Showing posts with label Marriage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marriage. Show all posts

4.20.2009

Who's It For?

Craig Groeschel pastors Lifechurch.tv, based in Oklahoma with campuses over all the country. He's one of the rare people who gets it--spiritually, theologically, relationally, in leadership, in church. That's one of the reasons that God has done the amazing God-things that He's doing through Lifechurch.

His post on his blog today asks a few probing, revealing questions that every church should address. But, it also crystallized something very important for me about the sermon series Soulmate that we started yesterday and continue for the next four weeks, as well as our church as a whole.

This series is as much for those who aren't yet married as it is for those of us who are. If we can equip and empower young men and women to recognize the responsibility of marriage as well as partake in the privilege, then they have an exponentially increased chance of realizing God's design and desire for their homes.

That principle applies to LHC as a whole. If we build a church only for those of us who are here right now, or for those of us who are 35-50 years old, then there is NO WAY IN THE WORLD our kids will want to be a part of that and experience the blessings and community and accountability that Jesus calls his church to provide.

I'm so grateful and proud to be a part of a community that exists not only for the growth and encouragement of those already in it, but committed to doing what it takes to extend the love, and joy, and hope that ONLY Christ can offer.

4.17.2009

Sometimes It's Just Fun

There's joy and then there's fun. Joy transcends circumstances, but fun is circumstantial.

I am so excited about the season of ministry that we get to walk through for the next 8 months. This weekend, we're beginning a sermon series about marriage called Soulmate. that God is going to use in thousands of lives, hundreds of homes, and multiple communities. I know that marriages will be strengthened and encouraged, as well as helped and healed. I know that single adults and students will engage in this series and set course for healthy, God-honoring dating lives that will ultimately result in healthy, God-honoring marriages for many of them.

And, then, after Soulmate, we're going to speak into the lives of men. May 24, I'm going to begin a series of messages called Manhunt that explores the God-given role of men in this world, in the church, and in their families (or families-to-be). I know that week is Memorial Day weekend and summer's coming. But, God is leading me and prompting me to serve this series NOW and not wait for back-to-school, January, or some strategic time. NOW is the strategic time.

Summer means kids at LHC. VBS, student ministry camps/events, Kids Camp--all these things impact kids at the most strategic times of their lives. And, Oct. 1-2 we'll host the second annual Spur Leadership Conference. We're finalizing the lineup of speakers, but the ones we have in the bag so far are WORLD CLASS influencers and difference-makers.

And, then...well, you get the general gist of why what we get to do every day is a joy. But, these days, it's just fun.

7.18.2008

Go to Church at LHC

This weekend, you need to be at LHC. IF you're in Austin, you will love what God is going to do this weekend.

As we wrap up the series TXT MSG, Alex Alexander is going to tackle one of the most-asked questions that was submitted for consideration: What about divorce?

As someone with first-hand experience (through my parents' divorce), I know how critical it is that we form a godly perspective on this subject. Unfortunately, as a pastor, I have also had way too much second-hand experience and exposure to this subject and the pain, confusion, anger, and uncertainty that always accompanies it.

AND, there is hope. In Christ. In the community of faith that is the church. There is always hope. Whether you have been through divorce, are going through it, or you're blissed-out married, with marriage's 50% mortality rate this subject is one that touches all of us.


Also, next weekend, I'm back in the saddle and starting a new message series that is for EVERYONE who considers LHC their church home. ALL ACCESS is going to be a milestone moment in the life of LHC. I'm asking everyone to make it a priority as we wrap up the summer and get ready for the greatest season ever in the life of our church coming this year.