O how I wish we had Caribou Coffee in Orlando

Road trip

I guess I'm official now...

This past Sunday was pretty cool as I was licensed as a pastor by CrossPointe.  Though this doesn't necessarily change much functionally that I do, it did come with a good exhortation...Chan (the lead pastor) read from 1 Timothy before the elders laid hands on me and prayed.  I am posting the text below, as it is something I don't want to forget.

This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.

Command and teach these things.  Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.  Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.  Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.  Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
--1 Timothy 4:9-16

This is a weighty challenge.  I am thankful that I don't have to do it in my strength.  It was a reminder of my continual need for the Gospel. 

Harts September Newsletter

Dear Friends and Family,

It’s hard to believe it’s September already.  August was a definite whirlwind, but one that was very encouraging for us.  On a daily basis, we feel confirmed that God has us in the right place as we prepare to plant the church He has called us to plant.  Thanks for partnering with us in this great adventure.  You are investing in a new work that is seeking to extend the rule and reign of King Jesus in our city!  We are grateful for your generosity.

Well the planning has begun.  The apprenticeship is in full swing as the past few weeks have been spent praying and dreaming up what God would have us be about. 

Though it is still very much a work in progress, a vision is beginning
to solidify.  The mission is becoming clearer.  Core values are taking
root in our hearts.  Though much of the work has been conceptual thus
far, it has been challenging.  We have received some wise counsel
regarding the importance of this stage.  What is being written down,
discussed, edited, etc. will instill the “DNA” of the church plant.
Please pray for wisdom and that we would listen to God’s leading.  The
next few weeks will focus on defining the discipleship process and
church structure.  We want to architect this well and would appreciate
your prayers in this regard.

Additionally, we will be starting a neighborhood Bible study around the
first week of October.  Please pray that people in our neighborhood
would be receptive to participating and that the Gospel would take root
more deeply in all of our lives.  We are thankful that we have been
able to connect more intentionally over the past few weeks with many in
our neighborhood over a shared meal at our house. 

We hope to have a website up and going soon that can provide you with
additional information and more content regarding the specifics of the
vision and mission.  In the meantime, feel free to check out the family
blog at http://jamiehart.typepad.com  You can read what has been on
Jamie’s mind or just look at pictures of the kids (probably the more
interesting option). 

Hope all is well with you.  Please email or call if there’s anything
you’d like to discuss or ways we can help or pray for you.  Thanks
again for your sacrificial support!

May the Peace of Christ Be With You,

Jamie & Heather

Tim Keller Resources :: you got to check it out

Link: Reformissionary: Tim Keller Resources.

Great, great resource that I benefit from all the time.

Influencing Culture

At the end of this post you will find a link where you can download a very thought provoking article from Gabe Lyons of the Fermi Project.  It's long, but well worth the read.  You're welcome to just skip my thoughts and read the article, but for what it's worth...

I resonate with so much of the article.  The idea that the church should reclaim it's voice and influence in culture, rather than create a freakish sub-culture is beautiful.  I can't possibly over-emphasize how much I want this type of mindset to permeate the church plant.  I hope the church has an influence beyond simply people "getting saved"--as important as this is and needs to be emphasized.  As Christ followers we should be agents of change, working in a winsome and creative manner to allow the Kingdom of God to be more fully known and experienced.  I also love that the article makes it clear that "real ministry" is not exclusive to those who vocationally work for a church, etc.  If I had a different vocation, I would want desperately to participate in a Christian community that encourages me to influence the vocational sphere God has put me in...believing that it is not by chance, but rather strategic. 

Is this all leading to a big "but"???  Sort of.  For me, I just need to hold the idea of influencing influencers in check.  I need to make sure I don't just spend time with people with some cultural sway.  I also need to spend time with those who (from a human perspective) don't have much leverage.  People who may never be on the cutting edge.  People who are marginalized.  People who are overlooked.  People that Jesus seems to have spent time with. 

It'll be a tricky balance, but one I hope the church plant can work towards.  Being both strategic and intentional without losing love and compassion.  I think the most helpful thing is a fresh dose of reality, as I realize that I was not chosen by God because of my influence, etc.  There is nothing special about me, but yet God "stooped down to my level"--I guess it just comes back to living in light of the Gospel and not making this an either/or situation. 

Download influencing_culture.pdf

Football season over before it even began

Why am I not even surprised? So is the plight of the Michigan fan.

Terrible.