ELEVATE - Christ’s Church Leadership Blog

Have you ever wondered what drives the staff at Christ’s Church? What gets them excited to do ministry day in and day out?

A few days ago the Christ’s Church staff spent a day fasting and focused in prayer. Each team member was given a sheet with specific scriptures to meditate on as well as a few leading questions to respond to after the day was through. The responses to one of these questions gives great insight into the heart of our team. It shows why they do what they do and why serving Him means serving you. It’s all about change. Life change. True transformation that comes by following Jesus. You’ll see that common threat as you read a few of the staff comments below…

QUESTION: What ignites you about ministry? What gets you excited?

ANSWERS:

“Knowing that people are getting it and knowing that all I do behind the scene really does make a difference!!”

“Knowing that preparing material each week for children to learn about Jesus is a piece of the puzzle that will contribute to their spiritual growth.”

“For me, it’s seeing (and helping) people get connected with other Christians and connected to the right ministries/classes/small groups, etc. in order to best help them grow spiritually.”

“What ignites me about ministry is seeing someone who finally really, really gets it.”

“Having a front row seat to life transformation through God’s grace.”

“When I can see someone get excited or want to know how to get involved in something they were changed by, you know change is happening. It comes full circle.”

“I love to ignite others who then share in that same passion or that same “Holy Discontent”.”

“I guess right now I just want to see the people I have an opportunity to work with to get in the game, build a relationship with Christ and personalize their faith! It comes down to me wanting to see people love God…. that fires me up!”

“First and foremost, I love to watch God work through people. I am constantly amazed how God uses people to build His kingdom in this world and I want to be a part of that more than anything.”

“Seeing how people’s lives are being changed when they come to know Christ. I love witnessing the excitement when they’ve been baptized and the immediate desire to serve somewhere and somehow. You can’t help getting caught up in it.”

“Changed lives and the potential for growth in those lives.”

“For me it is to see life change happening in people as they grow in the Lord. To watch the Holy Spirit working in their lives as He produces “His fruit” in them.”

“What fires me up more than anything else is when I am able to be part of life-changing things.”

“When God uses me to get people on board with understanding their role as His servants.”

So, what about you? What ignites your passion for ministry? For serving Christ?

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By David Lawson, Executive Minister

“Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them!” Luke 15:1-2 (NLT)

So, what did Jesus do?

He told three great stories.

The first one was about a lost sheep that the shepherd went out to find, leaving the other 99 behind to find the one that was lost.

The second was about a lady losing one of her ten silver coins and doing an all out search to find it.

And then there was this story.

Here are the basics of the story of the prodigal son. A son wants his inheritance so he can go out on his own. His father gives it to him and he goes and blows all of it and ends up eating with a bunch of pigs… literally. He decides to go back to his father and beg for a place on his father’s staff as a servant. As his father sees him coming, he runs out to meet the son and gives him shoes, a ring, and a robe. Dad kills the big calf that was being saved for a special occasion and throws a crazy party for his son who had returned. The older brother gets upset and complains that he has never had a party thrown for him.

OK…make sure you read the story to get all the details. It is Luke 15:11-32.

This week I heard a message about this story that challenged me. It was by Reggie Joiner, during the opening session of the Orange Conference that I was attending in Atlanta.

Looking at this story in the context of the chapter, there is a definite parallel between the Pharisees in verses 1-2 and the older brother in this story. There is also a connection between the way Jesus engaged with sinners and the way the loving father treated his prodigal son.

Think about these comparisons.
A loving father mentality is preoccupied with who’s missing.
An older brother mentality is preoccupied with self.

A loving father mentality operates from a context of forgiveness.
An older brother mentality operates from a context of shame.

A loving father throws a party – he’s about building relationships.
An older brother throws a fit – he’s about tearing down.

A loving father confronts older brother’s thinking…then takes him to the party.
An older brother criticizes the loving father from a distance.

A loving father keeps the lights on as long as it takes.
An older brother closes the doors and turns off the lights.

So, who are you? Loving father or older brother? Now, don’t do what I first did and start to think through people in your head who you think would fit into one of these categories. Honestly deal with yourself. Who are YOU?

“Don’t just think about who is sitting around the table, but who is not there.” -Reggie Joiner

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On April 14, 1831, in Manchester, England, the power of unity was demonstrated in an entirely unexpected fashion for all to see. The story begins with Her Majesty’s Army. A platoon of soldiers was out marching in the Manchester area. As they had done on many previous occasions, they crossed the River Irwin on the Broughten Suspension Bridge. As all soldiers are trained and drilled to do, they were marching in step. However, they were in such perfect sync that it created a scientific phenomenon. When the rhythm of the soldiers marching matched the vibrations in the bridge, the Broughten Suspension Bridge began to collapse. The bridge was only two years old when it met its premature demise. The bridge was rebuilt; however, when construction was completed, signs were posted all across the bridge stating, “All troops must break step when marching over this bridge.”

For many years, scientists, engineers and folklorists have studied this seemingly one-time event. It wasn’t until 1940 that scientists and engineers would believe it was the “unity theory” that brought down the Broughten Suspension Bridge. That year, in Tacoma, Washington, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, after being swayed by the wind, experienced the same destruction due to the perfect match between rhythm and vibrations. This, once again, demonstrated the power of unity.

All through history we have seen the power of unity; the power of many gathered around one common direction. Yet, so many times we take unity for granted. Instead of working together, we all run in different directions, lessening the potential kingdom impact we could make. I love two of the definitions given for unity in the dictionary:

1. The state or quality of being in accord; harmony.
2. The combination or arrangement of parts into a whole; unification.

As I look at the potential for our church, I am constantly reminded of God’s unlimited power and His incredible plan for redemption. His heart’s desire is that all would come to call Him Father. This work, He has entrusted to us. Yet, as we have grown, we seem to become less unified and more fragmented. I’m confident we are not alone in this problem, nor is it intentional. I hear story after story of other churches battling this same issue…asking the same questions…

“What happened? It was all working so well, and then it came to a crashing halt.”
“Do we need to revamp our core values?”
“Who led us off track?”
“How do we get back our momentum?”
“What is the solution?”

If you’re thinking that the answer to this problem is simply, “If only we were all just chasing the same compelling vision!’ or, “If we were just all on the same page….” you would be wrong. The answer is so much more than a mission statement, vision or strategic plan. While those are important and help keep us organizationally in step, they don’t help us achieve the God-sized results that we are capable of and accountable for. You see, unity begins with each and every one of us, as individuals. We could have the world’s coolest mission statement or the newest vision or strategic plan, but that alone will not create the “bridge destructing” power of unity that we are pursuing. All it takes is for one person to get out of step to destroy the harmony. Unity begins in our hearts and is an outpouring of our intimate understanding of God’s character and will.

Colossians 3:12-14 says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

It is easy to lose sight of the power of being in step. Many times we don’t intentionally set out to go our own way. It gradually happens over time. However, as this year unfolds, we will be working hard to become more in step with one another. Personally, I want to be part of a movement. I want to be part of a God- sized church. I know that am truly at my best when serving with others to accomplish God’s incredible will. I can’t do this alone, nor would I want to limit God by thinking that I could. I would love to see this church lead the community to revival. But for us to truly unlock the power of unity and to see our potential achieved, it must start in our individual hearts. We personally must commit to be in step with God and to deny ourselves. Then and only then will we begin to see the power of unity. Once we get that down, well, the rest is as simple as putting one foot in front of the other.

-Jason Cullum, Lead Pastor

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Two weeks ago I was able to share the vision I feel God has laid on my heart for Christ’s Church [listen here]. That vision is quite simple… to be a people driven church. It’s to create a clear path that enables us to connect with God and one another, to grow in those relationships, and to serve God by serving others. Every facet of our ministry should help people move from one step to the next along their spiritual journey.

Over the coming months we’ll be looking at better ways to help this occur. As we continue to evaluate each area of ministry we will share specifics on how connect>grow>serve will be implemented. You will begin to see the tangible expressions of this occurring across our ministry in the coming days.

Below is an outline of what these words mean. I pray they will make a huge impact on the lives of those we serve. - Jason Cullum, Lead Pastor

CONNECT
Connecting is all about relationships… with God and one another. As you begin your journey at Christ’s Church, we encourage you to make that first “connecting” step by attending worship services to see if Christ’s Church is a good fit for you. Three identical services are offered at 5:00pm on Saturday and 9:00am and 10:30am on Sunday at the Mandarin Campus. Services feature a blended set of traditional and contemporary music, communion, prayer, and teaching from God’s Word.

GROW
Once you find that Christ’s Church is a good fit, and you complete our Growing Strong class, you’re ready to go deeper. We believe that spiritual growth happens best in connection with others. That’s where our Small Group and Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF) Ministry comes in. We have men’s groups and women’s groups, groups with singles and couples. We have groups with older folks and younger folks, and new groups forming all the time. It’s our intent to share the relevancy of God’s word in every area of your life.

SERVE
Journeying with Christ is more than connecting and growing. We believe we’re called to reach our church family, our community, and the world with the love of Christ. These tangible expressions of God’s love are seen in those who roll up their sleeves and serve.

Everyone at Christ’s Church is encouraged to identify a place of service inside the church. We have a myriad of opportunities from working in the Nursery to leading small groups. Not only do we serve our church, but we also serve our community. Individuals, families or small groups are encouraged to find a community project to get involved in. The opportunities to serve are limited only by the imagination.

Is this it? Not at all! Once you have made the journey to Connect, Grow and Serve, now it’s your turn to pour what God has shown you into someone else. It’s your turn to make a difference in someone else’s life and share what you have learned on your journey.

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There are nearly 50 references to fruit in the New Testament. How our life should represent it…what happens if we don’t have any…how much we should have…and the way we can grow it. Galatians 5:22-23 points out what Paul calls the Fruit of the Spirit.

In his book, When God Whispers Your Name, Max Lucado writes an incredible prose on how we can choose to produce good fruit each day.

Many times it is easier said than done. I keep Lucado’s words near my desk and many mornings find myself drawn to the simple reminder of choosing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. I share his words below as a reminder to help you choose well.

- Jason Cullum, Lead Pastor

In a few moments, the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.

For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so I choose.

I CHOOSE LOVE…
No occasion justifies hatred;no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love.
Today I will love God and what God loves.

I CHOOSE JOY…
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance.
I will refuse the temptation to be cynical…the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I CHOOSE PEACE…
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.

I CHOOSE PATIENCE…
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world.
Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clenching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I CHOOSE KINDNESS…
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone.
I will be kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind tothe unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I CHOOSE GOODNESS…
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked
before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.

I CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS…
Today I will keep my promises.
My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.

I CHOOSE GENTLENESS…
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle.
If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise.
If I clench my fist, may it only be in prayer.
If I make a demand, may it only be of myself.

I am a spiritual being…
After this body is dead, my spirit will soar.
I refuse to let what will rot rule the eternal.
I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy.
I will be impassioned only by my faith.
I will be influenced only by God.
I will be taught only by Christ.
I choose self-control.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
To these I commit my day.
If I succeed, I will give thanks.
If I fail, I will seek His grace.
And then, when this day is done,
I will place my head on my pillow and rest.

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For months I have been challenged by that word… convicted by that word… led by that word… inspired by that word.

God has been calling me to understand what it means so that I will reflect it in my life, so that I can better understand who He is and what my purpose in life is all about.

To be honest… I struggle with the word surrender. It runs opposite of my personality. I want to control my world. I want to dictate what happens around me. I want to have the ultimate say about my life. I don’t want to give up… I don’t want to surrender. I don’t want to relinquish control.

But here is what I have found as God has revealed its meaning to me through life, scripture, and friends. I’ve found freedom.

“How can you find freedom when you surrender? Isn’t freedom pretty much the opposite of surrender?”

Yes… and no.

If you have ever taught your kids to ride a bike, then you may already understand this principal. It always starts the same. They want to fight your help. They don’t want your hand on their back or on the handle bars. They are confident that they can do it alone. But you insist, because you have seen, or even experienced, what the maiden voyage on a two wheeled bike is like. So a tug of war ensues. You run down the street trying to let them go, but because they are fighting against you, you can’t let them take off.

You stop and remind them to quit fighting you, to quit struggling against you. You reaffirm that you want them to feel the wind in their face, but if they don’t let you lead, the journey is going to be tough and could end in disaster.

You try once more… but again, they fight for control.

You stop… you get down on your knees… you look them in their eyes and simply say, “I love you. There is nothing more I want right now than to see you soar. To see you speed off down the street at full speed. I want to help make that happen as badly as you do. Trust me. Let me steer the bike. And I promise you will experience one of the greatest freedoms you have ever felt.”

A bit dramatic? Maybe. But we have a loving Father who is saying the same thing to us. “You want to really be free? Surrender. Give up. Quit fighting me. Put your life in my hands. Allow me to guide you. Quit struggling and I will show you true freedom.”

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
-1 Peter 1:6-7

-Jason Cullum, Lead Pastor

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