends was a choice he had to make. And the paralytic’s friends had to make the same choice as well. Imagine how costly it was to be the friend of a paralytic. Truth be told, it’s a choice we all have to make. Waiting for a convenient time to invest in friendships is like waiting for a convenient time to give birth. Simply put, it’s going to cost you no matter what.

But the pay-off is huge …. because all of us have a need for someone to carry us in one way or another. We may not be paralyzed but we will not experience all of what God has for us without a close circle of friends. Friends do to your soul what water does for your body on a hot day. We are designed and shaped to be interdependent on each other and there are no short cuts.

So who carries you? Who encourages you? Who allows you to be real? Who tells you what you need to hear? Who listens to you?  Who visits you? Who eats with you? Who laughs with you? Who cries with you? Who care for you?

Life Groups at BridgePointe are small circles of friends that commit to meet once a week to share life together. There is a Life Group waiting for you to belong to so that someone can carry you and you can carry another. Sign up this Sunday or sign up online. There is a group that fits your availability, community, and interest. Make the choice to have friends.

Who will carry you?

Personal, Not Private

People are moving forward in drawing close to God at BridgePointe! We sent a record breaking number of students, 96, to the Motion Conference in Birmingham two weeks ago.  Over 100 volunteers attended  Pulse in late July.  We baptized 37 people last Sunday. We had a record-breaking number of women, 165, attend the “Women Who Walk Conference” last weekend. It reminded me that BridgePointe is not an organization that we belong to. We are part of an organism-  something that is alive and living.

Being part of a local church is becoming a fast and loose option for today’s Christian. It is often argued that a commitment to a local church is unnecessary because “it’s all about a personal relationship with Jesus.” But this is short sighted. Personal does not mean private. As evidenced in the Bible, personal does not mean intangible either. The New Testament is filled with evidence of a church concept that had definite significance and structure.

1.  Christians regularly gathered for meetings (Heb.10:24-25, I Cor. 11:20) on consistent days  (Acts  20:7, I Cor. 16:2) and at specific locations (Acts 2:46).
2.   Christians localized as distinct congregations/churches within particular locations.
(I Thess. 1:1)
3.   Leadership was established in every church (Acts 14:23) as were detailed requirements for such leadership roles. (I Timothy 3)
4.   Physical and practical needs were met through administrative means.
(Acts 2:45, 4:32-37, 6)
5.   Detailed records were kept among churches. The number of people who became baptized Christians were added to the church (Acts 2:41, 44); A register of widows, under the church’s care, was kept (I Timothy 5:9); Letters and words of commendation were sent between churches regarding individuals. (Acts 18:27, I Cor. 16:3, II Cor. 3:1-2, Rom. 16:1, Col. 4:10)
6.   Financial collections were gathered and sent from one particular church to another.
              (Rom. 15:26, II Cor. 8:6-9:5)
7.   Organized practices of baptism and communion were experienced (Acts 2:41-42, 46) as well as other practices, common to particular churches.  (I Cor.11:17-22)
8.   Personal accountability was conducted in a public procedure that involved an individual church, its leadership, and individuals that knew the one being confronted for sin. (Matt. 18:15-19)
9.   Gatherings of believers were to be done in an orderly fashion. (I Cor. 14:40)
10. Each Christian was to utilize their unique abilities to make a difference. (I Pet. 4:10)

The Church in the New Testament does not sound like something private or intangible. This is why we host Inside BridgePointe Events. We think it’s important for you to know where your church is going and how to be a part of it. We want you to intelligently engage in your church as a living organism of spiritual life, rather than just another organization. Take your next step in drawing closer to God by attending our next Inside BridgePointe event on August 21, from 5:30-7:00. It’s hosted at Tuscany Restaurant in Woodstock where dinner will be served. I hope you will consider a Partnership with us at BridgePointe.

The First Church was not the perfect Church

July 24, 2001

You would think that with such criticism, disappointment, and shaming you were hearing someone take swipes at a political enemy during an election year. But actually, such a condemning tone has become fashionable towards the current state of The Church in America. Turn to the best selling Christian books, the popular media Pastors, and especially the typical Christian conference speakers on the circuit. The drive-by insults paint a picture of Christians who lack commitment, are shallow, materialistic, and are missing the mark in nine out of ten categories.

I’ve noticed that this message is appealing to many young leaders and church people who have been hurt by a church. I’ve seen stadiums filled with well meaning and eager Christians who stand to their feet and applaud as the dirty laundry of the church is exposed. They eat this up and often find themselves looking down upon other churches, pastors, leaders … and often their own.

Certainly we all have enough of our stories to confirm that no church or Christian is perfect. Interestingly enough, though, such self-appointed Christian police use the early church as the mark in which today’s church falls short. I can hear their mantra now:  “We want to be just like the early church!” Well, not so fast. You might want to think that through. There is a big difference between the early church being the first church and being the perfect church.

·          `      The rich were given the best seats and the poor made to sit on the floor. (James 2)
·      The Corinthian church refused to confront a man sleeping with his father’s wife.
(1 Corinthians 5:1-8)
·      Church leaders had sharp disputes and strong disagreements, some of which could not be resolved and caused separation. (Acts 15:1-15, 36-41)
·      Christians had become lazy and complacent, unwilling to work. They possibly thought Jesus would soon return. (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13)
·      The church was unwilling to share the gospel with Gentiles.  (Acts 10)
·      Christians showed off their giving to look impressive. (Acts 5:1-4)
·      Christians flirted and fell into heresy. (Galatians 1:6-10)
·      Christians were suing each other. (1 Corinthians 6:1-6)

Of course, this was not true of every church or every Christian, which we would do well to remember about the criticism we hear today. Jesus promised he would build His church, not because of us, but despite us. Yes, we don’t have it all down, but neither did the first church ... and you know what? God used them to turn the world upside down.

If you’re looking for a perfect church, perfect leaders, perfect families, perfect worship, and a perfect staff and Pastor, don’t come to BridgePointe. But if you desire to engage in a sweat and fight to follow after Jesus in everyday life, you’re invited to rise with us as we strive to be the beautiful Bride that God envisioned. (Ephesians 5:25-28)

Every Sunday, every member is a host.

July 17, 2011

Tonight is the night. They will be here soon. You have invited guests over for dinner. Lots to do. Lots to prepare for. It’s part of being a good host, right? No guest is going to feel welcome in a dirty bathroom with no towel. Dirty dishes in the sink, dusty furniture, clutter on the couch, and clothes in the living room will not fly. Taking a look in the front yard might be in order as well. A fresh mow on the grass, some weed clearing, and getting the kid’s toys picked up off the driveway is in order. But it doesn’t stop there. A good host usually will be ready to serve up something a little more than Sunday evening eggs and toast. You might even make sure the “good plates” are out and you use silverware that matches. Five minutes before you will hear the knock on the door, you will want to lecture  the kids to be on their best behavior. You know that everything reflects on the host.

If you haven’t had guests over recently, think again. Every Sunday morning at BridgePointe we are hosts. According to the father of church planting, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”(2 Corinthians 5:20) We represent Jesus every Sunday morning to those outside of our spiritual family. How we prepare for guests at BridgePointe reflects on Jesus himself.

In anticipating our guests’ needs, our staff gets intentional:

·          Is parking adequate?

·          Do the outdoor signs clearly point the way?

·          Are guests greeted with a warm welcome?

·          Are the internal signs easy to see and clear as to where to go?

·          Are the children’s programs at our best?

·          Are parents who entrust their kids to us given our attention?

·          Are the bathrooms clean and the facilities and decor inviting?

·          Do we acknowledge and appreciate guests right up front?

·          Do we translate spiritual truth to be understandable for those who are unfamiliar with church and our Christian language?

·          Is the message true to the Bible, clearly depicting God’s will for followers of Jesus?

·          Is our quality in all that we do equal to the importance of our faith?

·          Are people led to an opportunity to say “yes” to God’s grace for the first time?

·          Is information easily assessable for someone desiring to take another step in drawing close to God?

But you’re a host as well! Are these traits true of you as an ambassador?

·          I come to church on time so that guests, who traditionally arrive earlier, don’t feel awkward in an empty  theater.

·          I introduce myself to people sitting around me at the greeting time.

·          As a volunteer on Sunday, I give my best effort and give all attendees my best attention.

·          I volunteer at BridgePointe with the primary needs on Sunday to effectively serve people.

·          I refrain from judging others on Sunday who dress and look different than myself.

·          I am authentically “real” in my dress and personality without “acting” religious.  

·          I don’t assume that everyone I meet is a Christian.

·          I’m helpful and humble in explaining spiritual things to people who do not have the knowledge I have  about God.

           

We can tell if a hotel or a restaurant has prepared well for our needs as a guest. It is often that personal touch and attention that determines whether we return. Certainly the stakes are higher at BridgePointe. As ambassadors of Jesus, our readiness and preparation can make an eternal difference for an unchurched guest.

I hear the knock on the door. They’re here!

Fall Forward

I love the start of the new school year! August signals a recalibrating of our lives back to the routine. Summer allows us time to get away from it all and mix things up a bit. But the kids returning back to school seems to be that starting line that resets everything. That got me thinking about some new things coming our way at BridgePointe that will make this August a fall forward.

Amy Telleson is now our standing Pre-School Director, overseeing our infants through 4 years old. Thanks to former pre-school leaders, Nick and Tarrah Zomer, she is able to build on a legacy of dedication and quality.  Amy is a professional schoolteacher and brings with her a high level of expertise and passion for kids. Be looking for a new branding of this ministry later in the fall. Our Pre-School ministry will be cleverly called “Tree Top”, named after the story of Zaccheaus, who needed to be in a tree to see Jesus because of his short stature. It is her hope that Tree Top will give our Pre-Schoolers their first look at Jesus.

Starting August 14th, we will launch our new Jr. High School meeting on Sunday nights, under the direction of our student pastor, Jarad Houser. “Fuel” is a high-energy event just for 6^th through 8^th grade. Our High School and Junior High students have always been one group, meeting on the same night. Two distinct groups allow Jarad to be more effective by focusing the programs at each age level. Next summer our Junior High students will also enjoy a summer camp just for them. “Fusion” will continue to be the exciting High School gathering each Wednesday night.

I am at the start of fulfilling a task I was commissioned to do when the leadership invited me to BridgePointe: Putting in place a permanent worship leader. Thanks to the selfless efforts of Ty and Laurima Stovell, you would have never thought we skipped a beat. This is a couple faithfully stepping in to fill the gap and carry the worship ministry until a more permanent role is established. They lead with the highest level of quality and commitment. This allows a candidate to come and build on a strong worship passion and priority. We will have a Worship Leader candidate with us in July. He will lead us as a guest Worship Leader. Pray with us for God’s guidance and direction with next steps.

Coming this year also will be a New Believers Class, a station with complimentary material for seekers, a Small Group option designed for beginners in the faith or recent returners to the faith, compassion drives and missions trips, and a single worship service dedicated to children and their parents. August is just the start of new things to be introduce in hopes of moving BridgePointe towards it’s singular mission:  To draw people close to God. I will unfold them as they come and celebrate with you all that God is doing to build his church.

Epicenter thinking at BridgePointe

Californians understand the word “epicenter” real well. It’s an earthquake term that is as familiar to me as the word “beach”. After an earthquake, the first question asked is, “Where was the epicenter?” The epicenter is the point from which the force of the earthquake originates. It marks the axis from where the hit disseminated. The closer you are to the epicenter, the more impact you feel, and the more you are affected by the movement.

This concept is something that all of us at BridgePointe need to be familiar with as well. The idea of an epicenter forms our strategy in impacting others with our faith. When we use the word “outreach”, know that our first “reach out” should be those closest to us. They are our spiritual epicenter. Close proximity makes the difference. This allows believers to be intentional, strategic, and focused with three advantages:

·         Efficiency-  Time, resources, and influence are maximized with an immediate spiritual impact due to minimal movement from the center.

·         Incarnation-  Those closest to us are experiencing a spiritual influence that they can see, hear, and personally experience from someone near them.

·         Momentum-   A spiritual wave effect of forward movement best travels when the force and catalyst is first centralized and focused.

This was Jesus’ parting strategy to the disciples in changing the world with his message.

“He said to them ... you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:7-8)

It is most significant that the disciples were presently in Jerusalem and that the three other geographical locations Jesus speaks of were at incremental distances from each other moving outward. In other words, Jerusalem was their epicenter and the shock waves formed concentric circles moving outward, much like radar signals. Jesus’ point? Start where you are. This was the principle-thread in the Deep End workshop I taught this last weekend called, “Contagious Faith.” The stats bear this out. When surveyed, 85% of unchurched Americans would visit a church or talk about “religion” only on the condition that it was generated from a friend or family member— People close to you!

Maximizing our epicenter as individuals means we have to inventory all the relationship potential in closest proximity to us in our natural walk of life. As a church, it means our surrounding communities and cities must be our first responsibility to reach and serve. Beginning in August, BridgePoint will be more and more intentional, geographically. The best way for BridgePointe to build towards an international influence is to start with those in need of Jesus living right in front of us.

In fact, this summer, I’m challenging our church staff to get to know the people working in the surrounding units right next to our church office. It was Jesus’ way. The closer those are to your epicenter, the more impact they will feel, and the more they will be influenced by your life as a Christian. No need to go to California for your epicenter … or anywhere else for that matter.