Summer Ministry Environments for Families

We are very excited about what's happening this summer at Campbellsville Christian Church! 


I want to tell you about our Children's and Student Ministry opportunities. Our Student Ministry Environment (for Middle and High School) is called Summer XP: TRIBES. Tribes will meet on Wednesday nights this summer! Check out the video below:




For our Children's Ministry (Preschool - 5th Grade), Sunday nights are all about the family! Everything starts June 1st...



If you'd like more information, contact Logan or Kari Jo!

Groundbreaking for a new future!

Last week got a little crazy and I failed to post this last Monday...

75ish people gathered on Sunday afternoon, April 27th at the site of the new Habitat for Humanity house. A well-deserving mother and her son broke ground on what will be their new home. 

Habitat for Humanity has an excellent history here in Campbellsville/Taylor County. This is the first house of a total of five new homes on this street.


How is this a "win," you ask? It's not, at least not yet. Here's how you can make it a win...

In a week or so, if you're a member of Campbellsville Christian, you'll be receiving a series of emails as this building project moves forward informing you of opportunities to literally get your hands dirty as you provide not only a home, but hope for a family in this community. You may not be a plumber, electrician; you may not have any business handling power tools at all, but you can serve. I can't wait to see the "wins" that come from this wonderful opportunity! 

Opportunities...

Being "rooted" happens through taking advantage of opportunities God gives you as you seek to grow in Study, Prayer, Stewardship, Discipleship, Community, and Service. 

OPPORTUNITIES SEIZED

A few weeks ago I mentioned the power of a dress...as a result of the Prom Dress Giveaway event some of the Campbellsville Christian Church folks had the idea that they would like to offer a free Prom Dinner for the recipients of the dresses. Click here for more photos.

OPPORTUNITIES TO BE TAKEN

Watch for details on being a part of the building of the new Taylor County/Campbellsville Habitat for Humanity House. Around 50 people gathered yesterday to break ground for the new Habitat House on Wickcliffe Ave. We will be using our church email list to alert you of work opportunities. This will be a great chance to get together with your Sunday School class, Small group, or a group of friends to be the hands and feet of Christ in a real, practical way.

White Mills Christian Camp 

Since 1949 thousands of young people have encountered the life changing message of Jesus Christ through the ministry of White Mills Christian Camp. Campbellsville Christian Church will pay 1/2 of your camp registration if you submit it through the church office. Simply download and fill out the registration form below and turn it in to the church office. 

REGISTRATION FORM    CAMP DATES FLYER

What are we here for?

That is more than a philosophical question, but an imperative question for any organization, church, or individual to answer. What's is my purpose in life? The Campbellsville Christian Church leadership has been wrestling with that very question for a number of months. For years, we've had a beautifully crafted mission statement. The problem was, that no one could remember it, much less recite it or communicate it to someone else.

We've been discussing how to narrow our focus. There are so many wonderful things a church does, but what is most important? Here's where we've landed:

Campbellsville Christian Church exists to lead people to Jesus Christ, and a growing relationship with Him. 

That's it. That's the Great Commission fulfilled. (Matthew 28:19-20) The two most important things a church does is to lead people to Christ (evangelism) and to lead them to grow in that relationship (discipleship). For the church, if something doesn't lead to that end, then it probably isn't worth doing. 

Then I asked myself, "What's is my personal mission statement?" What is my focus? There are many things I hope to do as a Christian, a husband, father, minister, and community member. Ultimately, I hope to leave a legacy that points to Jesus. I don't care if I am remembered; I do care that people remember Jesus. 

If the mission of the church is unequivocally, unwaveringly, unapologectically to lead people to Jesus Christ, and a growing relationship with Him, then shouldn't that be my personal mission as well? After all, I am a branch of the church whether I am in the building or not...and so are you. So, what's your mission? Do your day to day actions and attitudes agree with you? If not, what are you going to do about that?

**Photo credit

How a Dress Changes a Life

This past Saturday afternoon, Campbellsville Christian Church partnered with The Granted Grace Foundation to offer Prom Dresses free-of-charge to well deserving girls from across the region. 

Girls were paired with a personal shopper, selected a dress and shoes, and members of the Prayer Ministry team offered to pray with the girls. Here is what TGGF Founder, Melissa Marshbanks had to say:

The volunteers literally laughed, cried, and PRAYED with the ladies. For some of the girls, it was their first time praying or first time praying with their family. It was such a privilege to watch these girls get attached to the volunteers (and vice versa).

Sometimes something as simple as a dress and a prayer can change the course of a person's life. I want to say thank you to all who donated dresses, served at the event, and prayed for the event. Moreover, I want to let this serve as a reminder that there is nothing too small or too large that God cannot use to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and the hope that He brings to this life and the life to come. If we walked each and every day with this mindset, imagine what God could do in our community and the world! 

I Am Guilty of Idolatry...And So Are You.

Idolatry is often thought of as creating images, statues or pictures, that represent something other than God, of even God himself, and worshipping those. I've been studying through the book of Judges over the past month or so and have been reminded that idolatry is so much more. Tim Keller, in his book Judges for You, says "any graven image or depiction of God would automatically reveal part of God's nature but conceal another part¹."

In other words, when we create an image of God, even in our minds, we tend to focus on one aspect of God's character to the concealment of another. It's why we have trouble understanding how passages like Psalm 103:8: "The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love." and Romans 1:18: "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness."can be compatible. 

We become idolaters by simply ignoring or avoiding aspects of God we don't particularly like or want to think about. That was the subject of the Sunday morning worship services yesterday morning. We love to talk about the love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness of God. These are all accurate aspects of God, but not complete. Keller writes, "God says: Worship me as I am, not as you want me to be, and worship me as my heart directs, not as your heart suggests.^1"

Yesterday was a needed reminder to, as the Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 5, Wake up! Rise from the dead (old way of living) and be covered in Christ's light. God's wrath is real and it is coming. For those who have salvation in Christ, the call is for us is to take action, the world is waiting, needing the hope that you have. 

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) 

Yesterday was a win for Campbellsville Christian Church for many reasons:

1. My perception was that people came yesterday expectantly. We were waiting on the Lord. We were not simply there to observe, but to engage.
2. Worship led us to the throne room of God, grateful for all He has done, making Christ the cornerstone, making the weak strong through His love.
3. The message reminded us that God does not take sin lightly, as we would prefer, but that (while He is patient and forgiving) He cannot be called Holy if He is not also Just. Judgment is coming.
4. People responded. I'm not merely talking about the people who came forward. Decisions were made in the seats. People had an opportunity to listen and respond to what God was revealing to them. Conversations happened at the table that afternoon. And, I have a feeling, some much-needed conversations will be happening with those in your circle of influence as well. 
5. Finally, let me say that I am excited about the congregational vote next Sunday (March 9th) to vote on Joel Patton as our new Preaching Minister. I believe that God has put a solid team of people together for this time and in this place to accomplish His work. I love the people I work with. I love their hearts for the Lord and for ministry in His church. I think Joel will be a great addition to that team.  

That being said, let me remind you about a question/answer meeting with our Elders in regard to Joel coming on staff at Campbellsville Christian Church. This not being a "traditional" Senior Minister hire and also involving some significant changes in my role and responsibilities at the church, the Elders wanted to have a forum where questions could be answers and any concerns addressed. The leadership of C.C.C. want you to make an informed and prayerfully considered decision as possible. All the information will be discussed at the Congregation Meeting on Sunday as well. 

¹ Keller, T. (2013). Judges for you. The Good Book Company.
Image Credit

Are you getting the point?

I used to have a poster in my office similar to this. It simply said, "If you're not serving, you don't get the point." It was actually an advertisement for a missions organization. The volleyball in the picture was filled in with a map of the earth. It was a reminder that our purpose in this life is to seek and save the lost. That, most often, happens through serving others. 

It was a really cool poster until they changed the rules of volleyball. (Thanks a lot volleyball rule makers!)

Though the saying might not be an accurate sports metaphor, it still has unmistakable spiritual application:

• Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10) 
• Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,    and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:43-45)
• For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

Serving is not simply a "good idea," it is what we are made for. As we continue our "I Am A Church Member" series, I would say again, "If you're not serving, you really don't get the point." 

As part of our goal of becoming "rooted in God's love," we express our love for others in service. We've created a number of personal growth goals. When it comes to service, this is what it says:

I am aware of my unique gifts and am using them 

in service to share Christ outside the church. 

Let me give you some examples of what this looks like:

• One of our small groups took it upon themselves to prepare and deliver 100 meals to people in need. (this is only the beginning - stay tuned for more)
• One of our members picks up a 10-12 guys from the Healing Place to play basketball on Monday nights, an opportunity many of them would not otherwise have during the winter months.
• Another small group has prepared food and delivered supplies to the Green River Ministries homeless shelter.
• We have a group of men and women who consistently provide worship opportunities at the Taylor County Detention Center on Sunday's.
• Diapers are being provided to the Crisis Pregnancy Center.

These are only a few of the things that are happening in the lives of people who are "getting the point." Church membership is quite frankly not about you. Life is not about you. It never has been. Maybe you've missed the point for some time. It doesn't have to stay that way. As the Apostle Paul says in Philippians 2:3-11:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,  not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 

Who, being in very nature  God,  

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

 rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature  of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

by becoming obedient to death—

even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 

and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

Baptisms, Football, and Bill Nye.

It's a big week!

1. Yesterday during 2nd service something special happened. First, baptisms are always special, but, in my opinion, a father baptizing his child is beautiful. I hope I get that privilege one day. A very special moment!

2. Yesterday was the Superbowl and I couldn't care any less, but I watched it. Whether you're a Seahawks fan or a Bronchos fan you can certainly appreciate that there are some stand up guys on the Seahawks (I'm sure there are some that play for the Bronchos too, but they weren't featured on this "Making of A Champion" video featuring the Seahawks).





3. Tomorrow night Bill Nye (the Science Guy) is going to debate Ken Ham (the guy behind the Creation Museum and Answers in Genesis). The subject is simply this: "Is creation a viable form of origins?" Simple enough. I am very interested in the content of the debate, but what concerns me more is how we respond. No one will "win" this debate. Even among Christians there is such a widely varying opinion on the interpretation of the Creation account (most of which respect the authority of Scripture and are honoring to God) and that helps me realize this is not a problem to be solved, but a tension that we will always live in. Our responsibility is to act like Christians, first and foremost. People on "the other side" of the argument are not the enemy, Satan always has and always will be our enemy and his goal is to make Christians seem irrelevant and judgmental. I hope that we will not help our adversary out in our response to this debate on social media or in our public discussions. 

You can watch the debate live tomorrow night at 7:00 PM (eastern) right here.

Let's take our lead from the Apostle Paul in Colossians 4:5:

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.

Wait...So it's NOT all about me?

We were challenged yesterday to not make church about me, my preferences, or my desires. This isn't easily done regardless of whether you are an attender, member, staff, or church leader. There's something in each of us that wants to make it about ME. I read a blog from Aaron Gloy entitled "5 Really Bad Reasons for Leaving Your Church." Every excuse listed, at its core, has the same thing: ME. So what is the answer? The Apostle Paul shed some light on this in Philippians 2:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,  not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature  God,  did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing  by taking the very nature  of a servant,  being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man,  he humbled himself  by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:3-8)

We are told to make our attitudes the same as that of Jesus Christ. So what did he do?

• He did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage.
• He emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant.
• He humbled himself.
• He became obedient to the point of death.

 This is an example for us to follow. We are to serve. We are to be obedient. We are to put others first. We are to do whatever it takes to keep the unity in our church. These are easy things to write down, but challenging to put into daily practice.

For Further Thought:

1. Describe someone in the church that best fits the description of having the mind of Christ and servant attitude.

2. Go verse by verse through Philippians 2:5-11. Explain how the attitude of Christ in each verse becomes a pattern for us as church members.

3. How would you describe a servant as it applies to being a member of a church?

---

If you missed some of the points of the 10 dominant behavior patterns of members in self-serving churches (from a Survey conducted through Lifeway Research), I have relisted them below:

1. Worship wars. One or more factions in the church want the music just the way they like it. Any deviation is met with anger and demands for change. The order of service must remain constant. Certain instrumentation is required while others are prohibited.

2. Prolonged minutia meetings. The church spends an inordinate amount of time in different meetings. Most of the meetings deal with the most inconsequential items, while the Great Commission and Great Commandment are rarely the topics of discussion.

3. Facility focus. The church facilities develop iconic status. One of the highest priorities in the church is the protection and preservation of rooms, furniture, and other visible parts of the church’s buildings and grounds.

4. Program driven. Every church has programs even if they don’t admit it. When we start doing a ministry a certain way, it takes on programmatic status. The problem is not with programs. The problem develops when the program becomes an end instead of a means to greater ministry.

5. Inwardly focused budget. A disproportionate share of the budget is used to meet the needs and comforts of the members instead of reaching beyond the walls of the church.

6. Inordinate demands for pastoral care. All church members deserve care and concern, especially in times of need and crisis. Problems develop, however, when church members have unreasonable expectations for even minor matters. Some members expect the pastoral staff to visit them regularly merely because they have membership status.

7. Attitudes of entitlement. This issue could be a catchall for many of the points named here. The overarching attitude is one of demanding and having a sense of deserving special treatment.

8. Greater concern about change than the gospel. Almost any noticeable changes in the church evoke the ire of many; but those same passions are not evident about participating in the work of the gospel to change lives.

9. Anger and hostility. Members are consistently angry. They regularly express hostility toward the church staff and other members.

10. Evangelistic apathy. Very few members share their faith on a regular basis. More are concerned about their own needs rather than the greatest eternal needs of the world and community in which they live.”

Excerpt From: Thom S. Rainer. “I Am a Church Member.” iBooks. https://itun.es/us/nbxQL.l

Celebrating The Win

**This was originally published in the Campbellsville Christian Church newsletter on January 14, 2014:

Anytime an organization, especially churches, are in a time of transition there is the potential for both the good and the bad. We can focus on the things that need to be done and the dissenters or we can focus on God’s plan for the church. The good news is that we get to choose what we focus on.

Each Monday morning at 9:00 AM we have an all-staff meeting: Billy, Logan, Kari Jo, Karen, and Jennifer and I sit down to talk about the details of the upcoming week, address needs, but we always start off with something we have identified as critical to staying focused on our mission: to equip people to become “rooted in God’s love.” We start by celebrating “wins.”

Defining the win gives us tangible targets for ministry. Without pursuing ministry on behalf of Christ, the church is nothing more than a stagnant and listless institution that possesses no real value. Seeing wins happen breathes meaningful life and zeal into the congregation that fuels passion and can energize it into an unstoppable movement.

At staff meetings, I ask the question, “What happened last week that made you feel like you've made progress in your mission to lead people to become "rooted in God's love?" Basically we are looking for people (individuals and groups) and are showing evidences of becoming “rooted.” As we talk, I write these down. We know there are many things that need to be adjusted or addressed and those things can weigh us down and distract us from seeing God’s hand at work in the lives of those who call Campbellsville Christian Church home.

So we celebrate together. I want to let you in on a few highlights of our staff celebrations.

·      Anita Smith faithfully drives a group of from Jackson Towers to Wal-Mart each month to get groceries.

·      The High School small group created “kits” to hand out to homeless people as their families travel together.

·      A couple of months ago a group of children led (rather than performed) a worship song with the adult band reinforcing what we teach them in children’s environments; that they are an active part of the church now…

·      Spiritual development taking place in the Middle School Boys Small Group.

·       Gail Godsey and her leadership in the Hearts 2 Help event for the homeless shelter

·      Lynn and Nancy Farmer and Jennifer Clark giving their time and talents in making a new church directory a reality.

·      17 Root 252 kids (Wednesday night Children’s environment) memorized the monthly verse: “Choose my teaching instead of silver. Choose knowledge rather than fine gold.” Prov. 8:10

·      Over 220 people at the Christmas Eve service

·      Around 100 people gathered on Dec. 15^th to make 70+ blankets for the Crisis Pregnancy Center and the local Hospice agency.

·      The prayer lives of people are deepening.

·      The Micah 6:8 service projects coming out of Small groups:

o   Operation Baby Rescue raised over $14,000 to rescue babies from malnutrition and unsafe environments

o   Groups raised over $1000 for the backpack program

o   Group supported shelters in Taylor, Marion, and Green county.

·      If you can’t tell yet, much good is happening in the lives of the people of Campbellsville Christian Church.

Celebrating not only encourages people to continue to do what is right, but it reflects the biblical principal of joy. When God rested on the seventh day after creation, we do not believe he needed to take a breather; instead he took time to enjoy his creation; to celebrate. Take a look at how many Jewish celebrations and holidays are found in the Bible and you will discover that celebrating the work of God is a core part of worship. So when it comes wins, we should celebrate with our brothers and sisters whether it is through verbal praise, recognition, or throwing an actual party!

Do you know of a win? Let us know. Often, my blog posts on Monday’s are devoted to highlighting “wins” from the life of the church. If you’d like to know more about what it means to be “rooted in God’s love,” check out www.rootedingodslove.com and click the “more info” button.

We are the body...#notacountryclub

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.  For we were all baptized by  one Spirit so as to form one body...  If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. - 1 Corinthians 12:12-13a; 26-27

Joel Patton preached the first of a 6-week series entitled "I Am A Church Member," based on a book by the same name from Thom Rainer. If you are interested in reading this book, see me, your local bookstore, or get more info here. 


Today I wanted to remind you of the first pledge that was introduced yesterday and leave you with some questions for your personal reflection:


The First Pledge:

“I am a church member. I like the metaphor of membership. It’s not membership as in a civic organization or a country club. It’s the kind of membership given to us in 1 Corinthians 12: “Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it” (1 Cor. 12:27). Because I am a member of the body of Christ, I must be a functioning member, whether I am an “eye,” an “ear,” or a “hand.” As a functioning member, I will give. I will serve. I will minister. I will evangelize. I will study. I will seek to be a blessing to others. I will remember that “if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it” (1 Cor. 12:26).”**

Questions for you and your family:

1. How is the "love chapter" in 1 Corinthians 13 related to church membership (remember, it directly follows Paul's teaching on membership in chapter 12)? 

2. Joel said, "The concept of an inactive church member is an oxymoron." The question should never be if you should be serving your church, but to ask yourself and God is prayer is: "How can I best serve my church?" If you are not currently actively serving in the church, are you willing to ask God that question?


3. Joel said (paraphrased), "If you are gifted to do something and are not doing that thing, you are handicapping the church." Where are you gifted and how can you best use those gifts in service to Christ within the church? 


Thom Rainer says that church membership runs counter-culture to country club membership. In a country club you pay dues and expect certain services and privileges. He says, "Do you want to know how to remain a biblical member of a church? Give abundantly and serve without hesitation."**


If you need help assessing where you can best serve, please contact me and I will be happy to discuss opportunities with you.



**Excerpt From: Thom S. Rainer. “I Am a Church Member.” iBooks. https://itun.es/us/nbxQL.l

Did you know?

Today is the 45th anniversary of the first computer mouse! Who knew they'd been around that long? As a confirmed computer geek that is worth mentioning. I can't imagine life without a computer mouse.

However, that's not what Monday's Mentions are about. I try to highlight some of the "wins" within Campbellsville Christian Church. Last night at our monthly board meeting I asked our church Elders and Deacons about some of the wins* they've witnessed this month. Here's what they highlighted:

• All of the Micah 6:8 service projects coming out of 40 Days in the Word.
• Operation Baby Rescue raising more than $14,000
• Support for shelters in Taylor and Marion counties
• Local School backpack programs that supply food to children over the weekends.
• 17 of our P-5th graders memorized the verse of the month in November - Proverbs 8:10 "Choose my teaching instead of silver. Choose knowledge rather than fine gold." (NIrV)
• Completion of the church directories especially Lynn & Nancy Farmer and Jennifer Clark
• Gail Godsey's leadership in the Hearts 2 Help fundraiser supporting the local homeless shelter (and being chosen as this years Kiwanis "Santa's Helper" award - quite an honor in recognition of her service of the community)

What about you? What are some "wins" you've spotted recently?

*A win is defined as evidence that a person or group of people are becoming "rooted in God's love." For more information about becoming "rooted," click here to be directed to our church website "rooted" page.

Day 41

Yesterday was the final day of our 40 Days in the Word campaign. So many great things have happened as a result of these past 40 days. Here's just a few:

• I've heard people say things like "The Bible has been brought to life for me!" "I never knew how to study on my own before this." "This is exactly what I needed!" 
• Groups were asked to do a Micah 6:8 service project. Many have supported local community ministries.
• One group raised over $1,000 for our local backpack program that ensures that children have food to eat when they are home for the weekends.
• Another group is hosting a benefit concert next Monday, Dec. 2nd at Ransdell Chapel on the campus of Campbellsville University with a goal to raise $12,000 to rescue 12 babies from impoverished nations. Read all about it and give online here.
• Yet another group is planning to host a "Soup Kitchen on Wheels" this winter, delivering meals to some of the people with the greatest need in the community. 
• Others have supported our church food pantry. 

The point is this: When you invest God's Word in your life, something is stirred to action in you. You can't exactly explain it, but you know it is God at work in you. 

We finished the preaching series yesterday morning with the challenge to be grateful in response to God's work in you. We asked you to simply write what you are thankful for. This was the result:

We have much to be thankful for. But you already knew that. Sometimes it is helpful to write it down, isn't it. 

Joel's final application yesterday morning was to write a thank you note to someone. If you were here, you have no excuses. We gave you the card and envelope. Now, on day 41, send it. 

The worst thing that could happen on Day 41 is that you allow what God has started, to end. Continue to allow God's Word to speak into your life, direct your life, and change your life! Have a great Monday!

Wins (seen and unseen)

As I've mentioned before we start off each week's church staff meeting talking about "wins" from the week. We are in the process of creating definitions for wins within each activity that happens within the church. In the broader scope of things, we define a win as anything that is outward evidence of people moving towards the goal of being "rooted in God's love." 

We have goals for all our people.  Yes, we have goals for our adults, but we are equally concerned about, and have goals for our teens and children. If you were in worship yesterday you witnessed a win. During both of our services we invited up a group of children to the platform, not to perform for us, but to engage in worship with us. 

The children came forward and sang "Our God" with the praise band, and you, the congregation. It was an exciting thing to be part of as children were not just present in a worship service but that they are the Church as much as anyone else in the room. They were shown that they can worship with adults, with teens, because we all have the same audience of one, our heavenly Father. This is one of many ways our children's ministry workers are leading our children to become "rooted in God's love" alongside parents who model these values at home. 

We also know that there are many wins that you don't get to see. Here's one for you: I love seeing these types of things on the bulletin tear-off:

So, let's celebrate together as a church, what are some wins you've witnessed in your own life or the lives of others?