The Christmas Story

When trying to keep Jesus the focus this holiday season, it is vital that He gets your attention. I've realized that shopping, wrapping presents, hanging decorations, and many of the activities that go along with Christmas time is a perfect opportunity to remember Christ.

For instance, why do we shop for presents and wrap them? Like a birthday, we want to give gifts. It's Jesus' birthday. I know Micaiah doesn't quite understand it yet, but while we were shopping I was telling him about Jesus' birthday and we get to give presents to others in order to celebrate His birthday. The same with hanging decorations, like a birthday party we hang decorations...you get my picture.

Finally, over the last few nights we've been reading the Christmas story. I do use children's material in order for it to relate to my almost 2 year old, but I also have been reading the Christmas Story from God's perspective...His Word, the Bible. Even though his is only 1 years old, it is vital that he starts hearing God's Word, especially from his parents.

So this Christmas season, take the time to remember why you buy those presents, wrap those gifts, and hang those decorations. Also, be encouraged to read the Christmas story from God's Word (and don't be afraid to do it every night. repetition helps remembrance). Merry Christmas!!

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

December is upon us and that means that Christmas is just around the corner!

I love Christmas. It is and has always been my favorite holiday and not just because of the presents! But last year Christmas meant a little more. It was the first Christmas that Cyndi and I had with our son, Micaiah. It made me realize that I have a vital responsibility to teach my son about the true meaning of Christmas. Over the next few weeks I will be posting on how to keep the meaning of Christmas at the focus of your Christmas season.

Before I do, I want to know your thoughts and your ideas on how you keep Jesus the center of your Christmas?

Change

Tonight as I right this post I am sitting here and reflecting over changes. This probably has something to do with listening to Tupac earlier...

Let me confess something. I used to hate change! Growing up anytime we would change youth leaders, I hated it! Anytime some sort of programming changed, I hated it! When our Pastoral staff changed at my home church, I hated it! I hated moving, changing schools, and anything else to do with change! I wanted things to stay the same.

However, this cannot be! In order to grow up and become much more mature as a human being, and as a Christian we must change. I feel that change is necessary in church as well. Does this mean that we change God's Word to fit what we think? No! Does this mean that we just change things up just to change, maybe sometimes! But the reality is that if we are going to reach the next generation (which statistically Generation Y, those people 30 yrs and younger, only 4% of them go to church) WE MUST CHANGE!

Thinking towards what is ahead in our lives, I see a church that is willing to change in order to reach people. I see a church that puts people ahead of programs, relevancy before religion, and lost people the #1 priority. It is time that we see a generation rise up! I am looking forward to what is in store and the changes that are ahead!

You Matter!

Since the age of 16 I have known that my purpose in life is to develop passionate, whole-hearted followers of Jesus. In other words, I know that my calling in life is to create a generation of people who love Jesus with everything in their beings and strive to live daily for Him.

This has not been an easy task. I have had several great ministries that I have been a part of that has allowed me to make a difference for the time being. And to be honest with you, I've had some major successes along the way! However, what most people don't confess is that I have failed along the way as well. These failures are where I have learned the most!

So, what is the point for this post? Here goes...you are called to be who you are! There will be failures along the way, and people who will tell you that what you have done previously doesn't matter. But the reality is that everything matters to God. Your successes and your failures, because YOU MATTER TO GOD! So as I prepare to step out in the next phase of my life, this is more of a reminder to me that I MATTER TO GOD, and He cares more about my faithfulness than my success!

Tech Geek

If any of you know me very well, you know that there are several material things that I absolutely love: Tools and Technology! Seriously, I am a bit of a geek when it comes to these things.

Well recently, I have acquired a Flip camera. I have lots of digital cameras and video cameras, so I definitely did not need another one. However, it was on sale and my wife thought said it was ok. So I bought one. I have only had it for a day but I love this thing. Here are a few reasons why.

1. It is smaller than my cell phone, so it is able to be taken with me everywhere.
2. It is High Definition. It shoots better looking footage than my previously owned Canon XL1
3. I can "flip" it out and record on the moment without having to drag it out of a camera bag and wait for it to warm up. From the time I take it out of my pocket to the time I start recording is under 3 seconds.
4. I don't have to carry extra cords with me because it has a built in usb.
5. Lastly, IT IS MAC compatible!!!

For less than $200 you can get an awesome HD camera! Here is just a short video (of my son, of course) that I filmed today with this camera.

Life...

Life, many times, has an interesting way of redefining your priorities. Lately, this blog has not been one of them. I have so much I am trying to accomplish: get my son to sleep in his big boy bed, finish my Master of Divinity Degree, planning a move, planning a church, and planning for a new baby.

However, I have come to realize that this blog has been a way for me to vent, and stay stable in my emotionally unstable mind :). So I will be back at it in the days to come.

Any ideas on topics you would like to read about?

A Few Pics from our Vacation

We had a blast getting away, spending time with friends, and just relaxing. On our trip to Charleston we did several things we have never done (even when we lived there). We went to Charles Town Landing (the original site of the city of Charleston) and visited the Charleston Tea Plantation (the only tea farm in the U.S.). We also got joy out of seeing Micaiah's first experience at the beach (he loved every minute of it and threw a fit when we had to leave).

So here are a few pictures of our vacation for you to enjoy:

Cyndi & I on our date night downtown (Thanks Mark & Courtney for babysitting)

Me being locked up at Charles Towne Landing

Micaiah being buried in the sand

Micaiah loved the beach!!

Why I Love Vacation

I am a firm believer in family vacations! My family tries to take at least 3 vacations a year. One is always just the three of us. One is always just my wife and I. And the third is usually with our extended family and friends. We love this!!!

There are a few reasons that I believe vacation is essential for our family:

1. Regular life gets way too busy and we need the time to just unwind and relax

2. We have the opportunity to reconnect as a family that sometimes gets lost during our normal schedules.

3. I LOVE TRAVELING. Seriously I cannot wait until I get to visit Europe and Asia!!!!

4. Vacations usually stimulate great ideas for me...had a few great dreams and ideas last night and its only day one.

5. Finally, I get exclusive time with my best friend, love of my life, and my partner in everything...CYNDI. And that leads into some great memories and awesome times with our son!

I LOVE VACATION! Why do you love it and where is your favorite vacation spot?

Hosea - Chapter 1

I am currently reading through the book of Hosea. I am writing a few of my initial thoughts as I read through the book. Here are my thoughts on Hosea chapter 1:

To read the passage click here

• Hosea was God's messenger...reminds me that I too am called as a messenger of Jesus! vs.2
• I'm not sure how I would react if God would have ever told me to go and marry a prostitute...instead thank you God for sending me Cyndi! vs. 2
• The image that Israel was acting like a prostitute is very clear. Is God like Hosea, in that He is married to Israel the prostitute? I think many times Christians today are very much like prostitutes. vs 2
• Gomer...what a name for a woman! I think I may name my daughter, Gomer. It has a nice ring to it, Gomer Michelle Brown. vs.3
• What's the power of a name? God seems to use people with name's that have powerful meaning to accomplish powerful acts in the Old Testament. I am glad we chose to name our son "Micaiah," as it is a rhetorical and humbling question: "Who is like God?" The answer is NO ONE, therefore He is the one we serve and worship!!! vs. 4
• A pattern is occurring among the names of Hosea and Gomer's children. God tells Hosea to marry a prostitute, like God is married to the prostitute, Israel. Then God commands Hosea to name his children after how Israel's relationship is going with God. vs.6-9
• How would you liked to been named, "Not-Loved?" Self-esteem issues? PROBABLY! vs. 6
• Sometimes I don't understand why God would allow Israel to be so disobedient, so distant, so unlike the chosen nation, but then turn and give them another chance. Chance after chance after chance - He loves ALWAYS. I'm sure He was disappointed and hurt, but He knows the future and sees the day that Israel is no longer described as "not my people" but instead "children of the living God." vs. 10-11

That's What I'm Talking About!

I love Indiana! And I am glad that I am involved with ARC because they love Indiana. Last Sunday, iTown Church was launched in Indy and this video got me pumped about planting a church!

itown church launch from Dave Sumrall on Vimeo.

Dave Sumrall is the lead pastor of iTown and he comes from Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, AL. He is passionate about reaching my home state! If you are in the Indy area and are looking for a church...check out iTown!

Be Careful About What You Pray & Fast For

Recently I decided I was going to take a few days and fast. If you know me, you know that it is a struggle for me to fast from food, it may be my Italian heritage that makes it a struggle, but none the less it is a struggle. So a couple of weeks I really felt compelled to give up food for a few days.

I felt during this time that I should pray for LifeGate Church and that God would step our impact in Lexington. I also pleaded with Him to bring more people to fill in key roles to help us accomplish our impact. During this time I prayed for our people, our staff, and my Pastor.

-the very next day after I started my fast our Pastor received a call from a young man, wanting to be a part of what we are doing (this is just one example of what God is doing)

I also felt compelled to pray for Generation Church. This is the name that keeps coming to mind regarding the church I feel very called to plant. I was praying for vision, clear direction, and asking God to already stir in hearts the people who are to lead and join GC. I have felt as though we are to go to Indiana, and possibly the Indianapolis area. We felt as though God was opening a possibility for this to happen within the next year.

Finally, I felt compelled to pray for my family. I was seeking clear direction to lead them and if we are to plant a church it is going to take all of us.

What I discovered through my fast is that God wants me to trust Him and come to Him with all the desires of my heart. He wants me to just lay them out before Him so He can be God and do what He needs to do. ALSO as a result of my fasting and praying (and an answer from God) we know that right now is not the time to go to Indiana. I realized that I was wanting to go to Indiana more than I think God wants us to go to Indiana.

We are in fact moving to Ohio. I know it is terrible being a Michigan fan and moving to a state that houses our biggest rival (by the way, I am looking for a NBF (New Best Friend) that holds season tickets to OSU and will take me to a Michigan vs Ohio State game). It is in fact a great move for us because Cyndi has been asked by the University she works for to start a brand new campus in Dayton, OH.

These were all major answers to the things that I was praying and fasting about. Although, I may not want to move to OH, God is opening many opportunities that I never even thought about. The point is that we must be obedient and faithful even when we may not like the answers God gives...HE KNOWS WHAT IS BEST!

Cults vs. Cultic Churches

Recently, I took an Apologetics course because I wanted to have a deeper understanding with many of the religions in our world today. More and more I am encountering people who are Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Hindu, and Muslim.

One of the most compelling lessons that we had was on cults vs. cultic. I realized that there is a big difference. You see a cult is an organization or belief system that the fundamental doctrine denies salvation, they add to the Bible, many time they multiply the way to salvation, divide the body of Christ, and their view of who Christ is is totally skewed.

On the other hand, we have several churches in America and across the world that are cultic churches. Basically a cultic church is a Godly church that begins to act ungodly. There are a few signs of a cultic church:

• they begin to promote separation from anyone not a member
• they begin to demand explicit control of the followers
• they reject any questioning of their leaders
• they begin to take control of salvation (for instance, if their views/church is rejected the person that rejects is destined for Hell)
• they take explicit control of finances in one's personal life
• they become a place to hide from the world (no visitors are welcome, etc.)
• they believe that there group is the only chosen ones
• they believe that their way is the only way

Now let me say this, Jesus is the only way! I love diversity and I love that many churches do things differently in the form of style. However, our goal for the Church is to make disciples of all nations. We must do a better job being unified in the body of Christ in order to reach more people. Lets not let our style overpower the purpose! God may our churches be YOUR CHURCH!

5 reasons I love LifeGate Church

Over 16 months ago we moved to Lexington, KY for a great opportunity that my wife had with the University she works for. There were several reasons this was a great choice for us but the two main reasons was that it was closer to family and that it gets us closer to the vision that God has laid on our hearts.

When making the decision the first thing we did was start looking for churches. We decided that if we wanted to one day plant a church that maybe it would be a good idea to attend and help out a church plant for our time in Lexington. So God led us to LifeGate Church. Here are the top 5 reasons why I love LifeGate Church:

5. ARC - LifeGate is a part of the Association of Related Church which focuses on planting churches. I love this because of the encouragement that the ARC team offer (no matter the size of the church they pastor) and the passion they have for reaching people!

4. The lead staff team, led by Pastor Ashley Wilson, are amazing! These group of leaders are so passionate about Jesus changing our city it is infectious. If you spend more than 5 minutes with any of them you know there is something different in their life!

3. The Dream Team of Volunteers are absolutely incredible! The volunteers at LifeGate want to make an impact in our city and they take ownership of the areas of ministry they serve in. Many of them have full time jobs, but make a commitment to be a part of LifeGate and serve in ministries that take a lot of time and energy...(shout out to the Roadie Team - who unloads and loads the trailer every week; LG Kids Team- who set up their environment and love on kids; Cafe/Usher/Hospitality Teams - for being the front lines; Worship Team - these guys practice more than anyone I know and bring it every week!).

2. Real People - this church is full of people who don't care to be fake. Everyone has a story and their story reflects the realization that at some point they were in need of Jesus. They are unashamed about the love they have for Jesus but they don't try to cover it up by being unreal.

1. JESUS IS CENTER - In everything that LifeGate does, Jesus is the focus. Jesus is the foundation of every outreach, every small group, every fun event, and so on. If you come to a weekend experience you are going to hear about how much Jesus loves you and desires a relationship with you. Its not about fluff, its about pointing people to Jesus.

I am so honored to be a part of this amazing church!

I'm Back

Okay, so I have done some updating to the look of the blog. It is not exactly what I want, but it will do for now. The plan is to be back and regular in my bogging. I have a lot of thoughts rolling around and so here you go.

Be back on Monday for the first blog post in the new look.

Coming Soon

I have taken way too long since my last blog. We've had weddings, vacations, and just a bunch of other stuff.

It is going to be a little bit longer until I actually put something of content up here, but just to give the heads up...I am working on a new site design and a new location for my hyperactive and random thoughts.

Stay tuned!

ARC ALL ACESS TWENTY TEN

I was planning to blog often last week during my time at the Association of Related Churches (ARC) All Access conference. We traveled to Baton Rouge, LA, which was my first time in the state, to Healing Place Church led by Pastor Dino Rizzo.

What an awesome time hearing from some passionate men in ministry, worshipping with Hillsong United, and connecting with some great church planters. I wanted to touch on a few key things that I was reminded of and learned while there:

• There is going to be pain in church planting and in ministry - the key is to embrace the pain and thank God for the opportunity to go through something so small compared to the pain He endured for us.
• Being a leader is vital to ministry - leaders never cross the finish line first, because they are always bringing people with them.
• Don't be afraid to cry out to God - desperate people do desperate things, therefor never lose desperation when trusting God.
• To measure your church start with these 4 questions: Is your church humiliating? -does your service embarrass the unchurched or is it too embarrassing to bring friends to?; Is your church schizophrenic?; Is your church in denial about who they are?; Is your church delusional? - DO NOT FORGET about the hurting people around us, be the hospital, not a country club.
• We ought to be a magnet, not just drawing people in but also drawing God down.
• There is no big churches, only a BIG GOD using small churches in a really BIG WAY - stay small KEEP HIM BIG!

These are just a few small thoughts from my time in Louisiana. I would highly recommend if you are a church planter, a pastor, or anyone in ministry be sure to check out All Access Twenty Eleven next year.

So, whether you went to the conference or not what are your thoughts?

Life UnPlugged

What would your life look like if the Holy Spirit truly flowed through you and out of you like a river?

Jesus said in John 7:37-38 - “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” Verse 39 explains that this living water is in fact the Holy Spirit.

So, if you were consumed by the Holy Spirit, what would life be like? I think many times Christians tend to minimize the Holy Spirit. Particularly, many of us think that the Holy Spirit is an inactive part of God that only shows His face when its convenient for us or when we feel guilty about something. However, time and time the Bible teaches us that the Holy Spirit is living and active dwelling in God's New Temple, our hearts.

I think if many of us would begin to come and drink, as Jesus says, that we will begin to experience the rushing rivers of living water, the Holy Spirit. When allowing this rushing river to unleash we cannot help but see our life changed. The way you look at things becomes different, the things you say sounds different, and ultimately your purpose changes. By allowing this river of living water to rush through you others will be changed.

So, do you want to make a difference in your life? In someone else's life? In your church? Allow the Holy Spirit to consume you and take control of everything! That is life unplugged and to the fullest!

How to Have a Great Staff Meeting

I love the staff at LifeGate Church!! I could not ever imagine being a part of a better group of people when it comes to planting a life-giving, spirit-empowered church! Besides Sunday, one of the highlights of my week is Monday's, particularly our staff meetings. I always leave those meetings encouraged, challenged, and pumped up about taking things to the Next Level! There have been times at churches I've been a part of where I dreaded the staff meetings because it was more like a "you suck" session, but not at LifeGate. So why is that we have a great staff meeting and how can you have them for your staff?

1. Know that what you do is making an eternal difference. Therefore, priorities become about how to move people to the next level in their walk with Jesus.

2. PRAY TOGETHER - I would say that 1/3rd of our staff meeting is us praying for the people of our church and their friends and families, praying for one another and our families, and praying for God to move and use us!

3. Have fun - a team that laugh's together stays together. If you aren't having fun with one another, things become boring and you will end up hating working with the your team.

4. Always evaluate WINS/LOSSES - not only from a Sunday and your ministry area but in personal lives as well.

5. Know that a staff meeting is meant to make each of you better at what you do and to make that ministry you are a part of better - staff meetings should never be about bashing people, but how to evaluate things that can be done better, things that are going great, and set up a game plan for what's next.

6. Have staff meetings at times when most people think and operate the best - our staff meeting is at 8pm. Partly because of how our scheduling works, but mostly because several of us operate and think best later in the day. I know for me as a hyperactive individual, my brain tends to be thinking at its best during the 8-11pm time slot.

Following these six basic steps will allow you and your staff to really be united, as well as make staffing meetings a fun part of the week.

Loving What You Do

How many times have you heard this: "Man, I hate my job!" or "I hate what I'm doing."

This is all too common, and to be honest with you it is very common in the church amongst ministry staff members. I have definitely gone through it and am embarrassed.

However, right now... God is using me in a new role that I never thought I'd be in and is using it to prepare me for some great things in the future. But in this role I am getting the opportunity to truly love what I do! I am working hand in hand alongside some amazing people and I'm getting to lead others.

So what is your situation right now? Do you love what you are doing? If so great! If not here are three things to do/ask yourself in order to begin loving what you do?

1. Is Jesus in the center of what I am doing? If not, it is important to get things straight and put him back in whatever it is you are doing!

2. Is my attitude a reflection of who I am? You choose your attitude and attitudes are contagious. By choosing a positive and encouraging attitude, you have the ability to make the most of anything.

3. What can I do to improve my situation? Many times we play the blame game and forget to reflect on our own personal impact!

If you don't love what you do, its up to you to change the situation!!

Where Has This Year Gone? - Happy Birthday!!!

Exactly one year ago today our lives changed forever. God blessed us with the birth of our son, Micaiah Jacob Brown!! Over the past year we've seen this baby begin to grow into a mini man and quick. He rolled over at 3 weeks, he had his first two teeth at 4 months, began rolling back to front at 5 months, crawled at 7 months, and began walking at 11 months. This has been a big year for him!

But for me this has been one of the best year's. Not only have I seen our little boy grow really fast, but I've watched my wife become one of the greatest Mom's ever. She amazes me!!

Anyway, Happy Birthday Micaiah Jacob Brown!

Up the Creek, Without A Shovel??

Here I am writing my first blog post of 2010 and of all things its about the weather.

I've been trying purchase a snow shovel for the last three days because I've been hearing that the snow will be coming soon. Well, it came sooner than later. I woke up this morning and the snow has yet to stop, and yet I still have no snow shovel. What's a man to do, except to enjoy the beautifulness of it. As I sit with my son and enjoy this beautiful white stuff Isaiah 55:10-12 comes to mind:

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

On another note, I've started a 90 day challenge with reading the entire Bible. It's going really well so far and you can take part of your own Bible Reading Plan, like my 90 day plan with youversion.com.

I'll post some pics later of the snow!!