Joiner on Churches

I’ve been reading a book by Reggie Joiner this week; “Think Orange.” It is actually about impacting the next generation by combining the forces of church and home. But the quote I like best so far is about critiquing other churches.

“Some leaders suggest that institutional churches can never be relational
That traditional churches can never be relevant,
That megachurches can never be intimate,
that attractional churches are not missional,
that missional churches don draw people,
that emergent churches never teach anything substantial,
that seeker churches don’t have depth,
and that organic churches don’t have any direction.

We love to neatly package another leader’s style of church into a box and label it irregular or defective. We accuse the church we abandoned and defend the version we have customized. No one is more opinionated about church models than I am.
Throughout my life, I have realized God is doing something in a lot of different styles of church. We need to be careful about demonizing those who don’t practice church the way we do and learn from every version of church whose mission is to lead people into a better and more authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. God is a lot bigger than our definitions or labels, and I am sure He is not worried about how your church compares to the one down the road.”

Husker/Creighton Athletes at CCC

On January 24, we'll be joined by some great athletes at our CCC services. Not only are they great athletes, but they will be a great inspiration to live out your faith as well!

Josh Dotzler is a former Creighton All-Star. Wearing the #12 on his jersey, he regularly led the team in assists and steals. His maturity and stability carried the team in tough situations and in finishing games with a win. Josh was raised in North Omaha in a godly family with 13 siblings. After finishing his time at Creighton, he put away his jersey and began investing in his old neighborhood as a pastor. Despite the challenges of violence and poverty, Pastor Josh consistently invests in a youth-driven church called "The Bridge" at the corner of 30th and Lake.

Roy Helu Jr. is a Junior at the University of Nebraska, where he is earning fame as an outstanding halfback. With over 1100 yards on 220 carries, his season has been nothing short of outstanding. Roy would tell you that his life has turned around in major ways in the past three years since leaving his past in a violent city in California. He has come into a relationship with Christ and is as passionate about growing in his faith as he is about football.

Each of these young athletes/men-of-God will be sharing with us on January 24 in our Old Mill services. Sarpy will show the DVD on January 31. They will be a part of our "Fear" series - with a message on "Fear of Violence."

David -----> Jesus

David was a type, or foreshadowing of Jesus. The King of Israel as a two dimensional shadow of the three dimensional King of Kings. Like the guy in "Fu man chu's China Buffet" offering Princess Chicken on a toothpick as a sample of the entree to come, so David is offered as a sampling of the King to come. Check out the parallels:

David came from humble origins. He was just a shepherd boy born in a nowhereville town called Bethlehem.
Jesus came from humble origins. He was just a carpenter boy born in a nowhereville town called Bethlehem.

David was a shepherd, tending his sheep and keeping them safe from predators.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, laying down His life for His sheep.

David mystified his family by his anointing, effectiveness and power.
Jesus mystified his family by his remarkable teaching, claims, and resurrection.

David stared death in the face, in the form of a giant Philistine,
Jesus stared death in the face, in the form of a roman execution,
wearing nothing but shepherds clothes,
wearing nothing but a loin cloth,
carrying only a stick and stones.
carrying only two sticks in the form of a cross.

David spoke and led with authority, amazing people as a warrior, writer and musician.
Jesus spoke and led with authority, amazing people as a teacher, healer, and miracle worker.

David spent 10 years in the wilderness.
Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness.
He was running from Saul,
He was tempted by Satan,
protected by God,
protected by God
and writing God’s word.
and quoting God’s word.

David ruled a mighty political kingdom, expanding Israel’s territory during his 40 year reign.
Jesus rules a mighty spiritual kingdom expanding God’s territory during his eternal reign.

David had his 30 followers, mighty men of strength who fought for him.
Jesus had his 12 disciples, common men used by God to change the world.

David was the anointed one, chosen to be the King of Israel.
Jesus was the anointed one, chosen to be the King of…everything.

David was called the King of the Jews a title that he owned with pride
Jesus was called the King of the Jews, a title that hung over His head on the cross.

David was the savior of Israel, keeping the country free from foreign threats.
Jesus is the savior of the world, giving all men freedom from sin.

The prophet Nathan told David his name would be great, and many knees would bow to him.
At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth.

David was promised that one of his descendants would rule on his throne forever!
Jesus is the descendant who rules on his throne forever!

David cried out to the Father from the caves, asking “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”
Jesus cried out to the Father from the cross, asking “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”

David predicted “You will not let your holy one see decay.”
Jesus fulfilled that prediction by dying, and not decaying.

David, while being only human was used mightily by God to change Israel.
Jesus, while divine, became a human and was used mightily by God to change…everything.

Leadership Summit

It is coming! August 6-7 is the Leadership Summit. For me, the leadership summit, is jet-fuel in my engine. I have gone every year for 10 years now. I never miss because God meets me there. I have leadership challenges to tackle every day, every month, every year. When I go, I am exposed to Godly, brilliant leaders sharing their best life lessons. The Summit makes me a better leader.

About 40-50 staff and leaders from CCC go every year. Kelle is coming. Elders are coming. I have brought hundreds of people over the years and have never heard a person that was disappointed. It is very inexpensive and it is local (Brookside Church). Speakers include Tony Blair, Bill Hybels, David Gergen, Tim Keller and others. Do you want to come?

It does not matter if your leadership is in the home, the business world, the church, or education. You will be a better leader by meeting with God and hearing brilliant leaders at the summit. If you want to sign up with the CCC group rates, call my assistant Jannie at 402-330-3360.

Some clips of this year's speakers