August 2009

Dear Young Adults and Parents of Young Adults,
Not many years after accepting Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior, I came to a realization and understanding about why I needed to be actively involved in the local church.  For me, this did not happen immediately, and I sometimes regret that because now I can honestly say, “I get it.”, I understand why now.  While thinking about local church involvement, I am reminded of an encounter I had with gentlemen about the time I began to realize that I needed to be involved in the local church.  I had traveled to White Lake, NC to spend the weekend at my parents’ camper.  The Lord blessed us with beautiful weather, so I decided to play golf, which happens to be something I thoroughly enjoy although I have not played in over two years!  I drove out to the golf course to play a round of golf all by myself.  However, in my round of golf I came across a group of three other players.  They asked if I would like to join them, so I did.  Although I can’t recall how the discussion of church came up, the one thing I do remember is a comment made by one of the gentlemen.  He said, “I am a Christian, but I don’t go to church. I don’t need to go to church.”  As we continued to play, that comment kept running through my mind.  Even today, I am reminded of that comment.  Looking back, I wish I would have said something to counter his non-Scriptural comment, but at the time I didn’t have an answer to give. This encounter was a perfect example of why it is important for all Christians to know what Scripture says.

While thinking about this encounter, I recently came across a survey conducted by Barna Research Group on New Statistics on Church Attendance and Avoidance.  As I was reading this article, one of the things I noticed most was the comparison between individuals who are actively involved in church, verses those who are unattached.

Compared to regular churchgoers, the Unattached are:

• more likely to feel stressed out
• less likely to be concerned about the moral condition of the nation
• much less likely to believe that they are making a positive difference in the world
• less optimistic about the future
• far less likely to believe that the Bible is totally accurate in its principles
• substantially more likely to believe that Satan and the Holy Spirit are symbolic
  figures, but are not real
• more likely to believe that Jesus Christ sinned while He was on earth
• much more likely to believe that the holy literature of the major faiths all teach
  the same principles even though they use different stories
• less likely to believe that a person can be under demonic influence
• more likely to describe their sociopolitical views as “mostly liberal” than “mostly
  conservative”

I am reminded of the words from the writer of Hebrews, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). The moral of the story is that as a Christian, YOU NEED TO GO TO CHURCH! You need fellowship and encouragement from other believers.  When Christians work together in unity, the body of Christ is built up!  The Apostle Paul said, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (I Corinthians 12:27). This makes perfect sense.  My challenge is for each person who reads this, to ask themselves the questions, “Am I plugged in and serving in my local church?”  If not, the question is simple, “Why not?”  There is no better time to start than right now.  Attend church this week and use the gifts and talents God has given you for His service.

In Christ,

Pastor Brad

Upcoming Events

July 2009

Dear Young Adults and Parents of Young Adults,
Summer time, SUMMER time, SUMMER TIME!   Yeah!  That’s what I’m talking about!  It’s here!  Can you believe it?  For many people, summer time means vacation and freedom.  Especially for students and teachers.  However,  summer seems to be a time w hen our plates become full.  During the summer months priorities get shifted, church attendance drops, and the sole focus becomes ME rather than God.  We become so busy, tired and overbooked that we do not have time to do another thing.  The sad fact is that many of us are so busy during these months that our commitment to God is simply neglected.  I am thankful today that Jesus did not adhere to the same pattern we typically follow.  I am reminded of Jesus’ example and His prayer in the garden of Gethsemane.   From His human perspective, Jesus was busy, Jesus was tired.  Does that sound familiar? However, He remained entirely committed!  As He fell on His knees, He prayed to His Heavenly Father, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.  Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39).  Did you catch the last part of that verse?  In other words, Jesus was saying that my commitment to the Father and His will is most important.  This is my challenge for each of us – that we remain committed to the Father’s will.  Say it with me, “Father, as much as I would like to vacate this summer (from my commitment), help me to remember, that it’s not about me, its all about You!”  Praise His Holy Name!
In Christ,

Pastor Brad

Centrifuge 2009

Check out the pictures…

June 2009

Dear Young Adults and Parents of Young Adults,

Wow!  This has been a very busy and exciting month.  As many of you know, last month we had a new addition to our family.  On April 16^th, Heather and I traveled to Ethiopia to pick up our son, Malachi.  On May 9^th we celebrated his birthday (1 year).  Thank you for all of your prayers and support during this amazing journey in our lives.  We praise the Lord for both of our children and know that every perfect gift comes from the Father above.

This year has also been exciting for Samuel as he has almost completed his first year of T-ball.  It has been a great joy to attend his games and watch him and these precious children play ball.  It also reminds me of the many wonderful years I had playing ball.  Boy, you would have thought I was in the big leagues the way I acted.  As I have watched this T-ball season unfold, there have been many exciting memories that we will cherish for a lifetime.  However, I observed something that I did while playing T-ball, but from a Christian perspective it has never resonated until now.  Follow my observation if you will.

Samuel’s ballgames normally take place on Saturday morning.  Prior to his ballgame he puts on his ball equipment (socks, ball pants, belt, ball shirt, cleats, ball hat, and glove).  Once he is dressed, it’s time to go play ball!  When the game is over and we come home, he undresses from his ball uniform, puts his glove and cleats away and changes into his regular clothes.  Mom then washes his nasty, sweaty ball clothes and puts them away, back into their respective places, (their compartments) where they remain until it is game time again.

Sometimes practice is on Tuesday, so we grab the glove and cleats and head to practice.  Upon arrival at home, the glove and cleats go back into their perspective places (compartments).  The week goes by until Saturday rolls around and its once again game time!  The process repeats itself.

How on earth does this have anything to do with Christianity?  A tremendous amount!  Following the observation below.  I have replaced ballgame with church.  For I, insert your name.

Church normally take place on Sunday morning.  Prior to church I grab my equipment (sword, Bible).  Once I am dressed and equipped, it’s time to go to church!  When church is over, I come home, remove my equipment (neatly place my Bible on the shelf in its compartment) where it sits until it is time to go to church again.  Church is also on Wednesday and sometimes when I go, I grab my equipment (sword, Bible) and head that way.  Upon arrival at home, my equipment (sword, Bible) goes back into its perspective place (compartment).  The week goes by until Sunday rolls around and its once again time for church.  The process repeats itself.

This amounts to nothing more than us compartmentalizing our Christianity (personal relationship with Jesus Christ).  This is not what the Lord wants from either of us.  Some may read this and get offended.  If so, that’s alright, because the gospel is offensive.  However, if you read this with an open and honest heart, like me, you will have to confess that you have either done the same thing in the past or you are doing it now.  For too many years, I wasted my life when I could have been serving the Lord.  I thought church was nothing more than once a week, one hour a week.  Once I had given my time, church was simply another thing I checked off my To-Do list.  Friends, if the Lord is using this message to speak to you today, I urge you to stop compartmentalizing your Christianity. Christianity is not something we do on Sunday or Wednesday.  Our Christianity is who we are and what we do twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.  God does not just want our one hour a week.  He wants our entire lives.  Think about all the wonderful things God has done for you.  He has given you everything (His Son, Jesus Christ).  What are you doing for Him?  The Apostle Paul explains in I Corinthians 6:19-20 “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; ²⁰you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”  There is still plenty of work to be done.  If each church member would use the gifts and the talents God has given them for His service, we would see many great and might things accomplished for the Kingdom of God.  Remember, your Christianity is not something you compartmentalize; it should be what drives you.  Remove your Christianity from its compartment today, never to put it there again. Then use the gifts and talents God has given you for His glory.  I urge you, get plugged in to His work today!

In Christ,

Pastor Brad

May 2009

Dear Young Adults and Parents of Young Adults,

Have you ever stopped to count the number of choices we have to make each day?  You know, life is filled with choices.  Each day we have important choices to make.  Sometimes we make good choices and unfortunately many times we make bad choices.  You know what I am referring to.  Sometimes we say, “I wish I could go back and do that all over again” or “Next time I would do this instead of that.” When it comes time to make a choice who or what do we consult?  Where do we go to receive advice?  Most of the time we make choices based on our feelings.

However, I would urge each of us to approach your choice making from a different perspective.  I want to challenge us to make choices from a biblical perspective.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “I don’t want to bother God with something that small.”  There is nothing to small too talk with God about.  He desires to hear your prayers.  Have you consulted Him today and asked Him for guidance with the choices you must make?

In Christ,

Pastor Brad

April 2009

Dear Young Adults and Parents of Young Adults,

Everyone had a wonderful time at the 2009 Spring Lock-in. Praise the Lord! We had 23 students attend this event. The night was filled with great food, music, interactive games, bowling, board games, and video games. Bonding was this year’s theme. Bonding is defined as the formation of a close friendship. Students learned what it means to establish close friendships by examining the Scripture and learning through the example of David and Jonathan. Scripture explains that David and Jonathan became one in spirit and David loved Jonathan as himself (I Sam. 18:1). Wow! This means they actually put others before themselves. What a great biblical pattern to follow! It reminds me of the JOY principle, J-esus first, O-thers second, and Y-ourself last. My challenge throughout the night was for each student to bond by forming closer friendships with other students.

At 9:30 pm we headed to Cardinal Lanes for Rock ‘n’ Bowl, where we stayed until midnight. One chaperone was heard commenting, “I have never seen so many teenagers drinking energy drinks and coffee!” No wonder they were wired all night. From 1:00 am to 3:00 am everyone played video games, card games, board games. There were some who used this time to chill out. I thought video games would receive the most attention, but to my surprise, BOARD GAMES were a hit! Entering the 3:00 am hour, the group gathered to play Balloon Hugs.

This was a lot of fun. Students had to pick a partner and each pair was given 5 balloons. The object of the game was to be the first pair to burst all five balloons. This could be done one of two ways, hip-to-hip, or back-to-back, but the use of hands was against the rules. Check out the pictures online. Following Balloon Hugs, we watched “Left Behind: Tribulation Force.” Although this is not a new movie, it is worth watching if you have not seen it! The next few hours were designated as cool down time. As the sun began to rise, it was hard to believe that we had been together for nearly thirteen hours. Nearly everyone stayed awake all night! Thanks to each student who attended. In order for youth ministry to function, volunteers are a must! Therefore, I would like to say a special Thank You to each adult who helped make this event possible.

Thank you to: Brian Cessna, Charles Turner, Lisa Watts, and Kansas and Tracy Johnston.

Following the lock-in, everyone had one day to rest before Youth Sunday. You’ve probably heard it said, “Our young people are the church of tomorrow.” I beg to differ. Our young people are the church of today! For too long students, (youth ministry in general) has been isolated. We must incorporate our young people into the life of the church! We, (Pastors, Parents, Christians) have a great responsibility, to teach and instill in them, the Word of God. Yes, I said we. Contrary to what many people believe this is not the sole responsibility of a youth pastor.

With that said, it truly blessed my heart to see our young people integrated and leading worship on March 15, 2009. Thanks to each student who lead worship and participated in the service. Each one of you really stepped up to the plate! I encourage you to continue to do this! Take a stand for the Lord! Serve Him and always give Him your very best! I would like to say a special thank you to those students who did an outstanding job performing Lifehouse’s Everything Skit. Thanks to Brad Harris, Grant Harris, Alexa Mahan, Morgan Mahan, Allyson Mojica, Mark Cessna, and Daniel Richards. I knew you could do it! Your hard work paid off. Don’t forget your parts, because we will be performing the skit again.

Although some members of my youth ministry council had prior engagements, I would also like to say thank you to Victoria Reilly, Lori Batson, Frank Pharr, and my lovely bride and partner in ministry, Heather Lee.

In Christ,

Pastor Brad

March 2009

Dear Young Adults and Parents of Young Adults,

Can you believe it? Spring is just around the corner. Before long we will put away the long pants / sweaters and break out the shorts and flip flops. I can’t wait! I am really looking forward to the spring and summer months. Like me, do you have the tendency to plan ahead and look forward? There is nothing wrong with planning ahead and looking toward the future, but how often you pause and thank God for today? Scripture says in Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” As you are reading this article, ask yourself the following questions and be honest with yourself. “Do I recognize and thank the Lord that this is the His day, and not mine?” “Have I rejoiced in the fact that God has granted me another day?” “Am I glad that the Lord has blessed me with another day?” If you answered no to any one of the three questions, what better time to recognize, rejoice, and be glad than right now. Take a few minutes and thank Him for this day. ……(I’ll wait here)….. Lord, we thank you for this day and recognize it is your day and not our own. Please help us to be mindful of you. May we seek to do your will and not our own. We rejoice in this day and are thankful for the breath of life you give our mortal bodies. Help us to not get so consumed by the things of this world that we fail to do that which is most important. We Thank and Praise You. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Pastor Brad

March Events

March 4, 2009
Game Night!
7:00 pm

March 11, 2009
Lifestyle Evangelism (Pt. 1)
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

March 13th-14th, 2009
Youth Lock-in (bonding…)
7:00 pm – 8:00 am

March 15, 2009
Youth Sunday
“Lifehouse Drama Skit”
11:00 am & 6:00 pm

March 18, 2009
Lifestyle Evangelism (Pt. 2)
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

March 25, 2009
The Life of a Disciple (Pt. 1)
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

February 2009

Dear Young Adults and Parents of Young Adults,

As we enter February, the Month of Love, take a minute to let these words of love sink into your heart. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the apostle John penned these words many years ago. “7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” The true source of love is God. As Christians, we are commanded to love one another. In order to do so, we must allow the Holy Spirit to lead us. When we allow the Holy Spirit to take control of our life, we can truly love others in a way that pleases God. The greatest act of love ever shown was the love that God displayed in sending His Son to die as a sacrifice for our sins. My challenge this Valentine’s Day is that all Christians ponder the true meaning of love and allow our lives to display the love of God to others. May the Lord bless you as you seek to serve Him.

In Christ,

Pastor Brad

February Events

February 4, 2009
Youth Wednesday Night Supper
Game Night!
7:00 pm

February 11, 2009
Back to the Basics – Prayer (Pt. 2)
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

February 18, 2009
Back to the Basics
Scripture Memory (Pt. 1)
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

February 21, 2009
2008 Valentine’s Banquet
“An Evening of Great Food and Fun”
5:30 pm

February 25, 2009
Scripture Memory (Pt. 2)
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm