Spiritual growth is not automatic. If it were, every person who is born again would progress along a certain path and at some point automatically “arrive” spiritually. Instead, just like physical growth, spiritual growth is a gradual process of development.
If you’ve been at Mars Hill Baptist Church long, you know how important practical teaching is to our church. Our goal is simple. We begin by identifying what is important for people to know. Practical teaching reveals where we are and where we need to go. We want the message to come alive so we added REWIND.
REWIND is weekly email designed for us to look back to Sunday’s message and allow God’s Spirit to prompt us in areas that need to change in our lives (before we shelve the thoughts in the archives of our mind). There are three sections to it: (more…)
God designed us in such a way that we are really just a big bundle of appetites, expectations, and desires. Appetites include security, an appetite for love, an appetite to be respected, to be cherished, and to feel successful. God designed to have appetites, but each one of our appetites creates tension. The reason you feel tension in your life, is because one or more of your appetites are clamoring for MORE.
Your ability or inability to manage your appetites will determine the direction of your life. That’s why I decided to begin 2015 with a new series called “All Things New.” On Sunday, January 4, 2015 (8AM or 10:30AM), I’m kicking off this series discussing the tension you face in your pursuit of MORE. Together we’ll look at the Story of Jacob and Esau and discover how uncontrolled appetites can lead to destruction (Genesis 25). Grab a friend and meet us at Mars Hill Baptist Church. You’ll leave stronger, better, and wiser.
Humility increases our appreciation for God. To respect God’s majesty, we must compare ourself to his greatness. When we look at creation, we often feel small by comparison. To feel small is a healthy way to get back to reality, but God does not want us to dwell on our smallness. Humility means proper respect for God, not self-depreciation.
In 2011 saw some exciting changes at the Mars Hill Baptist Church. But as exciting as that vision of building was, we know now that in the process we left some people behind. There were parts of the process where as leaders we simply dropped the ball. During this three-part series, my purpose was to share three humbling lessons learned. If you missed reading Part 1 and Part 2, you can read them HERE and HERE.
I love history! It gives you an opportunity to learn about your past and stand on the shoulders of giants. What’s more exciting than learning history is MAKING history. That’s exactly what we’re doing at the Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago. We’re celebrating our 50th Anniversary with events planned throughout 2013.
Celebrating Something Old – Our Past
I serve an amazing church filled with amazing people (Ok, I’m biased). The Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago is celebrating her 50th year in ministry. On February 24, 2013, we celebrated “Something Old” by taking a trip down memory lane. We paid tribute to our founding Pastor & 1st Lady, Rev. Dr. Clarence E. Stowers, Sr., & Margaret Stowers along with our founding members. Together, we laughed, cried, and learned about our glorious past.
Our 17 Founding Members
Celebrating Something New – Our Present
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
On Saturday, April 20, 2013, we opened “The Gallery.” Ylandus Roundy came up with the concept of “The Gallery.” On display were various pictures, artifacts, clothing, and other items depicting my life. The idea was to showcase the man behind the message and show that I’m more than a pastor, teacher, and leader. Many members came and were pleasantly surprised by the many facets of my life. I want to thank our staff, Ylandus Roundy, and Bert Parker for representing Mars Hill well.
In 2011, I shared some new and exciting changes at Mars Hill Baptist Church. But as exciting as that vision of building was, we know now that in the process we left some people behind. There were parts of the process where as leaders we simply dropped the ball. I believe you can learn a lot from your failures if you’re willing to admit and learn from them.
(Sanctuary renovation – 2011)
First, I learned how buildings house memories. Therefore, it is wise not to erase their significance. Parents have introduced their children to the church and sat Sunday after Sunday in the pews together. Others have said goodbye to loved ones and those last few words in that place were significant. In addition to learning the significance of buildings, I also learned how change can happen quickly but, transition often follows more slowly. (more…)
I’ll admit, as a leader it’s quite easy to get caught up with a vision. It’s natural because as leader’s we’re encouraged to look out for opportunities and then take the lead in making things happen. But sometimes we find ourselves alone out front, and wonder what happened to the people we’re leading? Why aren’t they with us?
Going Fishing – Who’s in?
Take a scenario of a group of people going fishing on a lake. Typical leaders get the vision, jump in the boat and are off to fish straight away. But the rest of the group may take a different approach. As the leaders look back they find that half the people are still on the river bank. Some are still prepping their fishing gear.
Some are just starting to launch their boats. Others are on the water but are heading in the opposite direction. Some are going in circles and still others haven’t yet even decided if they feel like fishing after all. That’s when you realise that only leading from the front doesn’t always help facilitate transition.
John Maxwell in his book Winning with People admits that patience is not one his strengths. He says:
“When I was younger I constantly cast vision for the people in my organization and then left them behind – not a good thing for a leader.”
2011 saw some exciting changes at Mars Hill Baptist. But as exciting as that vision of building was, we know now that in the process we left some people behind. There were parts of the process where as leaders we simply dropped the ball. During this three-part series, I’ll share three humbling lessons learned.
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