John Bishop

No You Don't (Retraction by Erin Clinton)

Hello blog family (and John). I am posting this retraction 1) because I can, and 2) because I don't think he looks constipated. He looks like a lean, mean, pastoral machine.  I agree with Brent (thanks buddy) that we are not used to John looking so "resolute".  (I had to look that one up...)  But as an artist, John's blog manager, his creative assistant, and his friend, I feel it is my mission to explore the different shades and depths of the person who we know (and love) as John. I picked this picture, not in jest, but in a way as one would look at a diamond in the light where you can see the multi-faceted colors of it's uniqueness.  I have unveiled a brand new color, so to speak.  So now that I have given you, in essence, new eyes to view this picture with just open your mind(and your heart) to take in a new view of the man we call John Bishop.

Sincerely,

Erin

P.S.  Since I'm here I wanted to give you guys heads up that we are going to be moving John's blog to a new location.  I don't have an exact date yet, but I will let you know as soon as I know.  However, I do know where we are moving it.  This is very exciting.  We are moving it to a place called Kuzoa which will allow you to be a part of a community where you can get to know your fellow bloggers, share pictures, bulletins, etc. Just go to kuzoa.com and create an account.  This will give you a head start to already be a part of the network. The blog will be moving to John's new website (soon to be up), which will be hosted through Kuzoa.  I hope this makes some sense. I will get some more info and have John blog on it soon.

See ya!

KIDSWORLD AT HOCKINSON LAST WEEKEND

The Kidsworld band is officially on tour.  They were at Hockinson last weekend.  I, even though I was sick, wanted to go and support the kids.  Even though I may be biased (OK, I am), I have to say they did SO good.  The environment, experience, energy and excitement were awesome. 

Hockinson campus has such a good feel and Jon and Michele Andersen are so loved at their campus.  Check it out, they even served a killer breakfast (every Sunday at 10 AM). 

It was nice to see a couple campuses.  I was able to visit both Fisher's Landing and Hockinson.  Thanks Seth for giving me a mic before I entered the theater.  I heard about your projector dropping ...  I guess I could have stuck around and heard you speak?

This week I want to visit a couple campuses on Sunday again.  For sure I want to see Woodland and Longview (the kids are going up there) and hopefully there will be time to visit either Orchards campus or Portland campus. 

So much going on with our campuses.  Our newest downtown Vancouver campus is on the hunt for a weekend location, Woodland is off and running, Camas/Washougal has secured a school to meet in, and there are a couple other campus announcements that I will hold off on until another blog. 

Suffice it to say, the campuses are amazing.  I love the sense of community and teamwork. I just love seeing God work in so many lives. 

So here are some pictures of last weekend at Hockinson.  The kids did so good.  They will be in Longview this weekend.  IF you can, meet me up there.  Or Woodland.  Service is at 10:00 AM in Woodland and 11:00 AM in Longview.

Thanks all the campus teams.  Your hospitality last weekend was cool.

John

I look constipated

Sorry, I guess being real is what I stay focused on.  Can you give me an amen?  SO...  That is the worst picture of my life.    

Erin Clinton does all of the blog creativity and she is all about it, but... I guess I need a new face, because that picture looks like an ad for some sort of constipation medicine....  (sorry)

I love Erin, I love the blog, I hate the picture.  Go ahead, this is a "laugh at me moment".  I give you the liberty and freedom to lol, cry out loud, show your friends what a dork I am and then in a few hours from now that nice little picture will be retired to the archived photos that normally don't get out to the public....

Enough said.

Contagious on purpose

Funny, when you are sick people avoid you.  Don't we all do it?  You do the proverbial grab your shirt, pull it up over your face (as if it matters and they won't notice???).

I think that is what I hate most about sickness.  Being CONTAGIOUS.  Last week, as I went up to talk to people or hug them, as soon as they heard my voice which sounded...like...you know...they did the pull the shirt over their mouth thing.

Makes you feel special doesn't it?  Being sick or contagious.

Contagious.  That's what I am.  Look at the definitions for it:

1. communicable by contact : catching  <contagious diseases>        

2. bearing contagion <contagious people>        

3. used for contagious diseases <a contagious ward>        

4. exciting similar emotions or conduct in others <contagious enthusiasm>

Every meal, my kids are sure not to eat or drink after me.  I am marked.  Contagious.  Sick.   

Every time you hug someone, they are sure to keep their "distance" from you.   Usually they back up, cover their mouth and say something lame like "sorry".

When you have a cold or illness, it is an interesting thing how people avoid you.  Guess the truth is I do as well.  Who wants to get sick "on purpose" ?  Not me or anyone else I have met.  We should do a survey, fake being sick and watch how other people respond.  THEN, when people (the same avoidance people) who run and mask themselves, well let's see how they deal with rejection.

Sickness rejection.  Contagious avoidance. Marked by coughing and fevers. 

Being contagious and keeping your distance.  We have all been there.  Loving someone but "keeping a safe distance" from them?   Aren't we like that?   

Funny, when you look at the stories in the Bible, how many times did Jesus heal people who no one else would be around? How many blind people, lepers, diseased people who most would say, "How are you?", and as they back up toward their car (or camel) they would scramble to cover their face.   

Sounds weird, but I am glad that Jesus wasn't or isn't that way.  He always treated people different. He would be the first to hug them or hang out with them.  Guaranteed if Jesus ate salsa he would have been all about double dipping. Jesus liked the people we have a tendency to avoid.  No, I take that back, He loved them.  For real.  AND, those same people loved Him.  AND, can I add followed Him to listen to His teaching.  I guess it comes down to the old adage "people really don't care what you know until they know that you really care".

He was always about the rejected sick people (like me at the moment) who, when met by most of the crowds, covered their faces in sickness avoidance.   

Truth is, I do it more than anyone, and really don't notice it until I am the one coughing my face off.  I don't think I have coughed harder, louder or longer IN MY LIFE. Thank God for Dayquil, Nyquil and all of the other cold stuff.  (sorry side note)   

I have this thing in me to reject people, to be rude to them and to ignore them.  I maybe don't "cover my face" with my coat or shirt collar, but really I may as well, because if someone doesn't fit in what I think, I can easily do the rude ignore thing.  We are pretty good at it.

I wonder if everyone who called themselves Christ Followers actually "followed" Christ. How different would the world be if we all really stopped covering our faces and actually looked into the eyes of people who so desperately matter to God?  People who will spend eternity somewhere.  People who need to be loved, colds and all (pun intended)!

The wonder of grace is that we accept each other (colds, coughs and all).  Love each other.  Like each other.  Cheer for each other. Pray for each other.  Hug each other.  Help each other.  Encourage each other.  And, when the day is over, actually like each other.

OK, those are my thoughts.  Cold medicine and all.   

Contagious.  Good word.  I can't wait until I am not contagious any longer and in some ways I hope I always am.

Cheers with cough medicine.

First time in 11 years

I have been anticipating this day/weekend for over 11 years.

I have NEVER, due to illness, missed an entire weekend at Living Hope.  Have never had to "call in sick".  Guess that perfect record turned into a perfect little storm.

This little mutated flu, severe cold thing going around?  I got it Thursday.  Pastor Rick told me to stay home Friday and rest.  He cares about me (and knows how stupid I can be).  I didn't, in fact was at church Friday from 9:00 AM staff meeting to around 8:00 PM to see the Worship night.  The teams did so good.

Saturday morning, I woke up pretty sick.  I mean, my pain tolerance is higher than most people, especially women, so it is hard to comprehend the reality of just how sick I felt.  I had a fever of 100 (I know...),  I had congestion in my chest that felt like a gallon of super glue.  My nose felt and LOOKED like the commericial where the guys nose just is so red and swollen.  I was so hot that my eyelids were even hot.  I was afraid my eyes would burn? I was sick (still am). Do you feel for me yet???   For those of you who never get sick, or if you do it is once in 11 years.... I know at least you can empathize with me, and sympathize for me.  Thanks, only in Heaven will you know how much it means......

Anyway, sorry for the descriptive-ness of my sick, flu assaulted life.  I just am a bit upset, frustrated, bored, mad and I want to say there are no good movies on Saturday.  Michelle had to be at all the services, so I even had to make my own chicken noodle soup.  Can I just say I hate being sick.  Not sure if the adjectives are allowing for a memorable post.

OK, that is enough complaining.  I am like some of you.  I have the spiritual gift of complaining.  I think we can be so good at it.

Mike Miller was called Saturday around 9:30 AM, and stepped up.  Because Mike is on staff at Living Hope, he is speaking a little more, but that he was willing with basically a few hours notice, I want to say thanks to Mike.  I have heard great things about his message. 

Being sick.  There is really nothing good about it except for the fact it forces you to slow down or in my pathetic state to stop.  I am wired in a way that slowing or stopping doesn't happen easily.  I am way more wired to do, to run, to plan, to be active. 

I guess we have to learn to see what the ONE thing God is doing in the moment of our sickness.  What is He doing or trying to do?  I think there is always only one right thing in the moment to do, or be, or think about.  I think, in simply "being", we eventually are better because of it. 

In Luke 10:38-42 there is such a powerful story about doing the right thing.  Chapter 10 is packed full of action for God's Kingdom.  I love it. Jesus sends out 72 other disciples in pairs to share the message. Then Jesus shares the great commandment, then shares the story of the good samaritan.  Talk about a busy day? 

After all the activity, Jesus and the disciples were on their way back to Jerusalem, and Jesus was invited to eat in a home.  Take a moment and read the story.

"As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details!

42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

A couple thoughts.  First of all, Jesus isn't condemning activity or the absence of it.  So many times we will hear messages where Martha gets beat up.  The issue for Jesus wasn't what she was doing, but what she was worried about because of what someone else (mainly her sister) wasn't doing. I think everyone is wired to be more like Mary or more like Martha.  I am not sure how I am wired?  lol   

What Martha was "doing" wasn't bad.  She was stressed and worried about so many details.  Isn't that so the way life can be?  When we are stressed, or upset or worried, the problem is we miss the ONE kingdom opportunity God has for us in this moment. When the day was over, I imagine Mary helped her sister, but what she needed was to sit and listen to Jesus teach.  It is sitting that we are better prepared for doing.   

I hope we all can, as Jesus said "discover it" today.  Time with friends, time in God's word, a phone call, a prayer a moment to sit with your kids, an unscheduled (needed) vacation with your wife, OR, in my case sitting on a couch with ONLY GOD.   

In that one moment to discover the Kingdom thing God has for you is the real only thing that matters.  It is in sitting, and being we are better prepared for doing.

My sickness discontent was met with God's incomparable presence.  John and Jesus on a couch, hanging out.  That is what my Saturday (and looks like my Sunday) will be.  Time with ONLY GOD.

There is always only ONE thing that matters most.  I pray we discover it, and you know what else I pray?  I pray that we wouldn't take it away from each other.  So often we think we know best for others.  Maybe sometimes we do, but I wonder if we stopped and allowed God to do what He can only do in their lives. 

Discover it and be blessed because of it.  Mary was.  Pretty sure Martha was.  Today I am learning to be.

Thanks for your prayers. They are helping and so appreciated.  I am thinking about going to Hockinson campus to see the kids perform today.  If you can, see you there, today.  11:00 AM.

John

Living Hope Woodland Soft Launch

I am excited about Living Hope Woodland. They are officially soft launching tommorrow, February 24th, Sunday, at Woodland High School. I love the organic-ness of our campuses. Woodland is an example of what it means to give the best they have and figure it out as they go. Thanks to our Woodland Team. IF you can visit them, head up to the Woodland High School auditorium this weekend to support their church. The official launch is on Easter Sunday. Here are some pictures of last weekend, pre-launch set-up, prayer, etc. Gary and Dave, you both look so good...

Kidsworld Band at Hockinson Campus!

I am excited to see what God is going to do in the coming weeks.  Our very own Kidsworld band and dancers are going on the road. They are doing a "tour" of our campuses and they are SO pumped.

I was in my office today, programming and meeting for the weekend services and the band, the singers, the kids and ya, the Rhino, were walking across the parking lot.   

I love when kids get excited about a dream that God put in their heart.  Such is the case with Katie and the rest of the Kidsworld team.   

Be sure to check out the Kidsworld Band playing at our Hockinson Campus (17912 NE 159th St, Brush Prairie WA 98606) on Sunday, February 24th at 11:00am.

Here is the schedule for a few upcoming weeks:

February 24th       Hockinson campus         11:00 AM
March 2nd            Longview campus           11:00 AM
March 9th             Portland campus            10:00 AM
March 16th           Orchards campus           10:00 AM

Hook it up, visit a campus, be blessed.

I'll leave you with this great video from one of our Kidsworld band performances.

John

BANNER REDEMPTION

I had these pictures e-mailed to me today.  Our banners got vandalized again?  This time there was a bit of redemption or I guess you could say support.  Someone actually cut the "OD" from GOD in the ONLY GOD signs.  Leaving only the G, so the new saying is ONLY G.

Check this out.  Someone actually took the time to duct tape the sign together.  Thanks to whoever decided to stop and help.  Your words are encouraging.   

Our signs seem to attract a lot of attention?

The other amazing thing about this picture is the sky behind the sign is actually blue.  I know, a very rare thing in the Pacific NW, but we will take blue when we can get it. 

ONLY GOD LOVE

I remember in 1992 hearing about the story of Hosea and Gomer while attending Western Seminary.  Bible Lit class, focusing on the Old Testament Minor Prophets.  Great class with Carl Laney. It was the first time I heard the story, and it was the beginning of allowing my heart to be open to this God who not only loves me but pursues me.  His love doesn't fail.   

The part of the story that assaulted my life the most and changed me was after Gomer was done having affairs with different men (scholars believe 3 years), she ends up being sold as a slave or an animal.  The language or imagery is like she is be auctioned off.  Imagine how she must have felt when she heard the voice of her husband offering all that he had to purchase back his wife.  Pretty incredible thought.   

He walks up to the 'stage' of Gomer's brokeness, and pays for her and takes her home.  No mention in the Bible of any why did you do this or I won't take you back.  He takes her home.  He loves her with ONLY GOD love.

His love for her is a picture or illustration of God's love for us.  We continue to walk out on God.  We drift, our heart gets hard.  Often times we think the exact opposite of biblical love is hate, when in reality it is apathy.  Indifference.  I don't really care.  I think hate isn't what brings about divorce, but rather apathy. People who were so in love over time begin to allow pain and regret to consume their hearts.  They just drift. 

Here is someone who has the exact opposite character asked to marry someone who would not be faithful.  God's love is something we could spend a lifetime studying.  There is one word in the English language for love, and many different words in the Hebrew and Greek languages to describe love.

This weekend we talked about love and really how until you get it for real you can't give it.  My love is conditional.  We all have a relational eject button.  I will love you until or if.   

I think love is the easiest thing to say, the hardest thing to do and it changes things the most.

To think that God loves you without fail and no matter what you do or have done is a pretty mind blowing thought.  To think He knows everything about you, EVERYTHING.  He knows you best and He loves you most.   

If I believe that, everything about me changes, including my ability to love my wife, family, friends and others.  If I believe that, I can allow the guilt and pain of the past to be cleansed from my heart.

We did something we had never done before during a weekend service.   

Psalm 24 says we approach God with clean hands and pure hearts.   

We did a hand washing at the end of every service at all campuses.   

It symbolized the place or point of being broken, like Gomer.  Coming to the end of you and allowing God to take you back.

Stories of couples starting over, walking on the stage, giving up, surrendering to God.  So life-changing. I remember washing the hands of a man who had an affair 30 years ago, and who could not forgive himself, even though his wife had forgiven him.  As the water poured over his hands, you could see him releasing the guilt.  It was a healing weekend.

It was a little like the grace chair weekend.  I just asked if someone was broken to come up on the stage and people instantly did.  ONLY GOD.

It is the easiest thing to say, the hardest thing to do and it (by far) changes things the most.  1 Cor 14:1 says make love your highest goal.

I am excited about what God is doing through this series.   

I hope you have a good week. Am I in Washington?  Is the sky really blue? There is no sideways rain today. 

Take care friends.

JOHN

Birthday Video Blog

   

An ONLY GOD Life

Last weekend, we talked about personal vision.  What does it mean to have an ONLY GOD life?

I think so much of it has to do with being part of a local church. I love hearing stories of life change.  Generally they are marked by someone who risked to trust and in the process their life was changed.  Really it is ONLY GOD, but I love the story of this couple.

They are one of the couples who attend our Fisher's Landing campus.   

Often times when I see a "story" I just thank God for what only He can do. This Easter will hopefully catalyze more stories of changed lives and families.  I can't wait to hear the stories.

QUICK UPDATE:

Easter Vision.  NOTE: WE ARE STILL HAVING SERVICES ALL EASTER WEEKEND (probably 10 services at our main campus). Not sure why, but it seems there is a bit of confusion.  We are having Easter services at all of our campuses (6 currently, plus additional Easter launches).  More details to follow.

Last weekend we launched a vision to effectively get the message out to as many homes as possible.  This is IN ADDITION to our main campus.   

We will be on FOX channel 12, for our Easter service at 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM. As I shared in a previous blog, we are excited to see the message go out to hundreds of thousands of homes to people in the Pacific NW that most WILL NOT go to church.  Honestly, we will do our best to follow up and plug as many people we can into churches around the area.  It is our goal to see as many saved as possible. 

In addition to the normal T.V. broadcast, we want to open up "house churches" we can support and assist in reaching their community, families and friends.  This week has been encouraging as people are responding to the vision.

So far there are over 150 people who have signed on to open up their homes.  THANK YOU.  We plan on training each home to host, assist, offer help etc.  We will also have ways to call the church.

Right now, we are working on our 40 day plan.  I believe in my heart this will yield the absolute best fruit and gains for God's Kingdom.  SO MUCH TO DO.   

Thanks for your prayers. 

When the day is over, really all that will matter is eternity.

Hope you had a good Valentine's Day. 

Until next time.

John

Hunting or Shopping

So, how many people are last minute Valentine's Day shoppers? I want to sign up to be the president of the club.  LMS.  I just got back from the store in Battle Ground.   

Awkward when you walk into the card aisle and literally there are 12 people standing shoulder to shoulder looking at and reading the same cards.  I think most cards are marginally lame (I know, sorry).  Not sure what the options are, but let's creatively think about it.   

Interestingly all the husband cards were gone (and so were the wives...)

Wife cards?  Lots of them.  Guys, we've got to do better.  We have to become shoppers.  We are hunters at heart.  At least I am.   

So I fought, planned (almost too late...), read cards with the rest of the last minute men in the world and made it home just in time for the 10:00 PM news.

Sweet.

THIS IS YOUR EASTER

Our vision is to see the message of Christ go out to as many people as possible.  Big vision, but even a bigger God. Although the Rose Garden arena was available, we thought it wasn't what God had.  If I were Paul Allen I think I would invite us in.  Isn't it the best B-Ball season with the youngest team in the NBA in 10 years???? COULD there be any connection to what happened last Easter and this season?.........  Just a thought.

As we contemplated Easter 2008 and thought responsibly about the last few years (7600 total attendance and close to 15,000 in 2007 at the Rose Garden), we needed to not only GET OUT OF THE BOX, but think out of the box.  Our building only holds 500, so we are proverbially 'stuck' from a building standpoint. But can I point out that GOD IS NEVER STUCK.   

Funny thing about God.  He never is.  We limit what ONLY GOD can do because we approach problems as problems with lame human solutions instead of God ordained opportunities.

Last week, in simply thinking "How can we get the message out to the most amount of people for Easter 2008"?  We are starting six new campuses this Easter, along with a couple house churches in the states of Florida and Tennessee.  Each church will launch on Easter 2008.  They will hopefully become campuses within a short amount of time.      

That helps in many areas, but our Brush Prairie campus is beyond capacity, with 7 mostly FULL services each weekend.  How can we continue to do the mission with what God has given us? 

As we brainstormed, we thought why not TV? Last week we contacted the major networks (2, 6, 8, 12)  to see the availability for Easter Sunday morning.  Check it out, all but one said either no religious programming, or no good time slot.  Only Channel 12 got right back to us and are making available the 10am-11am time slot on FOX Channel 12. 

I talked with them today.  One, it is a fluke (I say ONLY GOD) that it is available.  She told me that they normally run NASCAR, sports or ??  It changes every quarter.  This is open, perfect and will in effect (GET THIS) have a potential audience in the millions (SW Washington, Portland, Central and Eastern Oregon and Southern Oregon as well as all coastal regions).  The possibilities are beyond what I can comprehend.

We are asking homes to open up and host an Easter service in THEIR home or wherever?

We will support you, give you bulletins, church information, etc.  There will be numbers people can call following the one hour Easter service that can connect them to Christ first, and then a local church.  We will need hundreds of people to help with this ONLY GOD Easter vision.  The impact will (I believe) change the landscape of the spiritual condition of the Pacific Northwest. I am excited and TODAY we begin the 40 day challenge.  Our 41st day is on Easter weekend.

We will need everyone.  Our goal is to reach as many people on Easter Sunday 2008 that we can.  The potential audience is in the millions.  We need your prayers, your homes and your ideas.   

It is a HOME FOR EASTER CHALLENGE.  It will be risky, it will be uncomfortable but I can in my mind and heart see people gathering in homes, finding faith in Christ and developing friendships with people.  I can see campuses springing up everywhere in the next 30 or 40 days. 

If you want to be part of this ONLY GOD EASTER VISION for 2008, I encourage you to pray for the leaders and to sign up.  We will get back with you.

If you are not part of Living Hope and are interested in being a part, please e-mail Missy at missyh@livinghopechurch.com. She is helping to coordinate all the campus launches as well as the house churches that will meet on Easter Sunday.

If you have ideas for your Easter, tell us.  Share with those who are contemplating doing this. 

IT IS YOUR EASTER.

Pray, prepare and allow God on our 41st day (Easter 2008) to use your one and only life to change other people for all of eternity.   

It's impact will echo in our lives for years to come.

MORE INFORMATION TO COME.  At this point, we need homes or ideas.

CHURCH FOR EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE.

The message is what matters, the mission is what we will be about and the motive is love.

John

Smiles of a parent

Michelle and I just got home from the 6:00 PM service.  George and the team are celebrating their one year anniversary.   

All weekend, our KidsWorld worship team led worship at the Brush Prairie campus. Tonight, because it is a video venue, I was able to "really" engage in worship.  The kids did such a great job.  Such pure hearts. There were 30 kids involved in worship, band and dance.  They were all between the ages of 3 to 17.  All, except my daughter Katie, who is 18.  I love seeing the next generation serving God so genuinely and passionately.  Tonight I was worshipping, watching the kids lead us in worship, seeing their smiles, their enthusiasm and their joy.  Probably the kids don't read this blog, but just in case, thanks.  Seven services is ALOT and you all did so good.  I am so proud of each of you.  You are the leaders of the next generation of the local church.  NEVER lose your joy.

As I stood in the front row, I couldn't help but see the parents around me smiling.  Seeing kids I know, like Tori and Heather and Megan and Preston and Taylor and Parker jump up and down was so cool.  Seeing kids give everything they have makes you smile.  The band was so good.  They really did a good job.  Smiles everywhere. Isn't that the way it is as parents?  Seriously, when you watch your kids dance or sing or play soccer or lead or cheer, you just smile. For me, in the front row, I was able to see all these kids serving God, leading us and with so much joy.  I took off the pastor hat and was able to be dad.  Watching my girls made me smile.  In fact I couldn't help myself.  I found myself staring at them.  I got caught up in "the moment" and found myself thanking God for the precious gift of being a dad. 

Seeing your kids gives perspective to so much.  Isn't it true we can get so caught up in so much that we can miss what matters most? Allowing yourself to watch them laugh, to be there for them in those moments when they cry, to help them in difficult moments and to stand at the door of their bedroom as they sleep.  I am not sure if there is anything else quite like it. To receive children as gifts from God, to be part of raising them for God and then releasing them into the world to serve ONLY GOD. Such a gift.

I guess smiling is what parents do.  It seems no matter what your kids are doing, if they are giving the best they've got, you find yourself cheering them on, staring at them, and so proud of them.  In fact, you will find that eventually the smiles can become tears.  I guess I am a baby, but I watch my girls and am SO proud of who they are becoming in Christ.   

Katie is like a big sister to all these little girls.  Trust me, most of them were at our house between the end of the 1:00 PM service and before the 6:00 PM service began.  Seeing her love them, invest in them and be there for them made me... smile....

Parents have this unique perspective.  We love our kids, we simply love seeing them in the sweet spot of God's will.  That 'place' they were created to be in.  For my daughter Katie, it is worship and kids. Parents always smile in those moments.

I really believe that is how it is with God.  When He sees His kids, He smiles. He stares at us, cheers for us and as He watches us give the best we have for His glory and purpose. 

I think my ultimate goal in life beyond faith in Christ is to invest in others.  To cheer them on, to give them opportunity, to unlock the dream that God has placed in their soul.  Ya, I think the more I see the beauty of the local church, the more I want to be about these ONLY GOD moments.   

Great weekend.  Lots to share about our Easter vision (another blog), but for now.... 

Can I ask you to pause?  To thank God?  To watch your kids sleep?  To sit with them, to thank God for them and to smile.  I think when we pause TODAY, we will be better tomorrow. 

Today our kids had their day, their stage and their moment.  They did good.

God smiles when we simply stand on our stage and give it all we have for Him.

John

THE LAW OF THE BUCKET

I want to begin this short letter by saying thanks.  (A different version of this letter went out to over 2500 people this week, with the end of year giving statements).

From the bottom of my heart, thanks.  Thank you for believing in the vision of Living Hope Church.  Thank you for giving, and in many cases, sacrificing for the work God has called us to.

Last year we were able to see hundreds of people baptized.  Close to 800 at the Rose Garden alone (moments I will never forget).  Beyond that, we have seen thousands of people surrender their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ.  Last year hundreds of people connected in life-giving friendships and life groups and points of connection.  So many are now serving in some capacity.

When I think of all that ONLY GOD has done, I thank Him for people who support this ministry and who serve and whose hearts and families have been changed for all of eternity.

Albert Einstein said, “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing”.    

For those of you who serve and give and stretch and risk and pray.  Check it out. You are in the group of those who looked on and did something. 

In 2008, I am anticipating even greater ONLY GOD days.  We are currently in a series about personal vision called “An ONLY GOD Life”.  I think in order for a church to be about ONLY GOD, it has to be filled with people who are willing to live ONLY GOD lives.

I love this quote: “Live your life in such a way that those who don’t know Jesus, but know you, will want to know Him because they know you.” 

That is where we are for 2008: To go beyond the walls of our campuses into the homes and workplaces and schools of our communities.  To be Jesus, to make a difference and to simply care less about who gets the credit.

One of our newest initiatives is something we are calling “BUCKET WEEKEND”.  Simply, in an economy like we are in, the tendency is to pull back.  So many churches are in a place that if people don’t support the ministry, the ministry may not exist.  Such is the case for Living Hope.  We asked people to give a little extra last weekend, and the normal offering was almost doubled.  ONLY GOD.

We will be doing these bucket offerings each month throughout 2008.  I believe not only will this greatly help Living Hope, but will help your family.  Together we can be the church God has called us to be.  Both our 2007 financial statements and our 2008 budget will be available in the next couple weeks.  You can pick up a copy at the front counter at the Brush Prairie campus if you wish.  Or call and we will gladly send you a copy.

Before I die, I want to be part of a revolution where maybe, just maybe, they can officially move the Bible Belt to the Pacific Northwest. 

2 Chronicles 16:9 says, “The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen whose hearts are fully devoted to him.”  I love that.  God wants to bless the person whose heart is fully devoted to him.  He is looking, actively searching the whole earth.

2008 will be marked with greater levels of faith, deeper levels of devotion and days marked with risk.  Risk because we stepped out and devotion because our faith will intersect with God’s faithfulness.  I can’t wait to hear the stories. 

When this year is over, we will look back and say those two words again and again.  ONLY GOD.  I will be expanding on some of the vision for 2008 this next weekend.

Thank you for sharing in the work God has called us to.   Paul’s words to the church at Corinth are so appropriate for the season we are in.  “Since you excel in so many ways – you have so much faith, such gifted speakers, such knowledge, such enthusiasm and such love for us – NOW I want you to excel also in this gracious ministry of giving.”  2 Cor. 8:7

Verse 8 goes on to say, "I am not saying you must do it, even though other churches are eager to do it.  This is one way to prove your love is real."

Thank you for the comments to the last post.  Cecil, love your heart.  Megan, Marissa, thank you.  You both are part of a new generation that is changing the world.

The Law of the Bucket.  In the next chapter of 2 Corinthians, Paul goes on to talk about the law of sowing and reaping.  Sow sparingly, reap sparingly.  Sow generously, reap generously.  Simply put, God has a bigger bucket than you. 

He promises to meet your needs.  I think so often people view giving as a debt they owe to God, but really it is a seed that we sow into God's Kingdom.

Excited about the weekend, and can't wait to share our Easter vision today. 

Everyone who reads and thinks and prays and whose lives are changed.  That is all it is about.

We couldn’t do it without you, and honestly wouldn’t want to.

See you this weekend.

John

Multi-Site Exposed Conference

 

When the local church works the way God designed it, there is simply nothing like it.

I have devoted my life to serving in one church with people I love. 

Tragically, that isn't the case with so many pastors and churches.  1400 pastors in America leave the ministry each month.  10,000 churches in America closed their doors and disappeared in just a five year period.   

Churches that focus on health, naturally will grow.  Only 15% of churches in the United States are growing and just 2.2% of those churches are growing by conversion growth.

We started our campuses as a result of growth.  What was a reaction to growth has become one of my greatest passions. They work and they engage people and they facilitate community.  I will never forget the 'ONLY GOD' moment when we launched our first five on Easter Sunday 2006.  Since then we've seen God do so much in the lives of people who have risked to be a part. 

That's why I'm excited to be a part of the Multi-Site Exposed Conference which will help other churches learn about multi-site ministry.  I am careful about what commitments I make to speak outside Living Hope and want those few times to count the most for eternity. Last year, one three day conference was the only one I spoke at.  This year, we will see. 

This conference is put on by Leadership Network, and our regional gathering will take place April 14th & 15th in Seattle, WA at Mars Hill Church. You can learn more and register at the Multi-Site Exposed website. If you're thinking about being a multi-site church you won't want to miss it.

Our staff will partner with Mars Hill and Christ the King Church.  This conference will have some of the innovators in the multi-site revolution (except for the guy from Vancouver, who is still learning...).   This is the first of three regional conferences they will do in 2008. 

I hope you can make it. 

John

Stupid Moment

Pretty cool weekend. 

...except one really awkward, stupid, embarrassing moment.

As I was ready to go back on the stage to end the service at 11:00 AM after the Bucket Change offering, I fell.

Falling isn't that out of the ordinary for me. Really.  When Jesus entered my heart, he officially allowed me to have the gift of clutziness.  Sucks to be me....

Especially on Sunday, with 950 people packed into an auditorium that holds 500 or so.  Ya. 

As I walked up the steps to the stage, people were in "the moment" and I had my own personal moment as I FELL.

Falling isn't bad or difficult, really.   

The timing was untimely, but when is falling ever timed to our liking? Falling is human nature, it is a result of the sin nature.  Adam, most likely (before the fall) never tripped, never had bad breath, had not a six pack but a ten pack.  He was the original Marlboro man, without ever smoking.

Things were cool before the fall.  My ability to trip or fall is only because of my genes.

I fell.  Hate to admit it, but I did.

After our 11:00 AM service, I walked up on the stage and TRIPPED GOING UP THE STEPS. 

I FELL UP THE STAIRS.

Danny saw me and laughed and sang "John is falling up the stairs".  I really hate him sometimes.  In a good way...

I have thought about that ALL week. 

Worst thing.  I looked around me, back of me (to the audience) and EVERYONE was giving me thumbs up, like "Maybe next time dorky pastor" or "We believe in you" or  "You can do it". 

YA.  One of those stupid moments that you can't forget.

There it is, I confessed my awkward moment.  I hope you can laugh and pray.

Stay safe, walk safely, confess awkward moments, and never trip up stairs.

John

BUCKET CHANGE

Good weekend.  Glad to be back.  We are in a series, ONLY GOD.  I think that in order for a church to be an ONLY GOD church, it has to be filled with people who are living ONLY GOD lives.   

I am glad to be home, after spending some time resting and reflecting on what God has for Living Hope.

Our new series is less about "church" vision and more about personal vision and purpose.

Vision matters.  Without it, we get discouraged, and begin the long road to giving up.  When we can see God's purpose and dream for our lives we are inspired and have hope.

The movie behind the series.....

I had a chance to see the movie "The Bucket List".   The Bucket List movie site    Have you seen it?

A good movie that caused me to "think" about what matters, what doesn't and what will.   

James talks about our lives being compared to a mist (or vapor) that appears for a short time and then vanishes. Life is SO short.  SO much shorter than we think.   

What really matters is what will matter BEYOND this life.  The bucket list is good, I really liked it, but in reality, it is a bit temporal.  Their bucket list was things like skydiving, and traveling and things like that.  I loved the movie.  It is about two guys who meet and are both terminally ill (aren't we all).

The movie made me think.  What would people say about me?  Life is SO short and really extremely unpredictable.  What would my three kids say?  What would Michelle say? On the phone too much? (probably), too focused on work?  Insensitve?  Impatient? (no way...).   I am totally a patient person when things go my way, aren't you?

Truth is, it doesn't really matter what I think they would say, but what they say they would say.

That is the foundation of our new series.  A series about vision.  To begin TODAY to pursue and live an ONLY GOD life.  As a church, we have experienced the reality of saying ONLY GOD in response to the ways we have seen God work in our lives and community.   

What about our lives?  What about our marriages?  What about our friendships?  What about our decisions?

God WANTS to bless us.  That is truth. When you can believe that, you will more readily align your life with what HE says matters.

He wants to transform every relationship, every decision and everything about us.  It begins with changing how we think.  When we change how we think we eventually change what we do.  When we change what we do, we change our destiny.  Read Romans 12:1-2.

We began with talking about the the zone of blessability in the area of finances.  I have been so worried about Living Hope, specifically in this area.  Truth is, only 10% of people actually give to the church.  I began to think, what if everyone did what they could?

We are at a crossroads.  Our community is made up of OVER 70% of people who have came to Christ, so the money thing is a bit harder than normal.   

We can all do something.  We will do what we can do, because the stakes are so high. 

BUCKET CHANGE.  We asked people to give a little bit extra, as God led their lives.  I am amazed that simply with extra pocket change, the offering was doubled.  Our goal is to get healthy.  To not allow fear to control us.  The economy may be tough, but God's promises have never and will never fail us.  Period. When we do what we can only do, then God promises to do what only HE will do. In the end, lives will be changed and God will be glorified.

We will be doing a bucket weekend every month.  People are excited to take responsibility for their church.  I think if all of us did what we could do we could continue to be the church God has called us to be.

One of the aspects of a blessable life is a life that trusts God in the area of finances. A family that will NOT shrink back in the face of fear. Everyone and everything matters.

The stories are still being told, a chapter written each day.  Continue to trust God.   

Personally. I have promised not to worry and we will continue to be the church GOD has called us to be.  To everyone who stepped up, thanks.   

ONLY GOD.

john