The Story of the Birth of Legacy Church (Kendallville, IN)

Awhile back my wife and I saw the movie 'McFarland USA' together. In that move Kevin Costner moves his family to Mcfarland, California into a poverty stricken Latino community as a high-school teacher. His goal is to move his family out of the community as soon as possible once he builds up his credentials. In the end he develops a world class cross country team that brings hope to the community. When it comes time to accept offers from other schools he decides to stay and to raise his family in that community. His cross country teams continued to be the best in the country for years and he learned to love the people in that area.

After watching movies my wife and I like to critique them. I asked my wife what she thought of that particular movie. After hearing her thoughts I said: "I think God is calling us to a needy area. I think He could be calling us back to Kendallville!" My wife exclaimed: I didn't get any of that out of the movie! I love her for her candor.

This brought us to a place of praying, searching, and seeking God's will. After feeling a sense of God calling us to take a step of faith I contacted a number of close friends and mentors to pray with us. I decided to take steps of faith to see if God was calling us back to Kendallville, IN. He has made it CLEAR that He is calling my family back to the area.

First, I contacted three men (all former students in Kendallville, IN) and shared with them my heart of what I thought God was calling us to do. My desire was for us to be a team. Within time all three of them agreed that they felt that God was calling us to do this. All of these men have grown up in Kendallville, IN and have a heart for the people that live there. Two of them moved back into the area. I believe these men to be some of the best leaders that I know. The three men are:

Josh Leonhardt - Worship - Moved from Laporte, IN
Logan Conley - Youth/Children - Move from Philadelphia, PA
Zach McCue - Discipleship

Second, I started praying for God to give us a free building. All we had was a dream. I prayed for a month (telling no one) and received a phone message from a close friend who knew of a storefront that was available. Long story short we are leasing this storefront on Main Street (rent free) and it's a perfect location for offices, meetings, and outreaches to the community.

Third, we knew we needed a place to meet on Sunday Mornings. Through a casual conversation the Kendallville YMCA opened up it's doors for our church to meet there. The YMCA board gave unanimous approval for our group to meet there on Sundays. We will have nursery, children's, and adult worship space!

If that wasn't enough Youth For Christ contacted us as they have a number of middle-schoolers who hang out in the YMCA's youth room. Due to our connections and heart, Logan Conley, has been hired as the Youth For Christ Middle School Director and will run youth ministries out of the YMCA.

Before we knew that we were going to be meeting in the YMCA and Logan was going to be hired at Youth For Christ he purchased a home in Kendallville. You won't believe me but his house is on a street that connects the YMCA to the middle-school! His house is perfectly positioned for his family to make a difference in the lives of teenagers.

As we continued to move forward many people heard of what God was calling us to do. We have an incredible launch team with close to 100 people involved who are passionate about reaching the town of Kendallville, IN for Jesus.

If that wasn't enough Legacy Church saw it's first person come to know Jesus! My wife's step grandfather who is 92 years old has recently accepted the Lord and will be at our first launch service on 9-11 of this year! It'll be one of his first church services he's ever attended since a child. It's a remarkable story of God being gracious for 92 years!

If I had more time I could elaborate on how God is providing for us financially or about countless God conversations with other people. God's providing for us in unimaginable ways.

This chain of events make it super clear that God wants us to launch Legacy Church this Fall. Everything we asked for God gave us even more than we asked or imagined!

Some ways in which I get excited about our church plant is that:

- It started with prayer and seeking God
- The staff leadership team are men that I love, admire, and respect
- We have incredible lay leadership
- We have some incredible buildings in the Kendallville area in which we can be a blessing to the community and hold services
- Our launch team is HUNGRY
- Kendallville is open to the gospel. 70.9% of the people that live in Noble County have no religious affiliation. Our goal is to reach the unreached.
- We desire to be a multiplying church that reproduces
- We have developed a path of discipleship that will effectively help people spiritually grow
- We have a multi-generational launch team with people ranging from 1 years old up to 92 years old

We are excited to hold our first service as a church on 9-11 @ 10 AM at the Kendallville YMCA!

I have NO CLUE what the future holds for Legacy Church. All I know is that God is behind it. If God is behind it than I want to be a part of it. We can't wait to be a church that leaves a positive legacy for generations in the Kendallville, IN area and beyond. We invite you to be a part of it!

Make sure you take time to 'Like' our Legacy Church Kendallville FB Page!

We helped unload Logan & Jessica Conley's stuff a month ago when they moved from Philadelphia, PA. This is our team commissioning them and their home!

A picture of me signing the lease for the YMCA which will be our Sunday Morning home!

One of My Top 5 Worst Life Experiences - Wisdom Teeth

A few days ago I was thinking about my recovery process regarding getting my wisdom teeth extracted. I compared it to some of my other personal life experiences. I came to the conclusion that the process of getting my wisdom teeth out was one of my top 5 worst life experiences. What are my other worst life experiences.....here you go (in order):

1. Failed engagement/Dating break-ups

2. Kidney Stone

3. Open dislocation of the bone in my right ring finger

4. Wisdom teeth

5. Infection in my leg as an elementary student

Wisdom Teeth Extraction & Recovery Story

I opted to not get my wisdom teeth out unless it was necessary. A few months ago I started developing soreness on my jaw around where my wisdom teeth were located. In addition to that I developed sacs of fluid in certain areas where my wisdom teeth were causing issues. I was not one of the lucky ones.....I needed to get my wisdom teeth out.

On the day of my surgery the oral surgeon made it clear that my surgery was going to be a little more intense than most. Due to my age (31) and to how deep my wisdom teeth were impacted it would make this surgery harder than normal. My upper left wisdom tooth was extremely deep and close to my sinuses. My lower right wisdom tooth was deep and was sitting on my jaw nerve.

Toward the end of the surgery my wife was called to the operating room where one of the nurses explained that since my lower right wisdom tooth was so deep it had caused some complications in the removal process. Simply put, they though that they had broke or fractured my jaw and were doing X-rays to see. Luckily, my jaw was not broken. One of the few things that went right.

Upon release my wife rushed me home and left to try and get liquid medicine. Unfortunately, she did not return by the time my medication had worn off. I was crying when she returned and blubbering statements such as "why did you leave me?" (At this time I can laugh over this situation....but it still may be a bit fresh for my wife ;)

The next four days I slept 16-18 hours a day due to the pain and drowsiness of the medication. I even had blood gush from my nose as they had to crush my upper wisdom teeth since they were so close to my sinuses. Simply sitting up caused me to be nauseous. By the weekend I was feeling a bit better, but could not sit or stand up. I was finally able to get on my feet six days after my surgery.

In the aftermath I lost 8 pounds in 8 days. A silver lining through this trying endeavor. I was only able to eat soft foods for quite some time.

As I look back on this story one pervasive theme has emerged. I'm so glad that Kim was around to take care of me. Within the past 2.5 years of our marriage my wife has had to take care of me as I've had a kidney stone and had a traumatic wisdom teeth surgery. In addition, I've had the opportunity to pay the favor back through the difficult pregnancy of our daughter Charis. I'm thankful that marriage is about teamwork. I don't think either of us would have made it without each other.

How was your wisdom teeth surgery? Would you recommend getting them out early or risking it like I did?

Two Words: Never Again!

What I've Learned at Grace Community Church (Goshen, IN)

In Acts 17:26 the apostle Paul states that "God determines the exact times and set places for people to live." Therefore, part of God's purpose in my family's life was to serve and grow together with the people at Grace Community Church these past three years. It's been quite the learning experience and I can't say enough good stuff about the staff and people at Grace. I took some time to reflect today on all that I've learned these past three years.

What I've Learned at Grace Community Church (Goshen, IN)

1. Team Dynamics - I had the opportunity to be a part of a dynamic pastoral team at Grace. "If you want to do it right go by yourself...if you want to go far do it as a team." I was sharpened and challenged more by the pastoral team at Grace than with any other pastoral team I've served with.

2. Don't Over Program - As a high level planner I was challenged to not over program and to leave room for spontaneity and the Holy Spirit to work. Things can change and happen very quickly so pay attention and use daily situations to move your group accordingly.

3. You Can Do More Than You Think - The pace of office life is very quick but you can do more than you think. When you are leaning on the Holy Spirit, being sharpened daily, and seeing life change it motivates you to press on and storm the gates of hell.

4. Youth Ministry is ALWAYS Where It's At - Working with young people has brought such joy, energy, and relevancy to my life. Regardless of my age, I will continue to invest into young people.

5. Don't Say Someone's 'No' For Them - Many times people or volunteers don't help or serve because they don't get asked. We have not because we ask not. I was reminded that even if you expect a no you need to ask. You are offering people to join a life changing mission. Never be afraid or timid about asking people to join.

6. Never Lose Sight of Reaching Lost People - I've never been a part of a group of believers so committed to reaching people who don't know Jesus. Evangelism is the engine that drives Grace Community Church.

7. People, People, People - At the end of the day it's people that matter. I've formed some life-long friends. I've met some of the greatest people on earth and know their names and their stories. I thank God for the people of Grace Community Church!

8. Don't Be Afraid to Call Out Men - Men need to be challenged and held to a high standards as the leader's of their home. Grace is not afraid to call men to a higher standard of living as Christ followers.

9. Give Invitations - Many people just need an opportunity to make a commitment or put a stake in the ground. Don't be afraid to have public invitations and invite people to join what God is laying on their heart and make a commitment.

10. Say Thanks - Thanks to Jim Brown who took a shot on hiring me as youth pastor. Thanks to an incredible pastoral team that spoke truth into my life. Thanks to an incredible adult youth team that loved on teenagers. Thanks to the teenagers of Axis youth ministries for the privilege of being your youth pastor. Thank you to Grace Community Church for allowing me to hone my gifts and talents (and for putting up with me!)

The greatest thing I take with me to Kendallville, IN is Grace Community Church!

Many Of The Teens I'll Miss...But Excited to See Where God Leads Axis!

First Axis Youth Event Three Years Ago!

Are you SATISFIED with the DIRECTION of your LIFE?

On my personal Facebook Page I took an online poll asking this question: Are you satisfied with the direction of your life? Here are the results of that poll:

Yes - 33

No - 2

Somewhat - 19

40% of the people said that they were not fully satisfied with the direction of their life at this time; (they answered somewhat or no). Throughout the course of one's lifetime there are times when one is prone to not feel satisfied with the direction of their life. Classic life stages of this is when one is single (before marriage), mid-life crisis, empty nest, or at the twilight of one's life.

A lack of satisfaction in one's life stems from unmet expectations. For example, a person is not satisfied with life direction because they had expectations of getting married and having children at a certain time or they thought that they would be further along in their career, etc. Life satisfaction and our personal expectations go hand in hand.

In order to be more satisfied with the direction of your like make sure you have realistic expectations for yourself. The bigger the dream the longer and harder it will take for you to get there. Don't be so hard on yourself.

True satisfaction lies in realizing God's perfect plan for your life and submitting yourself to His desires. The longer and harder we fight God's will for our life the more unsatisfied we will be. Don't believe me; just ask Jonah.

My prayer for you today is that you will reflect on your personal expectations and life desires and submit them to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Then and only then will you be truly satisfied with the direction of your life.  

A Christian's Response to Turbulent Cultural Changes!

Let's face it. Our world is changing. Issues and platforms that were unheard of only a few years ago have come into prominence. Discussion on the church's view on the LGBT movement, female clergy, social and political issues, and abortion continue to make waves.

 

We live in a post-modern society where traditional Christian values are no longer being held as the standard and the norm. This is just the fact of the matter.

 

How should a Christian respond in times like these?

 

1. Stop acting surprised. Seriously, you can't say that you didn't see these issues coming. Christians should be anything but sheltered. It's the emotion of surprise and shock that the unregenerate world sees and translates upon Christians as being sheltered and bigoted. Christians need to do their homework and research by being around people and understanding what the cultural influences are in the world.

 

2. Stop posting your negative thoughts regarding contrary issues on social media. Christians should be known more for what we stand for than what we stand against. Posting and commenting negatively concerning contrary issues on social media only solidifies in people's minds that Christians are narrow minded. Think twice before sharing something.

 

3. Proactively build bridges. The battle to change people is never won in their minds it's won in their hearts. If someone has a different view than take the time to get to know them and why they have that view. If everyone is created in the image of God than that person has significance and value. I hope people see me as a person of deep unwavering conviction who still cares about people, even if we don't agree on every issue.

 

4. Focus on community. People will be attracted to Christianity only if it is modeled in such a way that fosters true camaraderie and depth of relationship. Everyone is looking for community. If people get the sense that Christianity is artificial relationally than our words will ring hollow.

 

5. Pray. Nothing changes unless God moves in a person's and societies heart. Take solace in the fact that He is in control and has a plan. He is faithful when everyone is faithless.

 

What are your thoughts & comments? Agree?

 

What Standards Should A Christian Use In Voting?

This post will most likely surprise you. You have been forwarned.

 

I may be splitting hairs, but I believe that there is a difference concerning how Christians should think when it comes to voting for someone to be their pastor and in voting for someone to be our president. When you juxtapose both offices there are some clear contrasts.

 

 The Bible is clear on the standards we should hold when it comes to people who are pastors/elders.

 

1 Timothy 3:1- 7

"Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap."

 

On the contrary, Christians are called to submit and follow the government that is placed upon us. The only time to disobey is if the government is mandating that we do things contrary to God's law. There are no particular standards that are mentioned in electing government officials. Our job is to simply obey and let the gospel shine through us by following a higher calling.

 

Romans 13:1-2

"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."

 

Rationally there are some people who would make a great pastor but who would be a lousy politician or president and vice a versa. The type of office is different and needs a slightly different standard of evaluation.

 

Here are my THREE criteria for who I vote for:

 

1. Character - Is the candidate a person of trust and values? Are they moral? Remember though, this person is not running for the office of pastor. They may have some variances concerning different thoughts and stances on certain issues than you. That's ok. The main question we should be concerning with is who they are as a person and what they stand for.

 

2. Leadership Ability & Acumen  - Is the candidate a person that can move the country in the right direction? Do they have what it takes to move forward, even when they are opposed or are in the minority? Leaders are hard to find. Courage is rarer still.

 

3. Knowledge -  Does the person have the amount of knowledge to succeed or have they put a good enough advisory team in place to cover for their weaknesses? Information is power. A person's experiences are crucial. Have they shown a good track record of learning from both past mistakes and their successes?

 

What are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree?

 

Why Jesus Chose FISHERMEN not GOLFERS!?!

It's a fact, Jesus' disciples were fishermen not golfers. You may argue that golf was not invented during the days of Jesus and you would be correct. Nonetheless, Jesus chose fishermen not farmers, politicians, gladiators, businessmen, or sports heroes'.

 

Here's a list of why Jesus chose fishermen and what we can learn from it

 

1. Fishermen love to fish. In fact, the saying goes that a bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work. As Christians we should love to tell people about the gospel. We should love Jesus and love to tell others about Jesus.

 

2. Fishermen by nature are adventurous. Trust me, I've went all kinds of places and tried all kinds of tactics to catch the "big one." Jesus calls His disciples to a life of faith and trust in Him. When we trust God He will lead us to places we never thought we'd go. Life with Jesus is an adventure.

 

3. Fishing is an art. The more you fish the better you get at it and the more you learn. Sharing our faith with others is an art. The more we share the better intuition we get at knowing where people are at with God.

 

4. Fishermen know where to fish. It won't take long or many fishing trips to know if a lake is full of fish. Fishermen go where the fish are biting and where the fish are. Fishermen know where to find the fish too whether it be on the shore, on the breaks, or in the deep. Every Christian needs a fishing hole where they can make connections with unbelievers.

 

5. Fishermen are simple people. Fishermen don't like drama. That's why they fish so they can get away and enjoy some time on the water. There is no time to get misguided or to get swayed by drama when it comes to reaching lost people. The focus is simple: catch fish and enjoy time with others.

 

6. Fishermen are not afraid to get dirty. You will have to put worms on hooks and will fetch all kinds of unwanted objects on your line. Fish are slimy and wet. If you want to reach people you must not be afraid to get down into the junk and baggage of people's lives.

 

7. Fishing can be unpredictable. Some of my worst casts have landed me the biggest fish. The only time you can guarantee not catching fish is when your line is not in the water. Our job is to share truth with others. You never know exactly when you are going to get a bite or when someone is interested in learning more about God.

 

8. Fishing can be done alone or with others. There are times when fishing alone is desirable as it allows you to refresh and get away. There are times when fishing with someone else is profitable as it gives you time to build relationships. One of the best places to build relationships is on the water as the person can not go anywhere else!

 

9. Fishing connects your heart to the Creator. Being in nature allows people's hearts to be stirred toward reflective thoughts of purpose. You can't be fishing for people and sharing truth without getting closer to God himself.

 

10. Fishermen know how to celebrate. Talk with a fishermen and ask him to share about a big fish that he caught. I can guarantee that his eyes will light up a bit at the minimum. When people receive Jesus it will help us to learn how to celebrate changed lives!

 

Any other reasons why God chose fishermen over any other occupation!?!? There are more I'm sure!