I love what is happening at FCC... Today 9 people made decisions to make FCC thier church home. Lots of new people, great energy, and a real desire to influence others. We have had a bunch of new members this year along with many baptisms along the way. It's not about how many, but I am energized by the numbers of people who are finding a Biblically relevant church family that they can be a part of.
Tomorrow Bobby Reed officially starts as the Stone Canyon Campus Pastor. So excited to get started on this. Would you consider being part of the launch team? What does it take? Well, I think it starts with a "calling" from God to do something different, bold, and faith-filled. It takes a spirit of pioneering. It also takes a "can-do" spirit. You need to be the kind of person who can look at a situation and not be overwhelmed by the problem, ( remember God is greater), but instead be energized by solutions. You probably need to be more interested in reaching people with the Gospel than with maintaining the status quo. You need to be comfortable with the uncomfortable.
Is that you? Then Stone Canyon may be for you . Email Bobby ( breed@fccowasso.com) and find out some more about the opportunity.
Charlie
9
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
ON YOUR MARK
There are only 7 Sundays until Easter. What will we talk about this year at Easter? It is always a challenge to preach Easter services because messages need to be shorter (to accomodate 3 back to back to back services) AND to preach the gospel to people who have not been in church for a year along with people who are there every week. There is such a wide spectrum of people in Easter services.
The Easter theme for this year is "ON YOUR MARK..." What is that all about? Well, Easter services focus on the ressurection of Jesus Christ. This year we are talking about our influence in our community and across the world. So the idea here is that we will call all people, no matter where they are to get to the starting line and MOVE.... If a person is not a Christian, we are going to call them to get ON YOUR MARK and make a move toward the ONE who saved their soul. If a person is a Christian, but not engaged in ministry in any way, we are going to call them to do more than just cross the starting line...but to get going...go deeper, invest in a ministry for God and make a different. If a person is a committed believer, we are going to call them to step into something that maybe challenges their comfort a little bit. Take a bold step of faith and do something RADICAL for Christ. Maybe it is a missions trip. Maybe it is just talking to a friend about Christ. Maybe it is loving someone you find totally unloveable. Maybe it is starting a ministry that God has put on their heart.
Any way you slice it, this EASTER will be for everyone who enters the doors of the church building.
So this is where you come in... INVITE PEOPLE TO COME ON APRIL 4th. We should fill our auditorium up 3 times on that day. ( 8:00 9:30 and 11:00 AM) I can promise you that they will hear a message about the ressurected Christ that will motivate them, no matter where they are in thier spiritual lives. The Worship, drama, choirs and message will all drive home the point...NOW is the time to be ON OUR MARK and be ready to move ....
The Easter theme for this year is "ON YOUR MARK..." What is that all about? Well, Easter services focus on the ressurection of Jesus Christ. This year we are talking about our influence in our community and across the world. So the idea here is that we will call all people, no matter where they are to get to the starting line and MOVE.... If a person is not a Christian, we are going to call them to get ON YOUR MARK and make a move toward the ONE who saved their soul. If a person is a Christian, but not engaged in ministry in any way, we are going to call them to do more than just cross the starting line...but to get going...go deeper, invest in a ministry for God and make a different. If a person is a committed believer, we are going to call them to step into something that maybe challenges their comfort a little bit. Take a bold step of faith and do something RADICAL for Christ. Maybe it is a missions trip. Maybe it is just talking to a friend about Christ. Maybe it is loving someone you find totally unloveable. Maybe it is starting a ministry that God has put on their heart.
Any way you slice it, this EASTER will be for everyone who enters the doors of the church building.
So this is where you come in... INVITE PEOPLE TO COME ON APRIL 4th. We should fill our auditorium up 3 times on that day. ( 8:00 9:30 and 11:00 AM) I can promise you that they will hear a message about the ressurected Christ that will motivate them, no matter where they are in thier spiritual lives. The Worship, drama, choirs and message will all drive home the point...NOW is the time to be ON OUR MARK and be ready to move ....
Friday, February 19, 2010
"LET'S TRY SOMETHING"
One of the things I am going to write more about in this blog are some of the WINS we have at FCC. We need to get the word out. Expect more about the cool things God is doing.
Several months ago Tim came to us and said he wanted to host a Arts Conference put on by Willow Creek Community Church. Last year, one of our themes in the staff was that "we were going to try some things." So we said, "Go for it."
Today was the conference, which was brought by Satelitte. There were worship teams from at least 5 different churches present...about 60 people total.
There is alot to like about this. One , FCC Worship team members got to "fill" up their souls. These people give alot...so it was great for them to sit back and take in. Two, we got to serve some other churches who could not bring a conference like this to their church. One of our values is that we are kingdom church.... part of something bigger than ourselves. So it was a good reminder of that today. Three, We tried something and it was a success!
Not everything we try succeeds. When it doesn't, we try to learn from it. But it is nice when we "try something" and it works.
Good job Tim Tibbles, and all of your superior worship team... That was a WIN...
Several months ago Tim came to us and said he wanted to host a Arts Conference put on by Willow Creek Community Church. Last year, one of our themes in the staff was that "we were going to try some things." So we said, "Go for it."
Today was the conference, which was brought by Satelitte. There were worship teams from at least 5 different churches present...about 60 people total.
There is alot to like about this. One , FCC Worship team members got to "fill" up their souls. These people give alot...so it was great for them to sit back and take in. Two, we got to serve some other churches who could not bring a conference like this to their church. One of our values is that we are kingdom church.... part of something bigger than ourselves. So it was a good reminder of that today. Three, We tried something and it was a success!
Not everything we try succeeds. When it doesn't, we try to learn from it. But it is nice when we "try something" and it works.
Good job Tim Tibbles, and all of your superior worship team... That was a WIN...
Thursday, February 18, 2010
GENEROUS GIVERS
I love our church. You are so generous, especially to people in need. Some examples
Today, we gave out a bunch of groceries to people in need. It happens almost every day. Times are hard for a lot of people, so the need is great. We have a great team of people who collect, organize and give out the food. COMMUNITY CARE MINISTRY ROCKS!
A couple weeks ago we announced we would take up an offering for Haiti Relief. This was in January ( when people are paying off Christmas). This was the first month of our new budget year ( always a challenge).
You gave $13,340.00! Our Missions Team gave an additional $6,000. So this week we sent off $19,340.00 to IDES ... a relief ministry we support. FCC PEOPLE ROCK!
Generosity reflects a grateful heart. God has done so much for us... and we are expected to extend that grace to others... It is great to be part of a church that LIVES that out.
Today, we gave out a bunch of groceries to people in need. It happens almost every day. Times are hard for a lot of people, so the need is great. We have a great team of people who collect, organize and give out the food. COMMUNITY CARE MINISTRY ROCKS!
A couple weeks ago we announced we would take up an offering for Haiti Relief. This was in January ( when people are paying off Christmas). This was the first month of our new budget year ( always a challenge).
You gave $13,340.00! Our Missions Team gave an additional $6,000. So this week we sent off $19,340.00 to IDES ... a relief ministry we support. FCC PEOPLE ROCK!
Generosity reflects a grateful heart. God has done so much for us... and we are expected to extend that grace to others... It is great to be part of a church that LIVES that out.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
CHANGES
The new website for FCC OWASSO is now up and going. We hope that the website (www.fccowasso.com) will become the front door to our church. So many people use electronic media to find out about what we are doing and who we are!
With that in mind, soon I will be linking this blog to the website. I hope to use the blog to communicate more and more to the church and to those that are searching for a church about the things going on at FCC.
This means that I will post more than I have in the past. It also means that I will probably be more focused on church events, or items of interest to the church family. My hope is that it will spur interest in other sections of the website including children's, early childhood, youth, groups and worship.
I won't totally abandon some thoughts and reflections about my life or the life of my family. You probably will see an occassional photo of Gracie or any of our kids.
I am hopeful that you will check it often and use the blog as a way to connect to the work of God at FCC OWASSO.
With that in mind, soon I will be linking this blog to the website. I hope to use the blog to communicate more and more to the church and to those that are searching for a church about the things going on at FCC.
This means that I will post more than I have in the past. It also means that I will probably be more focused on church events, or items of interest to the church family. My hope is that it will spur interest in other sections of the website including children's, early childhood, youth, groups and worship.
I won't totally abandon some thoughts and reflections about my life or the life of my family. You probably will see an occassional photo of Gracie or any of our kids.
I am hopeful that you will check it often and use the blog as a way to connect to the work of God at FCC OWASSO.
Sunday, February 07, 2010
What a day!!!
What a day! We hosted Sean and Misty Algaier ( and their three lovely kids). He has a great testimony about INFLUENCE.
As I was interviewing him in second service, I thought to myself, "I feel like I have known this guy for 10 years." I watched him as he hung around and visited with people for nearly an hour after the service. Everyone was important to him. I like that.
It was a great experience for me personally to talk to him and share what God is doing in his life with the people of FCC.
There were other really special points for me this morning. Just to list a few...
* Following the service a man in our church came up to me and gave me the biggest hug. He just said, "thank you...I needed that so much." It was so heartfelt. Later I thought, "Well I really did not do that much..." but I think he needed to hug someone... and I am sure that if he could have, He would have just hugged God. God is working in his life.
* One guy that has been out of work for 11 months got a job offer Friday. He , his wife and daughter came and found me and told me. I was so thrilled... been praying for them for a long time. Even better, he gets to stay in Owasso, office out of his home, and his pay is better than the job he had 11 months ago. Is that not just like God ?!
* Another guy, who is 30 years old came and found me this morning. He had a stroke 4 weeks ago, which was a huge curveball for him and his family. When I heard that he had a stroke, I went to the hosptial to encourage him, pray with him and share some of the experiences I have had over the past 4 or so years. It was so good to see him. He had headed back to work part time and is on the mend. I was so blessed to see him... He is on a journey of recovery and health.
* Greg came up to me. You have to know Greg... most people don't, but he is the brother of one our members... who finds me almost every Sunday. He always has a good word about my sermon , hugs me, and asks me, "Are you encouraged today brother?" I always say to him, "Greg, how could I not be encouraged by you?" Greg came up today and told me, "Hey, we are moving to Houston this week." I had heard about it through his brother, but when he told me, I have to say I almost cried. I am going to miss Greg alot. He's just real... and a postive influence in my life. We agreed that if he is back in Owasso, he would find me. It wouldn't be any other way... he's been doing it for the last 18 months or so...almost every Sunday.
* Speaking of someone "leaving...." Rod and Amanda Pennington are headed to Thailand this week. It's a 4 year term. We prayed for them... and will continue to do so. Great people who love God so much.
* Decisions, Decisions, Decisions... Yup, five families made decisions for Christ today. 4 young people were baptized. 4 families joined the church... And a young man named Ethan came forward to ask for prayer because he is on a journey of major influence in his life. I loved that.
Good stuff...Great day
As I was interviewing him in second service, I thought to myself, "I feel like I have known this guy for 10 years." I watched him as he hung around and visited with people for nearly an hour after the service. Everyone was important to him. I like that.
It was a great experience for me personally to talk to him and share what God is doing in his life with the people of FCC.
There were other really special points for me this morning. Just to list a few...
* Following the service a man in our church came up to me and gave me the biggest hug. He just said, "thank you...I needed that so much." It was so heartfelt. Later I thought, "Well I really did not do that much..." but I think he needed to hug someone... and I am sure that if he could have, He would have just hugged God. God is working in his life.
* One guy that has been out of work for 11 months got a job offer Friday. He , his wife and daughter came and found me and told me. I was so thrilled... been praying for them for a long time. Even better, he gets to stay in Owasso, office out of his home, and his pay is better than the job he had 11 months ago. Is that not just like God ?!
* Another guy, who is 30 years old came and found me this morning. He had a stroke 4 weeks ago, which was a huge curveball for him and his family. When I heard that he had a stroke, I went to the hosptial to encourage him, pray with him and share some of the experiences I have had over the past 4 or so years. It was so good to see him. He had headed back to work part time and is on the mend. I was so blessed to see him... He is on a journey of recovery and health.
* Greg came up to me. You have to know Greg... most people don't, but he is the brother of one our members... who finds me almost every Sunday. He always has a good word about my sermon , hugs me, and asks me, "Are you encouraged today brother?" I always say to him, "Greg, how could I not be encouraged by you?" Greg came up today and told me, "Hey, we are moving to Houston this week." I had heard about it through his brother, but when he told me, I have to say I almost cried. I am going to miss Greg alot. He's just real... and a postive influence in my life. We agreed that if he is back in Owasso, he would find me. It wouldn't be any other way... he's been doing it for the last 18 months or so...almost every Sunday.
* Speaking of someone "leaving...." Rod and Amanda Pennington are headed to Thailand this week. It's a 4 year term. We prayed for them... and will continue to do so. Great people who love God so much.
* Decisions, Decisions, Decisions... Yup, five families made decisions for Christ today. 4 young people were baptized. 4 families joined the church... And a young man named Ethan came forward to ask for prayer because he is on a journey of major influence in his life. I loved that.
Good stuff...Great day
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Fearlessly proclaim....
This week, Matt, Mike and I have been at Savannah Christian Church at what is called "Next Level" conference. This church is a "prevailing" church of 6000. They have 4 campuses, and most of the growth has come in the last 10-12 years.
It is good leadership training by guys who have been through the stages of growth that we are going through and beyond. The conference itself is small enough that you can talk to the guys and pick their brains about leadership and church growth. Tonight we ate dinner with an old friend from Broken Arrow who is one of their regional campus pastors here in Savannah. It was fun to catch up, but also to pick his brain about having different campuses and the implications of such leadership decisions.
One of the best things about these kinds of opportunities is that they are challenging, , but also affirming. We hear how people are doing things and the challenges they faced to get where they are. And often we are encouraged because we are making good decisions and thinking through leadership decisions.
There are always things to learn. There are always mistakes to avoid. We make mistakes just like everyone else. But, these churches have a certain DNA that says, "We will not settle for status quo." There are lost people every where who need Jesus, and the Church of Jesus Christ can not sit back and say,"well I hope they find us." Instead, we are to be on the offense. We are to move in the world and take back ground from the enemy. Souls are at stake here...souls that Jesus died for.
I was reading tonight from Ephesians 6. I came across this prayer of Paul's which spoke to me.
" Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make known the msytery of the gospel.... Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." Eph 6:19, 20b
I wondered, "What if every Christian made that request of God and those they were closest to?" Would God grant the words? I believe he has already promised to do that. Would those words have an impact on people who don't know Jesus? I believe they would.
It is a simple thing... Pray for 5 other people to "fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel." Pray for 5 people who you know would sieze the opportunity to share a good word about Jesus with someone else. Then trust God for the results.
I am going to make a list of 5 people that I can pray for. I am asking you to do the same. And if I could be so bold as the Apostle Paul... "Would you pray for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make know the msytery of the gospel?"
Thanks,
Charlie
It is good leadership training by guys who have been through the stages of growth that we are going through and beyond. The conference itself is small enough that you can talk to the guys and pick their brains about leadership and church growth. Tonight we ate dinner with an old friend from Broken Arrow who is one of their regional campus pastors here in Savannah. It was fun to catch up, but also to pick his brain about having different campuses and the implications of such leadership decisions.
One of the best things about these kinds of opportunities is that they are challenging, , but also affirming. We hear how people are doing things and the challenges they faced to get where they are. And often we are encouraged because we are making good decisions and thinking through leadership decisions.
There are always things to learn. There are always mistakes to avoid. We make mistakes just like everyone else. But, these churches have a certain DNA that says, "We will not settle for status quo." There are lost people every where who need Jesus, and the Church of Jesus Christ can not sit back and say,"well I hope they find us." Instead, we are to be on the offense. We are to move in the world and take back ground from the enemy. Souls are at stake here...souls that Jesus died for.
I was reading tonight from Ephesians 6. I came across this prayer of Paul's which spoke to me.
" Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make known the msytery of the gospel.... Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." Eph 6:19, 20b
I wondered, "What if every Christian made that request of God and those they were closest to?" Would God grant the words? I believe he has already promised to do that. Would those words have an impact on people who don't know Jesus? I believe they would.
It is a simple thing... Pray for 5 other people to "fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel." Pray for 5 people who you know would sieze the opportunity to share a good word about Jesus with someone else. Then trust God for the results.
I am going to make a list of 5 people that I can pray for. I am asking you to do the same. And if I could be so bold as the Apostle Paul... "Would you pray for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make know the msytery of the gospel?"
Thanks,
Charlie
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