HOME group leaders are the “front line foot soldiers” in the mission of helping people find their way back to God.

The West Campus has been going strong for a little over two and half years now.  We have consistently seen people respond to the Gospel, follow Jesus in baptism and begin to live lives that “bear fruit” and show evidence of change. While we have seen growth in the number of folks coming on Sunday mornings (from 90 average to over 450), we have not seen a great growth in the number of HOME groups that I had hoped and expected to see.  After months of praying through my questions of “why” I’ve been reminded of some things and challenged to take some NEXT steps in my own life and HOME group.

We know that most people who connect in a HOME group do so after a personal invitation from someone already in a group.  Due to the nature of Sunday morning in a portable church environment (setting up, etc.) there is a lot going on that sometimes prevents us from looking up to see who is around that may not be in a group yet.  Also my group, which has consisted of the lead team folks that we launched with, has been a “closed group” and not one where people could be invited.  Within that group are some of the most experienced, passionate and invitation-minded HOME group people at the West Campus (and CCC for that matter).  Having been together for two and a half years, we have not modeled multiplication to our HOME group leaders.

That is going to change.

Knowing that following Jesus always involves a NEXT step to continue growing, my group is taking a NEXT step and multiplying.  We’re multiplying to model what we ask other groups to live out.  We’re multiplying to make room for more unchurched, unconnected people.  We’re multiplying to send out passionate people who bleed HOME group to further the vision.  We’re multiplying to be able to invite new people to join us in a “real” group and not one that was closed due to the “staff” stuff that often times needed to be discussed.

We’re multiplying because we believe that real life change and growth only happens in the context of community.  We LOVE life change!

Whether a group shuts it’s doors to people because the people “like it just the way it is” or because some group dynamic doesn’t allow for invitation, it is not a healthy group.  So we, as the leadership of the West Campus, will join with those who have already multiplied their groups and model what we’re asking every HOME group to do.  It is ALWAYS the goal of EVERY group to multiply.

In just a few weeks we will begin a church wide series called “Starting Point.”  It will be a series of 10 messages on Sunday mornings, followed up with HOME group studies to be shared and experienced by everyone at CCC during the week.  We are asking every HOME group to join with together for this series and study.  It is a great look at God’s story and our personal stories and how they connect.  God’s story from creation to eternity.  Why we believe what we believe.

It is an exciting time in the life of CCC as we prepare for this series and look ahead at all that God wants to do in us and through us here in Aiken and around the world!

God is bringing new people through the doors of CCC every week.  He is bringing new people to our HOME groups every week.  We need to be intentional about being ready.  Ready to serve them by setting up chairs, parking cars, greeting them, offering them a smile and a cup of coffee, checking their kids in safely, leading their kids in age appropriate worship and small group sharing, leading them in songs of praise to God and inviting them to do life with us.

Multiplication = More

Who’s ready?

I will update twitter & facebook as it is possible. Thanks for checking in here and stay tuned for the full report.

Grace & peace to you all!

We are basically killing time with coffee and social media until 5:00 am, when we can “officially” enter the terminal that our African flight leaves from.  We should be leaving around 7:30 am Wednesday, June 15 (that will be 11:30 pm previous day for EST).  The flight should take 3-4 hours until we land in East Africa.

Thanks to all who are praying and messaging.  The team is in good spirits and traveling well.  More to come later as I get wifi access.

Peace and Grace to you all.

This is a test to see if i can blog from the WordPress app on my ipod touch.

Peace!

Maybe it comes from my former life of law enforcement and investigation where my prime objective was to find a way to solve a crime.  Probable cause is something that has to be established before you can obtain an arrest warrant or a search warrant.  Looking for a way into a building or to orchestrate an arrest requires planning and “what if-ing” a situation until you legally find a way to make it happen as safely as possible for all involved.

In life and ministry I find it desirable to know and work with folks who are problem solvers. mission-focused, risk-taking, ‘charge hell with water pistols’ type of people.  To do that we MUST understand the difference between “No, because” and “Yes, if…”

My bride and I were recently at Walt Disney World with some good friends for the running of the Disney Princess ½ Marathon.  While there I picked up a book on creativity, compiled by The Disney Imagineers called “The Imagineering Workout.”  These are the folks that work on projects and ideas relating to all things Disney.  Roller coasters to live action shows.  One of the snippets in the book addressed this idea of “No, because..” and “Yes, if..” and was attributed to Harrison (Buzz) Price, a long-time Disney executive.

In his estimation Price characterized people who respond to a question or idea with “No, because..” as deal killers while those who respond with “Yes, because…” as deal makers.  ”Yes, if…” is, in the world of Disney, the language of an enabler.  One who helps make things happen.

As I’ve processed through that thought I have come to realize that we all can and do possess both qualities though, typically, we lean more to one side than the other.  If we are going to accomplish things that are hard, confusing and seemingly overwhelming we must train ourselves to become “Yes, if…” people.

“Yes, if…” is about VISION.

“Yes, if…” comes from an understanding of the MISSION.

“Yes, if…” is the mindset that will find a way.

Jesus gave us a mission.  To “go and make disciples.” As I think about what that means for me, our church, our community and the world, it feels overwhelming.  It feels impossible.  When I look at the numbers and understand that there are approximately 77,000 people in Aiken county alone that do not know Jesus or have a church home I am saddened and angered.  I am driven with a deep desire to see the “good news” of Jesus shared with those people (and all who have not heard, no matter where they are) by, as the Apostle Paul wrote, ALL means necessary.

So I am committing to always say, “Yes, if…” when I am faced with a problem.

When we understand that the Great Commission wasn’t simply a suggestion and that we have the Truth of God’s word and the power of His Holy Spirit enabling us then we will become a people willing and able to do what no one else is doing to reach those that no one else is reaching.

Where, in your life, are you saying “No, because…?”

Where do you need to say, “Yes, if…?”

Eighteen years of law enforcement, keeping peace and solving problems.

It’s that experience that drives me to meet things head on.  When things are uncertain and conflict is at hand, my tendency is to rush in, give an answer, take control, solve the problem and close the case.  When that is done, then and only then, can I move on to the next issue or opportunity.  I, somewhat jokingly, say that I have no skills, unless you count being able to run into a room and shoot a man in the face.  Then, I’m your man.

The problem with that molding and skill set is that it doesn’t always work, especially, in ministry.

For the past year, I have been listening to God and learning a lesson that is hard, but necessary, to learn and that, is this:  Don’t rescue someone from something that God wants them to walk through.  That’s tough…especially for a guy that has been trained his whole adult life to rescue people.  Sometimes, people don’t need to be rescued; they need to walk through something to learn the lesson.

My friend and brother in Christ, Nick Sarchet, says, “In every trial ask two things; Lord, what are you trying to teach me about you? And, what are you trying to teach me about me?”  Wise words.

There are many lessons that I believe God would have us learn through trials.  They are as unique as the trials themselves.  The one I’m learning most recently is that God, Himself, wants to and will fight your battles for you.  If, you let him and you don’t try to take control and manipulate the situation.

Tuesday morning I was reading 2 Chronicles 20:15-17.  These words jumped off the page, “…This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.  16 Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel.17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’”

Our part is walking out, taking up our positions, standing and watching as God fights the battle on our behalf.  God fights the battles, we take a step of faith.  God didn’t say, “Just lay in bed or just ignore the situation and I’ll handle it.”  He says that they (WE) should “take up your (OUR) positions, stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you.”  Our part is to take a step of faith.  To walk out against a seemingly overwhelming army or situation and watch God show up.

What battle are you trying to fight today?

Where do you need God to show up in your life and fight for you?

Got this from Kristi Hunter, Outreach Director, at Cedar Creek Church today:

Just wanted to share how Cedar Creek Church is Being the Church and, in turn, showing the Love of Jesus in practical ways in our community and around the world.  In just the past 2 weeks you have:

Collected over 1375 Operation Christmas Child boxes

Sponsored children for Christmas at Christ Central New Ellenton and Our Lady of the Valley-a total of 318 gifts so far…

Collected food for Thanksgiving boxes for Christ Central New Ellenton and Hope Ministries of the Valley, most of which goes to seniors – the totals are flour -27 bags, dressing mix-46, evaporated milk-52 cans, sugar-31 bags, brown sugar-30 bags, cranberry sauce-40 cans, macaroni-65 boxes, cake mix-47 boxes, frosting-43 cans, plus green beans, yams, chicken broth rice, etc. This is food that doesn’t have to come out of these ministries’ budgets!

You have made my Monday, probably God’s tooJ And I’m sure the impact on the folks that will receive these blessings will be unknown to us this side of heaven, but I do want you all to know that you are appreciated. Please let your folks know what a great impact they are having and continue to have for the Kingdom.

Kristi Hunter
Outreach Coordinator

MITM is something that we love at Cedar Creek Church.  Not the game of keepaway that kids play by throwing a ball to each other while one in the middle tries to catch the ball and cause the thrower to have to be the “monkey.”  No our MITM is, basically, when someone needs prayer and their HOME group or any group of folks (ex. fellow team members) put the person in a chair and circle up around the person for prayer.  While the concept is not unique or original to us, I’m not quite sure how the “MITM” name got attached to a “circle prayer.”  I credit Phillip & Terry Lee for coining the phrase since it was at their house that I first experienced it several years ago.

Sunday at church I ran into a friend, one of our media ninjas, who had recently been sick.  I asked him how he was and he said he was feeling better but having a problem with an abscess that required surgery this coming Thursday. 

Enter…Jared’s HOME group and a little “monkey in the middle.”

Sunday night two of our  HOME groups got together for a “reunion” of sorts, both having multiplied from one group a few months back, and celebrated all that God was doing in them and through them.  They were celebrating how God has grown their group from six people, less than two years ago, to over 30 people in two groups!  More folks being welcomed, cared for, loved, discipled, and more folks growing in their relationship with Jesus and each other.  Booyah!

During their prayer time Sunday night the group put Jared in the middle and laid hands on him, prayed for him and asked God to heal him.  Monday morning when Jared woke up the abscess was all but gone.  Prayer answered.  Surgery cancelled.  God is great!  Double Booyah!!

I must tell you that while my first reaction upon hearing this news was praise to our Lord and excitement, there was a part of me that was…surprised.  The thought shocked me and I asked myself, “why does this surprise you?  Isn’t this what God has always done?”

This morning while reading in Acts 3:1-16 I was reminded of when God, through the Apostle Peter, healed a lame beggar.  All those who saw the man were “filled with wonder and amazement” the Bible says.  Peter’s response encouraged me and challenged me.  Peter said to those onlookers, ““Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? (v. 12).  Then in verse 16 he explains, “By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.”

God is still in the healing business.  God still answers prayer even though sometimes it’s not HOW we would expect.  God tells us throughout the Bible to come before Him in prayer, to ask for the desires of our heart, to trust and believe that God will act, to pray for each other that we might be healed, to come BOLDLY before the throne.

Time and again, throughout my life, I’ve seen God show up and do what only He can do.  Too many times we are surprised and astonished when God does show up.

Who do you know that could use a little “Monkey In The Middle” this week?

“All gave some.  Some gave all.” – unknown

A heartfelt “thank you” to all of those who have served this great nation of ours, and to their families.

]]> http://wesholbrook.com/2010/11/sacrifices/feed/ 0 http://wesholbrook.com/2010/11/pack-that-thing-up/ http://wesholbrook.com/2010/11/pack-that-thing-up/#comments Tue, 09 Nov 2010 21:23:24 +0000 admin http://wesholbrook.com/?p=587

“The power of a simple gift.”  That is the truth about Operation Christmas Child.  You never know what God is going to do when you pack a shoebox full of simple, practical gifts and send them across the world.  The past few weeks we have been talking about this year’s Operation Christmas Child outreach event.  Every year at Cedar Creek Church we participate in this outreach of Samaritan’s Purse because it is a great, effective, simple way to show the love of Jesus Christ to kids all around the world, in places we’ll probably never get to go to ourselves.

This year our Senior Pastor Phillip Lee has challenged us as a church to shoot for a goal of two boxes per family.  I believe this is absolutely a “can-do” situation because I’ve seen the people of Cedar Creek go above and beyond, time and again.  Last year’s goal was blown out of the water and I believe that this year will be no different.

This coming Sunday, November 15, will be our “collection day” of shoeboxes at ALL campuses.  As a helpful guide our Kidz Creek folks have put together a great “step by step” plan for families and folks to consider how they will plan, pray and participate in this great outreach.  If you would like more information about the “how to” of Operation Christmas Child click here.  If you would like to know more about Samaritan’s Purse and their vision and mission check this out.

Let’s pack those shoeboxes and pack the house with them this Sunday!