15 of us are leaving in the morning. We fly to the Dominican Republic, arriving at 3:30pm, for 8 days of construction, and outreach. Luke Stoltzfoos, Sam Kern, Josh Kern, Eileen Kern, Audrey Hood, Mark Snyder, Anna Crago, Tom Moore, Frank Thomas, Joyce Weaver, Justin Pick, JD Pick, Mike Fleming, David Maempel, Gerry Stoltzfoos, are the names.
Our project is to add to a church for their school. This little and new church of about 100 adults, is feeding and educating about 250 kids, in a rented space smaller than our house. We want to become the wind beneath their wings and help them reach the town of Padre Las Casas. Already this church has planted several new churches, producing fruit all over.
Lord, we ask you for the Dominican Republic, according to Psalm 2.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
cowboy church!
Cowboy church was in York Daily Record today and on the top of the front page in Hanover's Evening Sun. Great stuff. There is also video that was submitted to the AP. Very cool stuff. Check it here: (or copy this into your browser http://www.inyork.com/local/ci_8354969)
God is obviously using another one of our goofy ideas. He is so kind to choose to save our sorry souls, and use of.
Gerry
God is obviously using another one of our goofy ideas. He is so kind to choose to save our sorry souls, and use of.
Gerry
Saturday, February 23, 2008
leaders from my home church
Today Pastor Sam Masteller brought a team of leaders for a day of growth and learning at Freedom Valley. It was so nice to see folks who I have worked with years ago, together with a whole new crop of great new leaders.
I am so excited about what God is doing there. Sam and Michelle are terrific Pastors, and are developing a wonderful plan. It means a lot to me to see my home church growing again, and doing well. It was an incredible privilege to be asked to speak into their lives and into that church.
Father God, thank you for causing that church to grow again, and for all the hope, life change, and excitement it brings to southern Lancaster County. Please guide, protect, and bless Sam and Michelle and their four kids, and help them accomplish all that you sent them to do. Let the Kingdom of God in that community flourish in every way.
I am so excited about what God is doing there. Sam and Michelle are terrific Pastors, and are developing a wonderful plan. It means a lot to me to see my home church growing again, and doing well. It was an incredible privilege to be asked to speak into their lives and into that church.
Father God, thank you for causing that church to grow again, and for all the hope, life change, and excitement it brings to southern Lancaster County. Please guide, protect, and bless Sam and Michelle and their four kids, and help them accomplish all that you sent them to do. Let the Kingdom of God in that community flourish in every way.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
interesting ideas and developments
Ideas come into my head sort of seasonally. Some stand the test of time and scrutiny, some do not. But here are a new crop of ideas that I am praying about and playing with this Spring.
1. Weekend services Team for York Road.
Jeremiah Herbert and I are the only constants to the three main weekend services at the York Road site. He and I work all three of them. It's not what I expected to work, but it seems to. Lots of things that I thought previously would work, do not work so much so far.
For example, I really thought that we should and could run all three services very differently so that people could choose their weekend service by their favorite music style. Saturday night was laid back and mellow, Sunday 9am was going to be slightly more traditional, and 11am the rockin and rollin high energy thing.
But what happened was, the vast majority seemed to want the high energy variety, and gravitate to that service. So gradually we have moved back toward a service style that is a little more uniform., still with minor differences I chalk it up to another not-so-hot idea.
This Spring, I'd like to really go all out, tweaking our three weekend service to a whole other level of excellence. I think that will mean (among other things) adding at least one more member to the team of Jeremiah and I, who comes to all three services and adds excellence in other areas, such as building management, kid's ministry assistance, and alternative seating . If we are to reach 1600 in weekly attendance by the end of the year, things got to go to a whole new level.
This person would (among other things) help us address our seating challenge by helping provide people with really excellent seating in the foyer, Third Place, and the Third Place annex. He/she would also help run services to run smoothly, and with greater excellence, providing a guiding presence to audio/visuals teams, usher/greeter teams, parking teams, etc.
2. "District elders" Care/Assimilation: Pastor Linda is working on an incredible plan to connect with and minister to people better. The plan is to develop ministry teams that operate by school district, providing a visit to the home of each guest, connecting with attendees at least monthly, celebrating special days, and hospital visitation. Each district would have teams of 'lay pastors' who would provide this kind of care for 5 families.
We hope to develop this plan and roll it out by late Spring. Over the next few weeks, a lot ot work is going into perfecting the plan.
3. Church planting ... in Florida!!
I got an exciting email and call today from a good friend in Florida who is asking for my involvement in planting a church in the Tamba Bay area. I am very excited about this! About a year ago, God put a desire on my heart to be involved in church planting in that area, and I have tried to obediently pray that pray form time to time, asking Him for it. This might be the answer! I am unreasonably over-excited about this possibility.
1. Weekend services Team for York Road.
Jeremiah Herbert and I are the only constants to the three main weekend services at the York Road site. He and I work all three of them. It's not what I expected to work, but it seems to. Lots of things that I thought previously would work, do not work so much so far.
For example, I really thought that we should and could run all three services very differently so that people could choose their weekend service by their favorite music style. Saturday night was laid back and mellow, Sunday 9am was going to be slightly more traditional, and 11am the rockin and rollin high energy thing.
But what happened was, the vast majority seemed to want the high energy variety, and gravitate to that service. So gradually we have moved back toward a service style that is a little more uniform., still with minor differences I chalk it up to another not-so-hot idea.
This Spring, I'd like to really go all out, tweaking our three weekend service to a whole other level of excellence. I think that will mean (among other things) adding at least one more member to the team of Jeremiah and I, who comes to all three services and adds excellence in other areas, such as building management, kid's ministry assistance, and alternative seating . If we are to reach 1600 in weekly attendance by the end of the year, things got to go to a whole new level.
This person would (among other things) help us address our seating challenge by helping provide people with really excellent seating in the foyer, Third Place, and the Third Place annex. He/she would also help run services to run smoothly, and with greater excellence, providing a guiding presence to audio/visuals teams, usher/greeter teams, parking teams, etc.
2. "District elders" Care/Assimilation: Pastor Linda is working on an incredible plan to connect with and minister to people better. The plan is to develop ministry teams that operate by school district, providing a visit to the home of each guest, connecting with attendees at least monthly, celebrating special days, and hospital visitation. Each district would have teams of 'lay pastors' who would provide this kind of care for 5 families.
We hope to develop this plan and roll it out by late Spring. Over the next few weeks, a lot ot work is going into perfecting the plan.
3. Church planting ... in Florida!!
I got an exciting email and call today from a good friend in Florida who is asking for my involvement in planting a church in the Tamba Bay area. I am very excited about this! About a year ago, God put a desire on my heart to be involved in church planting in that area, and I have tried to obediently pray that pray form time to time, asking Him for it. This might be the answer! I am unreasonably over-excited about this possibility.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
cycle riding this summer
A couple of ideas are emerging to connect with the unbelievable amount of biker traffic that comes by this church every Sunday.
1. I hope to have outside restrooms/showers installed in early Spring. This summer, I hope to then offer bikers free camping. This will help us begin to create a biker culture that connect us with a few of them.
2. I'd like to do a Bike Ride most Sunday afternoons after the 11 am service. Maybe God will send me someone who can help plans these and we can actually get a list of possible rides together for Sunday afternoon rides. Now that i am only preaching three services on the weekend, I think I could handle this and it could be a good way to connect.
3. Pappy Strous is thinking about doing a biker service from time to time, perhaps even monthly.
1. I hope to have outside restrooms/showers installed in early Spring. This summer, I hope to then offer bikers free camping. This will help us begin to create a biker culture that connect us with a few of them.
2. I'd like to do a Bike Ride most Sunday afternoons after the 11 am service. Maybe God will send me someone who can help plans these and we can actually get a list of possible rides together for Sunday afternoon rides. Now that i am only preaching three services on the weekend, I think I could handle this and it could be a good way to connect.
3. Pappy Strous is thinking about doing a biker service from time to time, perhaps even monthly.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Maximum Impact simulcast coming
I am very excited about hosting this upcoming event at Freedom Valley. I believe this will empower and bless our 'kings' significantly, and help them conquer, be fruitful, and do their part to make our world significantly better!
On April 18, we are doing a Maximum Impact Simulcast for business leaders.
Here's more from their website: http://www.maximumimpact.com/mis/
Maximum Impact Simulcast: ADVANCE is one of the largest events of its kind in the world, yet still personal enough to impact you and your management team in measurable ways. On Friday, April 18, 2008, ADVANCE will be the premiere leadership development experience that allows you and your team to learn from renowned authors, businessmen and leadership experts. No other event consistently delivers the lineup of respected leaders and offers the quality learning experience associated with MIS. Each speaker will bring to life qualities and experiences imperative to helping you refine your influence. In one incredible day, you will learn strategies for developing your collective leadership skills- exceeding your organization's standards for performance, productivity and profit, all the while eliminating expensive travel time that drains your people and your budgets.
In short, it is an ultra high quality one day training event for business leaders, featuring world class leaders, done in local churches around the country so that local business leaders can network, encourage each other, and grow together.
On April 18, we are doing a Maximum Impact Simulcast for business leaders.
Here's more from their website: http://www.maximumimpact.com
Maximum Impact Simulcast: ADVANCE is one of the largest events of its kind in the world, yet still personal enough to impact you and your management team in measurable ways. On Friday, April 18, 2008, ADVANCE will be the premiere leadership development experience that allows you and your team to learn from renowned authors, businessmen and leadership experts. No other event consistently delivers the lineup of respected leaders and offers the quality learning experience associated with MIS. Each speaker will bring to life qualities and experiences imperative to helping you refine your influence. In one incredible day, you will learn strategies for developing your collective leadership skills- exceeding your organization's standards for performance, productivity and profit, all the while eliminating expensive travel time that drains your people and your budgets.
In short, it is an ultra high quality one day training event for business leaders, featuring world class leaders, done in local churches around the country so that local business leaders can network, encourage each other, and grow together.
Friday, February 08, 2008
health, blessing
Julie, the amazing sickness aversive woman I am married to, is actually sick. That stops the presses at our house, because it is so rare. It is literally years since she has had a cold, I think. It seems very different for her to struggle even a little with sniffles, dripping in her throat, and all the stuff that is more common for me.
But on the other hand, I am having the most healthy winter that I have had in years. Maybe ever! I don't miss being sick.
This weekend we are investing in a young couple who has set their hearts on important ministry goals, and have had the devil throw his best at them. He is losing (the devil), and we are working hard to make sure he does.
Bombshelter tonight was VERY well attended! I think every parking place was filled and the place was packed! Nice. Candace and Aaron were back for it, and it was wonderful to see them a bit, and hear about how happy they are in Lancaster.
Tomorrow Jan Workman will have a team here for learning, visionizing, and growing together. I am thrilled to have opportunity to invest in her team and bless her.
This weekend is shaping up great! I am very excited about the message on vision that God has given, and am believing for breakthrough myself on it.
Speaking of vision, we are on our way developing plans to expaand our sanctuary! So many decisions along the way...
But on the other hand, I am having the most healthy winter that I have had in years. Maybe ever! I don't miss being sick.
This weekend we are investing in a young couple who has set their hearts on important ministry goals, and have had the devil throw his best at them. He is losing (the devil), and we are working hard to make sure he does.
Bombshelter tonight was VERY well attended! I think every parking place was filled and the place was packed! Nice. Candace and Aaron were back for it, and it was wonderful to see them a bit, and hear about how happy they are in Lancaster.
Tomorrow Jan Workman will have a team here for learning, visionizing, and growing together. I am thrilled to have opportunity to invest in her team and bless her.
This weekend is shaping up great! I am very excited about the message on vision that God has given, and am believing for breakthrough myself on it.
Speaking of vision, we are on our way developing plans to expaand our sanctuary! So many decisions along the way...
Friday, February 01, 2008
my valley forge class
A couple of days ago, I was interviewed for an "outreach and evangelism" class at Valley Forge Christian College. Tom Rees, my good friend, was the interviewer.
He asked the class to briefly share ideas with each other about crazy or effective ideas they have heard churches try to reach people. One guy mentioned a church that once purchased a tattoo parlor because of a Bible Study that has started in that place.
He told them that I was the Pastor of that church, and asked me to share about the tattoo parlor venture. I did, and about other things we have tried. I guess I forgot how many goofy things we tried, many of which did not work well.
Over the years, Tom has been called at the District office a few times, and someone would tell him of one more goofy thing we tried. He would always back us up, saying how glad he was that we would do almost anything to help someone know Jesus. He is always so kind in that way, and so encouraging.
But I noticed something else too. God always moves on me when I talk about reaching people with the gospel. I have retold certain stories many times, yet when I get to the part where people open up their hearts to their Creator, I often get choked up about it. Not only does it never get old to experience someone coming to Christ, nor does it get old to talk about it. It is among the most powerful experiences I have ever had.
Amazing, that. I really do have the best job in the world.
With God's help, I am asking for 150 baptisms in water in 08. That is a lot of new memories, and a lot of great stories to choose from. But the thing is, God gives me a lot of the things I ask for, and I want to ask for really important things.
He asked the class to briefly share ideas with each other about crazy or effective ideas they have heard churches try to reach people. One guy mentioned a church that once purchased a tattoo parlor because of a Bible Study that has started in that place.
He told them that I was the Pastor of that church, and asked me to share about the tattoo parlor venture. I did, and about other things we have tried. I guess I forgot how many goofy things we tried, many of which did not work well.
Over the years, Tom has been called at the District office a few times, and someone would tell him of one more goofy thing we tried. He would always back us up, saying how glad he was that we would do almost anything to help someone know Jesus. He is always so kind in that way, and so encouraging.
But I noticed something else too. God always moves on me when I talk about reaching people with the gospel. I have retold certain stories many times, yet when I get to the part where people open up their hearts to their Creator, I often get choked up about it. Not only does it never get old to experience someone coming to Christ, nor does it get old to talk about it. It is among the most powerful experiences I have ever had.
Amazing, that. I really do have the best job in the world.
With God's help, I am asking for 150 baptisms in water in 08. That is a lot of new memories, and a lot of great stories to choose from. But the thing is, God gives me a lot of the things I ask for, and I want to ask for really important things.
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