What Makes A Good Church?

I've probably said it a million times in telling my story of how I ended up in North Carolina planting a church, but the short answer to the question of what makes a good church is - it varies. Not exactly a line-in-the-sand kind of statement huh? Maybe you expected something more spiritual or religious like - "Jesus makes a good church" - or - "strong discipleship makes a good church". I'm not saying those things don't matter, I just don't think there's a one-size-fits-all answer. Probably the only thing that can really make a good church is freedom for the Holy Spirit to work.

So when it comes to answering this, I tend to define it more in terms of what it is not. So the question is more like "what makes a bad church?" That's easier. A bad church is only focused inside on the people who are part of it, not the ones who aren't (in fact, they may be seen as a threat). A bad church has no vision for the difference it might make in the community where it exists. A bad church is always afraid to step on toes or offend anyone (especially other believers). A bad church makes decisions in secret and doesn't invite input, feedback or questions. A bad church has no plan for the future. A bad church has only good people as a part of it (yep, you read that right). A bad church votes more than it prays.

I could go on, but I won't. The only reason I'm even thinking about this is because today I've been encouraged. Encouraged by people who don't just love Discovery (a church) but love the Lord Jesus, are doing what they can to try and become more like him and want to make a difference (be the church). I got a few emails today from people sharing what God's been doing in their life since they started coming to Discovery. I love these people. I love this church.

So what do you think makes a good church? Or maybe it's easier to say what you think makes a bad one? Either way, leave a comment.

I'm Officially Cool Again

Nope, it's not an iPhone, it's better, and it's mine. I got so sick of battling my PDA locking up and having to reinstall stuff so I could keep my life organized that I finally broke down and bought a Smartphone. Now I just have to carry one device and all my cool toys and tools work on it. No, I don't know what I'm doing yet, but I'm more than excited to learn. And for all those iPhone fans, I didn't pay anywhere near $500 and I still get a $100 rebate.

Second Saturday Service

In just about an hour, we'll be meeting for Second Saturday Service. Got a few things going today (depending on who and how many come out) First, we've got a couple people that we'll be getting up with to stock their refrigerator and cupboard with groceries. One is a family that just a couple weeks back lost their 4 year old to cancer and another is a 21 year old single parent. Both contacts came through people at Discovery. I'm excited to bless them.

We'll also be doing a little bit of garbage pick up and/or neighborhood prayers. Some people might think that prayer isn't really servant evangelism, but it's actually the first way we should be serving people (even though we usually don't take prayer requests and tell people we're praying for them, we just do it)

So for those that are coming, thanks. For those that are sleeping or doing something else....catch us next time. October 13th we'll be partnering with another community organization and serving them as they serve others. You'll want to be involved.

"Freak" of the Week

I tried to hold off on posting this, but I think I have to or I'll explode. And for those with limited imaginations, the "Freak" of the week is a good thing and an honor I bestow on people. This guy was already a PARTner of the month (someone recognized for outstanding attitude and service) and he just continues to rock.

A couple weeks back he told me that his job just moved him over to a new project they were behind on and that he'd be on 7 - 12's probably through October. That means he'd be working everyday, 12 hours a day, for the next 2 months. But has that stopped him? NO!

He was actually at set up before me last weekend and he stuck around for a couple hours working like a dog to help us get stuff set up. I tried to send him home to get some sleep, but he'd have none of it. The dude couldn't even make it to church because of work, but he comes to set up!!

Because of that attitude and servant's heart....MARK MONTGOMERY - you're the Freak of the Week!

By The Book

Have you ever picked up and read your Bible and then felt like, "no way...I did NOT just read that" That's kinda how I felt this morning when I was just reading over John chapter 3. Now I've probably read that section 60 times, but for some reason I didn't feel so good when I got to the end.

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him. John 3:36

It's like another "good news/bad news" passage. Good news if you believe, bad news if you don't. I guess it really put things into perspective for me this morning. If people reject and don't obey Jesus (the Son of God) things don't end pretty. I've watched "Cops" enough to know that when a big guy gets angry, it's not pretty and somebody always ends up hurt and bloody. If that's the case here, imagine if God (the biggest of the big guys) ends up angry with you. Talk about a beat down.

There are just way too many people around here (and where ever you live) that are "cruisin' for a bruisin'" and as a pastor and a Christian I feel like I need to step in and do something, say something. Will everybody listen? No, some people are just stupid (again, watch "Cops" and you'll see what I mean). But there are still a lot of people who have no idea what kind of danger they're in.

So do we sit on the sidelines and watch?

Do we lie to them and tell them everything will be ok if you just believe whatever it is you believe sincerely?

Do we shout at them and point out how bad off they are - picket, protest and refuse to patronize the "bad guys"?

Maybe if we really believed the good news ourselves, we could share it more effectively with others. John 3:16 is good news, and so is 3:17. Good news isn't focused on condemning, looking down on people or even feeling sorry for them and how "lost" and "hell-bound" they might be. Good news is that Jesus loves us and didn't come to condemn us (or even point out our faults) but to set us free. Free to really live life. Free to love.

Don't you think Jesus came to save us from ourselves instead of from himself? We're the reason we get into trouble. We're the ones who do stupid things. Just ask the people who get their 15 minutes of fame on "Cops"

No Labor Day

Happy Labor Day! Happy to report that church yesterday rocked! Had a good number of guests and fresh faces and even though we dropped off a little, I'm guessing we still had 140 or more so that would be considered a win for me. Not only that, but since I stepped on some toes about getting involved in service and ministry opportunities, I was encouraged to hear that some people will simply be "getting steel toed boots." In other words, they know they need to hear it and aren't upset or offended, but are feeling convicted and ready to at least consider making the necessary changes. I'd say that's good news.

So with that said, I'm off to loaf. Yep, no school, just playing with the kids, and a "No Labor" day at our house. Enjoy yours.

It's Finally Here!

I feel like I've been waiting forever for this, but it's finally the first official "college football weekend" and I'm so excited. ECU travels to Virginia Tech for what's sure to be an emotional start to the season. I just hope everyone is honorable and respectful. I'm excited to see Notre Dame start their season. Should be interesting and a real test of Charlie Weis's team-building and focus this year. We're certainly not a pre-season favorite and it could be a long year, but don't count us out yet.

So, off to baseball practice (again - for the 6th straight day) and then home to finish up a few things and settle onto the couch to enjoy the 2007-2008 college football season. Finally.