We thought you might like to hear from some of the actual people who sit in our services every week. It's one thing to hear a "staff member" say things about a church and what God is doing in the lives of it's people, but it's another to hear real people talk candidly about their experience. So, here it is...
What are you willing to fight for? It seems today we fight for all of the wrong reasons: when you cut me off in traffic, when you cut in line in front of me, if you talk about my mamma. But why won't we fight for our marriage, for our wives, for our sons and daughters? It's so much easier to give in and find something to blame it on. (Because it's never OUR fault!) What we need today is a warrior, but where do you find one?
(Jesus said to the disciples) "But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you (John 16:7)."
The disciples had given up their families, their jobs--their entire lives--just to follow Jesus. And, now, he was going to leave...and that was for their own GOOD???
Lots of people do the right things for the wrong reasons....take Serving, for instance. Many people serve because it feels good to "give back," because they feel it makes them a "good person," or because it's just plain fun. But, does that really COUNT in God's eyes?
One of the biggest complaints about church-goers is that we're all "fake." Some of our families are falling apart. Some of us feel hopeless. We have bad days just like the rest of the world, but, for some reason, on Sunday mornings, we put on our happy face and say, "Hey! How are you? Me? I'm fine! It's so good to see you...blah, blah, blah." No wonder we're perceived as fake...sometimes we ARE. Why do we feel the need to pretend?!?
So, we're about to go on the women's retreat, where Anna Carter will be teaching a segment on self-discipline (who doesn't need some of that?!?) This is a blog written by Elizabeth Benton that I think speaks to everyone--men & women, no matter where you are in life...
I just started reading Wild at Heart for the second time. This time I am reading it with a group of guys and I am looking forward to seeing how they react to what they read.
I know it really gets me fired up. Real men... stand up. When I read this book it helps me to understand to understand what it is to be a man. I have heard too many time from "men" who have done something wrong and are being called on it and don’t want to admit they did something wrong say... wait for it...
I had a revelation today…wait let me start over. I had the sweetest admonishment today. I’ll tell you why.
It started like this. My friend texted me late last night to tell me that his mom…my adopted mom (in the sense that I have claimed her as mom and spiritual mentor, and she has accepted) had been placed in the hospital to remove fluid from her lungs due to a bout with pneumonia.
Lacy tablecloths and flowery centerpieces. A light brunch and "special music." After a speaker encourages everyone with uplifting words, attendees peek under their chair to look for a sticker. Surprise! Those with a sticker get to take home a centerpiece.
Sound familiar? It should. I've just described a women's ministry "tea," and it's a staple at most churches. But while many women enjoy these traditional gatherings, others seek events that are more challenging, unconventional, or relevant t
"Where's their tent?!?" was the question asked by one of our Catalyst preschoolers when she visited her grandmother's church. Another child gates off hallways in her home and plays "nursery." Given that we set up and tear down every week in a high school, our kids' ministry environment is DEFINITELY structured differently than most other churches!!! But the faith & knowledge of our children, as well as the community that has been build between our kids, is equally EXTRAORDINARY!
