(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...
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!
Christmas is traditionally a time in which businesses, schools, and other organizations band together to serve the community and care for the needy. So, accordingly, Catalyst held an event called A Christmas Presence. However, rather than telling people who/when to serve, we wanted to provide an opportunity in which the Holy Spirit was given more room to move. One Sunday, everyone in service was...
