In preparation for analyzing our spiritual life survey I’ve been reading a book called Follow Me by the authors of the survey. (By the way, thank you to the 574 folks who took it. We just got the results and are starting to analyze it and I’ll share some key points throughout the summer.) In one section they mentioned that our souls are like water and we flow toward something. Water always fills in the low spots and it is always on the move (in motion through evaporation or going somewhere).
We are always on a search for something. We crave things. We hunger. Our soul is always trying to flow toward something. Here’s the kicker. Whether we know it or know, our souls always want to flow toward God. Even when we don’t know what it is we are looking for, we are on a search for God. We long to be reconnected with God.
The problem is that we often randomly go after things that we think will satisfy but many of us have stories of the futile cravings, hungers and chases. We allowed our souls to flow toward something or someone that didn’t deliver as promised.
“Evangelism” has gotten a bad name in recent years and for some good reasons. I grew up being taught that evangelism was “soul winning” and trying to persuade people to do something against their will. The church became known as an “in your face” group that was trying to force something down folks’ throats. We came across as very judgmental and superior. Yuk!
But I see “evangelism” in a much different way today. Evangelism literally means “good news” in the Greek language. We have good news. We have found the place the soul longs for. We don’t sit in judgment on others; rather we know where the real hunger, craving and chase are satisfied. That’s Jesus. We simply point people to Jesus who offered the most amazing invitation – “Follow me!”
My whole adult life has been about the joys and challenges of following Jesus. He is worth following. He is bread that satisfies and water that quenches. What we are about – this group called Pantano Christian Church – is to point folks to Jesus. He’s the one who satisfies the soul and to whom our souls naturally flow – that is unless we have convinced ourselves otherwise or the church or the world has made him look bad. All I really want to do in this life is help others to follow Jesus because I know deep in my soul that Jesus will never disappoint. We’ll be disappointed with religion, money, relationships and just about everything you can think of. But our souls still flow toward Jesus.
Together to make a difference;
Glen
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I’ve had some great discussions lately about the how’s and why’s of our weekend teaching. Some have wondered why we don’t do book by book, chapter by chapter and verse by verse teaching in the weekend services. This is sometimes called “expository” preaching. I’ve realized I have never taken the time to explain why we do what we do.
Here’s what we do. For about 6 months I pray and read and seek God’s direction for our upcoming teaching series in the next 6 months. I’m intentionally asking God what his church needs. I share my ideas with the teaching team and we develop the series together. I like to use both studies from books (Jonah and Proverbs are coming soon!) and topical studies.
We usually try to focus on a few key texts or a key biblical story. Why? Expository teaching (verse by verse) brings breadth. You cover lots with this method! But what I’ve found is that we don’t remember lots of detail. It can be information overload. I believe Jesus was more concerned about depth. Over and over Jesus warns us it is not what we know, but it is what we do. Jesus wants us to obey the word, not just know it. So we focus on a key idea from a few key verses with the focus on obedience. We call that “So What?” When we hear God’s Word we ask; “So what do I need to do?”
I describe our teaching as biblical. Why? The foundation of all our messages is the scripture. But part of being biblical, like I said, is not just knowing the Bible but doing the Bible. That is biblical too. Application based on relevant messages from the Word – that’s our goal in teaching.
But don’t we need to know all of God’s Word? You bet. But realize this. We couldn’t get through every book, every chapter and every verse in 25 minutes 52 weeks a year in 50 years. We need to read and study on our own beyond the weekend message. We have developed a tool to help you read and reflect on a book of the Bible a month. Click here for the Book of the Month guide.
We offer 222 on Wednesday nights at 7pm (Coop Court). The current study is on Ephesians. There is teaching for about a half an hour and then there is discussion around tables. Click here to check out 222. And there are other life groups meet to study the Bible you can join or start one.
Our intent is that our messages are biblically driven, relevant and applicable to life with grace (not guilt) as the motivator. The bottom line is that we try to give one key or big idea to focus on during the weekend. But 25 minutes a week is not enough to spiritually thrive on. Don’t just count on the weekend message to spiritually feed you. You have to go beyond that and we offer LOTS of additional opportunities to get the breadth of God’s Word. Breadth is great, just don’t miss the depth. Just do it! (Pardon to Nike)
Glen
Maybe you’ve noticed that we have had Tim Coop teaching a bit more lately. I want to hear from him as much as possible before they move on July 6th. As you know we’ll honor Tim and Sandy for their 17 years of amazing service here at Pantano Christian Church at the weekend services of July 4th and 5th. Remember, you can leave a note for Tim and Sandy that will be made into a book by our scrap book life group – Click here.
As I write this I’m experiencing tears well up in my eyes. I will miss Tim. There is no one in my life, except my wife, who is has been more supportive and encouraging of me. Tim has been my biggest cheer leader. And since the transition, there has been no one who understands what I face leading our church. I will miss the regular connection with my faithful friend. Tim has been a friend, a mentor, a GREAT boss and above all – a wonderful model of Christlikeness.
I was reading the two letters the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy recently. As I read Paul’s personal letters to his friend Timothy, I saw the amazing connection to our Tim. I’m sure that Tim’s parents named him after the biblical Timothy (just like Tim’s brother is named Titus!).
Paul urged Timothy to “fight the good fight holding on to faith and a good conscience” (1 Tim. 1:18 & 6:12). Tim has fought the good fight of faith. He has led well in the churches he served in Kentucky, California and here in Tucson.
Paul reminds Timothy to not “neglect your gift” (1 Tim. 5:14). Tim Coop has been faithful in serving us through God’s power. Tim exudes grace upon grace and wisdom upon wisdom. His love is so real and genuine. He not only loves people, but he loves the Word and has faithfully and accurately taught us to know and love God through his Word.
Tim has been teaching in 222. 222 stands for 2 Timothy 2:2 – “the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” That is Tim! Tim has always been a leader who did not seek and hoard power unto himself. He has empowered many of us to grow and serve. He’s risked his own reputation as he allowed those of us younger to serve and learn – the hard way sometimes.
I came to Pantano Christian Church from the mission field because of Tim Coop. He invited me to join the PCC staff. I didn’t know much about our church 11 years ago, but I trusted Tim and I knew I could follow him. Tim’s character of grace and integrity is unmatched. He is a leader I can follow anywhere.
We prayerfully wish the best for Tim and Sandy in this new chapter of their lives. And as Paul ended his two letters to Timothy so this is our wish for them: “Grace be with you.”
Glen
I am so excited that Pantano Christian Church has been selected as one of the satellite host sites the 2009 Leadership Summit. I want to encourage you to clear your schedule to participate with us on August 6th & 7th (Thurs. and Fri.).
I’ve attended this amazing leadership conference the last 4 years. I’ve taken our staff and elders the last 3 years. It is an understatement to say this is one of the very best leadership conferences you can attend.
Here’s the cool deal: because we are the host church, you can register at an amazing discount. The cheapest rate (except for students and those in the military) is $145 and it goes up to $265 at the door. OUR RATE IS $75 for the first 200 registrants. That is a huge bargain. All you have to do is go to the Leadership Summit site on our PCC front web page or click here. Use the password TLS2009 and register today!
Every year, the Summit hosts some of the most exciting leaders from the church, from business and from the social sector. This year the line up includes some very powerful leaders like Patrick Lencioni (one of the most helpful coaches for leaders), Bono who will talk about the churches role in making a difference in poverty and AIDS in Africa, Carly Fiorina (former CEO of Hewlett-Packard) and Tim Keller who’s written one of the most enlightening books on the prodigal son. Besides outstanding pastors, there will be folks like David Gergen (political analyst for CNN) and Tony Blair (former Prime Minister of England). Click here for a full list and description of the speakers.
It is a very motivating, very insightful and a fast moving conference. Anyone in any kind of leadership in church, business or the social services will be blessed and encouraged. The theme this year is “Lead Where You Are.” We all lead in some capacity. God needs us to lead well wherever he has us.
Please, don’t miss this. I’m not saying that because I want good attendance figure. I really believe in this Summit. For the last two years over 100,000 folks from over 150 countries attended and benefited from this high quality event.
Our passion is to join Jesus and make the world different. When we as leaders are changed, we change our church, we change our community and we are on the way to changing the world. All of us need to continue to grow, be stretched and encouraged as we seek to make a difference. We never stop learning for once we do, we start dying.
Glen
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