"They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness." - Psalm 145:7
I want to share with you just a few ways I am seeing God's goodness at work right now at The Fountain because celebrating God's goodness and love is really an act of worship. (In no particular order)
1) I was blown away last Sunday during our 2 baptisms. Life changes in Jesus is why The Fountain was first planted. We keep seeing it happen over and over. Praise God!
2) Your generosity to give above your normal giving amount to support at least 200 children for X-STREAM GAMES (update coming on Sunday).
3) Our volunteers are the BEST!! You give of yourself so much because you love Jesus and what God is wanting to accomplish through us together. You set up/tear down, greet, impact children and youth, run sound and video, host/lead ReFresh Groups, and so much more. Thanks for what you do to serve the Lord.
4) I have seen incredible Kingdom mindsets from churches and people in the area looking to partner with us. WOW! We're a part of something much bigger than us. We're standing on broad shoulders.
5) Our Worship Band! They prepare throughout the week to guide you in worship every Sunday. They not only sound amazing, but have incredible hearts.
6) God is opening the door for several new mission projects coming up very soon! (Can't wait to share more.)
7) Guests in worship continually talk about the inviting community-feel of The Fountain. It's more than coffee and warm handshakes. It's dynamic because we're knit together in Jesus.
8) After a year of ministry, our people are still so passionate about being a church for the unchurched and creating ministry to connect Jesus to our community. I love that!!!!
9) I love being your pastor! I really do. There is nowhere else I'd rather be and nothing else I would rather do. God is so good to allow me to do life and ministry alongside of you. If you are new to The Fountain, our staff and I look forward to getting to know you more too.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
YEAR 1 Video - The Fountain UMC
The Fountain UMC turned ONE YEAR OLD on March 4th, 2013! Click on this video recapping what God accomplished in year one. All glory belongs to God! This is only the beginning of the story God is writing...
Friday, February 22, 2013
Our Strength as a Leader
I want to share a message today for leaders. I believe that God has called every person to first be a follower of Jesus and then to be a Christian leader in some area of influence. That does not mean that we will always be the leader of an organization or have a leadership title. It could be a leader in your sphere of influence or in your family at the very least. Here's where we get it backwards. If we are not willing to first be a follower, it's impossible for us to be a Christian leader. You can't lead people where you are not willing to go. All people are called by God's grace to first be a follower of Jesus. Then you have the power to be a Christian leader since you have the gifts of the Spirit living inside of you. With that said, let me share a word about leadership to you.
Joshua 1:9 is a familiar verse, but gives us great insight into Christian leadership. God says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
After years of waiting to enter the Promised Land, Joshua is asked to lead the people of God to finally receive that land. Joshua was their new leader because Moses had just passed away. Talk about having to lead one of the most anticipated events in Biblical history as your first mission. Yikes! But notice God's words to Joshua. It's not to "man up" or just have a lot of self-conjured-up courage. The center of Joshua's influence and strength came from the reality of God's presence. God reminded Joshua that he was not alone and that God will go with him wherever he goes. So, leaders, if you are going in the direction of where God is leading you to go, you're not going alone. Let me state again. No matter how hard it seems at times to lead, you are not going alone! Bob Tuttle once said, "God has more invested in your ministry than you do."
A true Christian leader can be strong and courageous when we are intentionally seeking God's presence. Without it, we would not have much strength and courage to stand on. Andy Stanley has often said that as a leader, "It is not your responsibility to fill someone else's cup. Your responsibility is to empty your cup." Seek God to fill up your cup and then do everything to empty your cup for others. Your strength and courage as a leader, to even go where others have never been before, comes from your connection with your Creator, who is unlimited in strength. The world doesn't need more empty or dry leaders. The world is craving Christian leaders who have their cups filled.
Leaders, ask yourself these questions: "How can I be a better follower and allow God to fill my cup? THEN, how can I pour out my cup to others?" God honors that kind of leader.
Joshua 1:9 is a familiar verse, but gives us great insight into Christian leadership. God says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
After years of waiting to enter the Promised Land, Joshua is asked to lead the people of God to finally receive that land. Joshua was their new leader because Moses had just passed away. Talk about having to lead one of the most anticipated events in Biblical history as your first mission. Yikes! But notice God's words to Joshua. It's not to "man up" or just have a lot of self-conjured-up courage. The center of Joshua's influence and strength came from the reality of God's presence. God reminded Joshua that he was not alone and that God will go with him wherever he goes. So, leaders, if you are going in the direction of where God is leading you to go, you're not going alone. Let me state again. No matter how hard it seems at times to lead, you are not going alone! Bob Tuttle once said, "God has more invested in your ministry than you do."
A true Christian leader can be strong and courageous when we are intentionally seeking God's presence. Without it, we would not have much strength and courage to stand on. Andy Stanley has often said that as a leader, "It is not your responsibility to fill someone else's cup. Your responsibility is to empty your cup." Seek God to fill up your cup and then do everything to empty your cup for others. Your strength and courage as a leader, to even go where others have never been before, comes from your connection with your Creator, who is unlimited in strength. The world doesn't need more empty or dry leaders. The world is craving Christian leaders who have their cups filled.
Leaders, ask yourself these questions: "How can I be a better follower and allow God to fill my cup? THEN, how can I pour out my cup to others?" God honors that kind of leader.
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