10 Year Birthday

This is an article I wrote for Fosters:

Block parties can be loud, rambunctious, and often times test the patience of neighbors. But with one particular block party, a church was born.  

On Saturday, July 25^, 2003, a block party broke out at 124 Milton Road in Rochester.  There was loud music, good food, bouncy houses, and a bunch of people from Granite United Church in Salem, NH announcing the birth of a new church in Rochester, a church with a unique name and (soon to be) unique reputation. The church’s name? The Journey.

Two months later, Pastor Rob Willis and his family took over the leadership of this baby church with only a dozen people, a small building, a dream to grow…but absolutely no guarantees.  “About two weeks after we arrived, the initial excitement wore off, and I felt completely overwhelmed by the challenge to grow this thing and survive. But I made a promise to God: ‘God, if I fail, no one will be able to say I didn’t try. I will use every last square inch of our building to point people to You and grow this church.’”

And despite numerous challenges, The Journey has spent its first ten years doing just that.  The lives that have been impacted through God’s power and Bible teaching have been incredible. At The Journey, hearts are changed, marriages are saved, addictions are broken, teens are giving their lives to God – and much more.  One church member wrote just this week to Pastor Rob: “The people of this church have shown me what Godly people look like. To be honest, if it was not for some people of the Journey, I may have driven my car off a bridge or into a tree. I can truthfully say that this church saved my life.”

In ten years, The Journey has also become a community leader in service, with a goal to “show God’s love in practical ways.” So The Journey has actively looked for practical ways to do this in Rochester.  They have remodeled the Strafford County Homeless Shelter; been regularly involved in the Relay for Life; sponsored blood drives, a health fair, and worked to help homeless teens; financially given to organizations including We Care Packers, Rochester Veterans Council, Gerry’s Food Pantry, and Toys for Tots; given large amounts of food and assistance to needy families; and become the driving force for Rochester’s annual Night Before the 4^th since 2009; and much more. “I believe we’re just only getting started,” says Pastor Rob.

The Journey’s impact on Rochester began with a block party in 2003, and ten years later, they are still partying and still making noise.  This Sunday, July 28, 2013, The Journey Church is celebrating its 10^th Birthday with a special unified service at the American Legion on 94 Eastern Avenue in Rochester.  The event will be a celebration with special music, guests, video, and memorabilia from our first 10 years.

While church growth trends in America continue to decline, The Journey Church continues to grow. They recently purchased a second location in Barrington (opening in the fall), and have plans to become a “multi-site” church, using technology and several teams to become “one church in multiple locations.”  As Pastor Rob says, “We are excited to expand and bring the Good News of God’s love to more and more communities. In our minds, the party is just getting started.”

Turbulence and testing...

The looks on the outside don't often match the feeling on the inside - have you ever had periods like that? It seems as of late that I have. It's not that I'm unhappy, or that I'm discontent - I'm struggling with some inner turbulence.

It's been a whirlwind year for me and my family. We've relocated church buildings, launched major ministry endeavors (Easter, NB4), and even moved from the parsonage into our new home. All of this has been good, no doubt.

But there are some major trials that have gone on underneath the surface, that have placed major strains on me personally:
1) Moving the church had many challenges (purchases, deadlines, renovations, decorating, city issues) and then challenging the congregation to consistently tithe - the stress and strain personally was great, as I prayed that the church would respond, otherwise it would be a short move! Praise God that His people responded.
2) Moving from one home to another was a major strain - not the move itself, but the amount of time that it took for renovation. I didn't anticipate the amount of time I would have to spend, and how much it would knock me off rhythm in my life to do so. I am still recovering some from this, and have paid the price in ministry because of this.
3) With the influx of new people in church has also meant the outflow of others. Some of these have hurt me very deeply, for one of three reasons:
a) Some that left were friends - and no clear explanation was given. I'll never understand why this happens, nor will people ever realize the betrayal you feel when seemingly close people just leave - no note, no word (except for the lame excuses that they give to others they run into)...pain.
b) Some who left were mean - and said unkind things. Maybe true from their point of view, but not true when seen from a different viewpoint. And some, as they left, dragged others with them. Pain.
c) Some who left were needed - and they don't know it. Budgets are built, ministry plans are made, volunteers are counted - and then people leave. While there might be some legitimacy, the fact is that the mission that we are trying to accomplish is consistently deterred through lack of (fear of?) commitment. As an independent church, that is challenging. Pain.

All in all, I've been turbulent on the inside lately. New pressures have come on the scene, and I just sometimes worry and get a little overwhelmed at the challenges that we face.

Now, you might think that I need therapy - I thank God for the Christian men/leaders in my life who act as therapists and counselors. But sometimes it's just good to vent - for me, blogging is a wonderful outlet that I don't take enough time to do. But I'm not a pressure cooker internally, I'm just processing and letting those who might read this know how to better pray for me.

Voices...

Tuesday morning - ready to go and move and get the ministry week going. Staff meeting today, pastor's meeting tomorrow, small group Thursday - and sermon preparation in the middle of all that. As I think about those things that lie ahead (which are ALOT), there are voices that speak out to me:

• Voice of pressure - You need to do more. You aren't doing enough. You need to press your leaders, your congregation, and yourself to DO more than you're doing.
• Voice of doubt - You can't do it. You should do something that you are better at (whatever THAT might be). You haven't done it for 5 years now, what makes you think the next five will be different?
  
• Voice of criticism - You're still at THIS point?! What kind of leader ARE you, anyway? Other leaders would be SO much further along.
  
• Voice of derision - Nobody wants to follow you. That's why people leave. There are SO many better leaders out there.
  

Voices - telling me to get mad, get jealous, even quit and do something different. And yet...those voices aren't the loudest voices today (although they CAN get loud at times). Here is the VOICE that spoke to me this morning, out of Psalm 56...

3When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. 4In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh (man) do to me? 9Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me.

There are many voices that would mock me, judge me, wound me, discourage me, and try to tear me apart as a leader. But today - I choose to listen to the Voice of the GOD WHO IS FOR ME! The words of the song Voice of Truth continue to bless me -

But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me.
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed.
The giant keeps on telling me time and time again
"Boy you'll never win, you'll never win."

But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story!
The Voice of Truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me,
I WILL CHOOSE to listen and believe the Voice of Truth!

But the stone was just the right size to put the giant on the ground!
And the waves they don't seem so high from on top of them looking down!
I will soar with the wings of eagles when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me...

The Voice of Truth tells me a different story!
The Voice of Truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me,
I WILL CHOOSE to listen and believe the Voice of Truth!

Thanking God today for the Voice that speaks the loudest in my heart, and tuning into It more and more...

Early thoughts...

OK - I admit, it's early (actually, not really - it's 6:55am, but early enough for everyone to still be in bed) - and it's quiet (except for the sound of cars driving by and the clock on the wall at times ticking annoyingly loud) - but it's how I like it. As a matter of fact, I find that many of my blog thoughts are written when I am either really agitated or really calm - this happens to be the later...

As I look out to the southeastern sky this morning, it is pink and blue, like a newborn baby's bedroom colors - peaceful, calm, relaxing. And I have no idea what this day holds - which is exciting in some ways, but scary in others. I guess if I didn't have the Lord in my life, every day might be more scary than the last - I don't know.

But I am in the process of bringing my Sunday message together - it's been in my brain, but I haven't had the easiest time putting it down on paper...of course, as Elvis once sang, It's now or never... So my focus today will be bringing my thoughts into a coherent message about the peace that we can have through Jesus Christ - the peace that comes from the piece of hope we have (you really should listen to last week's message "A Glimmer of Hope" at http://www.thejourneynh.com/content/category/2/13/25/ to hear what I mean...and my kids are waking up).

But this whole idea of peace is fascinating to me - we don't live with enough peace in our lives. Oh, peace can come for a moment - like the "freeze-frame" moments where all seems right with the world, but generally speaking, we're all worried; we're all anxious - about kids, medical reports, high prices, being accepted by those we love, decisions we must make, our jobs, etc. - and life, if we are honest, is surprisingly absent of peace. Yet Jesus came to be the Prince of Peace. So I think I have a very large part of this peace process figured out, and it begins with hope that I spoke on last week. I am excited to flesh it out - frankly, I am excited to live it out....

So pink an blue are turning into gray and white - the day is dawning. Much love and peace to those who read. I am probably praying for you at some point...

A word from the Pastor about the blog...

Hey Church!

I have not posted on this site for a reason (and I apologize to those who look for updates). We are getting ready to launch our new website at www.thejourneynh.com (be looking for it - I will make an official announcement soon) and so our church blog will be on that site. I apologize for the lack of info being given on this site, and hope all will be back to normal soon.

-Pastor

A word on "Gentleness"

Over the past year or so, I have time and again spoken with men and women who insist that God has made them the way they are, and that if other people don’t like it, that’s too bad. They aren’t changing. I have heard this and seen this kind of attitude, and it breaks my heart as I remember the prayer for unity by Jesus Himself in John 17.

I seldom do this, but I want to share with you a study that I read this morning from a favorite devotional of mine. I would ask that everyone who attends the Journey regularly (and even if you don’t) take a moment and read this if you would – it will take a minute, but it is so good about the fruit of gentleness – an attribute I want to see in our church relationships with each other. Below is from Sparkling Gems from the Greek by Rick Renner, pp. 534-535.

You need “gentleness”! This is another supernatural attribute that Paul lists as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22, where he says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness…”

The word “gentleness” comes from the Greek word chrestotes, which meant “to show kindness” or “to be friendly to others” and often depicted “rulers, governors, or people who were kind, mild, and benevolent to their subjects.” Anyone who demonstrated this quality of chrestotes was considered to be “compassionate, considerate, sympathetic, humane, kind, or gentle.” The Apostle Paul uses this word to depict God’s “incomprehensible kindness” for people who are unsaved (see Romans 11:22; Ephesians 2:7; Titus 3:4).

One scholar has noted that when the word chrestotes is applied to inter-human relationships, it conveys the idea of being “adaptable to others.” Rather than harshly requiring everyone else to adapt to his own needs and desires, when chrestotes is working in a believer, he seeks to become adaptable to the needs of those around him.

Paul was so driven to compassion about reaching the lost that he told the Corinthian church:

· And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews…(I Corinthians 9:20)

· …to them that are under the law, as under the law that I might gain them (I Corinthians 9:20)

· To them that are without law, as without law…that I might gain them (I Corinthians 9:21)

· To the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak (I Corinthians 9:22)

· …I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some…(I Corinthians 9:20)

You see, Paul was so interested in reaching others and meeting their needs that he was willing to become whatever he needed in order to reach them. In fact, he was well-known for being adaptable to people and to their needs. Paul even wrote these words about himself: “Now I Paul myself beg you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ…” (2 Corinthians 10:1).

The word “gentleness” is the same word chrestotes that Paul now uses to describe himself. He made it one of the aims of his life to walk in chrestotes, or in “gentleness and kindness,” becoming “adaptable” to others around him so that he might minister to them and meet their needs.

This is so contrary to the flesh! Flesh says, “Excuse me, but if you don’t like me the way that I am, you can tough it out! This is the way I am, (the way God made me!), and if you don’t like it, you can just deal with it or get out of here. I’m not changing for anyone!”

But when the Holy Spirit is producing His fruit of gentleness in you, you’ll hear yourself thinking and saying, “How can I be different for you? Is there any way that I can change that will help you? Is there anything I can do better for you? How can I serve you and meet your need effectively?”

It is a supernatural work of God when we become adaptable to meet the needs of others around us. When we attain this fruit of the Spirit in our lives, we are making great progress in our walk with God. This is exactly what Jesus did for us when He laid aside His glory and took upon Himself the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men (see Philippians 2:7-8). When Jesus came to earth, He denied His own comfort and adapted to human flesh that He might reach us and bring us to God!

Do you find yourself thinking about how you can reach others, both inside and outside the church? Do you think of ways you can change to be a bigger blessing to people in your life? The flesh never thinks this way. It just like the flesh to demand that everyone else change…!

So if you are starting to consider how you can be more for those who are around you, it is a strong indication that the fruit of the Spirit called “gentleness” is starting to work in you. And if it hasn’t started to work in you, today would be a great day for you to ask the Holy Spirit to start producing this Christ-like attribute in your life!

A declaration: I declare that I am gentle, kind, and adaptable to those who are around me. As the Spirit of God works inside me, I become all things to all men in order that I might gain some for the kingdom of God, and help other believers grow in their walk with God. I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

May the Spirit of gentleness begin manifesting itself at The Journey. Unfortunately, too many people have felt judged, pressured, or belittled when with us, and it has been a device of the devil to pull us apart. But we recognize it, and we ask that the Spirit of God controls us more and more, both individually and corporately. May we operate according to the fruits of the Spirit, and may gentleness be an adjective that those outside the church use to describe us, from the nursery worker to the children’s teacher to the praise team musician to the senior pastor. God, we choose to clothe ourselves with gentleness, starting today!

Sunday June 10, 2007 - The Power of Everybody...to do a Great Work

Coming off of In the Zone, I began a 4 week series of messages called The Power of Everybody, a look at what God can do through a group of people who are committed to working together for His sake. This series is based on the book of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.

This first week we had a pile of rubble and a silver cup as our props, demonstrating the mess that Nehemiah and the people faced and the position he left to fix it. And it was a powerful word. I believe that God is calling The Journey to step forward into a better future - in several different areas. And as we will learn repeatedly in the coming weeks, "It's everybody time!"

Services were good today, specifically in the 2nd service where the altar call at the end had many leaving their rubble next to the pile of rubble at the altar. There was a release as we called out to God at the end of that service.

We introduced a new song For Your Glory that fits in with our mindset these days - the chorus goes: For Your glory, for Your kingdom, for Your Name Oh Lord, Here I am..." God, may the Journey be all about living for the glory of You and Your great Name!

Our attendance today was 147... :)