Mars Hill

Mark Driscoll. What do you think about him? I follow his blog and periodically watch his messages online and think he's got some good stuff to say.

One of my favorite things about Mark are some of his ideas about masculinity. Along with John Eldridge, Mark is one of my favorite pastor/authors out there addressing the idea of real men following Jesus.

Mark and his church were recently featured on Nightline. I thought it was good enough to pass along. Enjoy.

Prayer Request!!!!

Please pray for a close youth pastor friend named Bryan Dehart.
For the last 8 weeks a student named Miguel has been attending his youth ministry. Last Wednesday Miguel got saved. This Wednesday Miguel dropped dead in his yard from a unknown tumor on his brain. Dehart had spent the last eight weeks picking Miguel up for church every week, needless to say this is a horrible loss. Please pray for Dehart, The 3:18 Youth, and the rest of the New Covenant Church.

Just a little reminder how fragile we and our students are...

Fight the good fight!!!
Love you guys!!!
-Zach

Blog Overload

ChurchRelevance posted a list of the Top 60 Church Blogs. I know some of us have talked before about sharing resources and i think this is a huge wealth of info. Theres no way you can soak all of these up, but take a few minutes and see if you can find anything good.

Some of my favorites...


LifeChurch.tv
Church Marketing Sucks
LeadingSmart
Stuff Christians Like

What are you reading?

Ray Boltz

I don't know if anyone else has heard the news about Ray Boltz going public about his homosexual pull and lifestyle; if not here is a brief by CT which contains the link to the interview he had with The Washington Blade? I would love to hear your thoughts especially in regards to how the church has been and should be dealing with those whom struggle with homosexuality. Living in the 'real world' now, I have met, become friends with, and been hit on by homosexual men, so your thoughts are much appreciated as I seek wisdom on how to love and witness to people with such a confusing struggle. Thanks

TC

http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/archives/2008/09/ray_boltz_comes.html

Full Heart--Full Altar

Last night we had a major victory at The Stand. Our students are still learning what it is like to have their own service and we have seen many small victories over the last several weeks. But last night was amazing!!!

The theme of the night was "Great Big God--Even Bigger Love." We talked about how it doesn't make since that such an amazingly huge God would love us. Very basic message but something that we often forget at Christmas season.

Long story short...At the end of the night I invited the students to come to the altar (which they have NEVER done before) and thank God was such and amazing love.
I stepped down off the stage and began to pray at the altar and next thing I know the presence of God is THICK and the altar is completely FULL with students. These students have never done anything like this before, not even one student has come up front to pray, BUT the presence of God was thick and they had to respond. No gimmicks, no emotional play, JUST students wanting God!!!!

Praise God for this victory!
And what a great set-up of 09'

Keep Praying for your students...it really matters!!!!

Lovingly Cheering You On!!!!
-Zach

Am I a Pastor or a Farmer???

What's Up!!!
I pray that this post finds you all well and enjoying this Christmas season.
Merry Christmas.....

Today I asked myself a question I never thought I would ask...Am I a Pastor or a Farmer?

Every year our church holds a live nativity with sheep, a donkey, and a cow. When you are in college they always tell you that you are a pastor...and the janitor...and the chair and table guy....and the bathroom cleaner. You are never just a pastor.

Well this year I got nominated to be the official farmer of Lakeview Community Church. Since we have our animals in front of the church like a petting zoo, my morning routine is to go outside, feed the animals, and give them fresh water. Today the cow decided to leave me a surprise. Apparently the stupid cow felt the need to take a HUGE dump in his water bucket!!! So here I am, Rev. Farmer Fred, dressed for work, trying to get the bucket full of cow crap clean without getting it all over my clothes.

In the midst of the terrible smell I'm reminded that even cleaning the cow crap water can be an act of worship... Smell and all.

No matter what your day is like remember... Whatever you do in word or deed,do it all for the Glory of God.....even if your cleaning out a bucket full of cow crap :)


Lovingly Cheering Each of You On!!!!!

-Zach

Free Resources

Just wanted to let you guys in on a pretty cool deal. WorshipHouse Media is giving away FREE media in the form of downloads, every weekday in December until Christmas. I think last year I ended up with close to $100 worth of stills, loops, countdowns and mini-films. Hope you find stuff you can use!

UPDATE:

I've linked to Vine Resources before, but I just came across their Christmas Swag package. It looks great and if you're doing a Christmas series this month and are looking for media, this comes with the PowerPoint background jpg, message background jpg, title video loop, high res promo image, and countdown video in quicktime format. Pretty sweet deal, all for FREE.