One Step At A Time, But Always Moving Forward To Him...

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-19T13:51:00.000-08:00

The year is nearly over, and we've been busy!

Christmas Store came and went before we knew it! We were able to give families gifts for over 700 children this year, many of whom may not have had any otherwise. We served nearly 300 families, and shared the Gospel with every one. It was a crazy, busy, weekend! But it was good.

Leslie and I will head to Missouri on Thursday to spend a week with my parents in Eldon! Excited to get some semi-cold weather, even though the weather forecast doesn't call for any snow.

Nearly Two Months In...

2011-09-28T14:18:00.000-07:00

It has been a very busy last two months. Two months ago, Leslie and I were in Kansas City, surrounded by boxes, eating year old wedding cake (and throwing most of it away). We moved to Houston, where I am the Associate Director of Houston's First Baptist Church's Faith Center, Leslie is teaching 8th Grade Science, and we are doing life.

Ministry is great...I have been learning quite a bit (and continue to do so). The Faith Center is such a unique place. It has impacted quite a many of people over the years, including myself. I'm thankful to be in a place where everyday I am met with being the hands and feet of Jesus. I do not have to join a service project, nor do I have to "find" ministry. It is thrown into my face daily, in new and exciting ways. I have been reminded that I have so much to learn, and am in a wonderful place to do so.

We are greatly missing fall right now. They said on the news the other night that fall weather was arriving....the temps were getting into the mid 80's....hmmm...I don't know about that.

I find myself greatly enwrapped in my first big project-The Christmas Store, a yearly gift distribution to those in need in our communities. It is an incredible project. It takes over 500 volunteers to be a success. Over everything, its purpose is to shine the Gospel into people's lives. Thankful I get to be a part of such a great opportunity.

Big Changes Ahead...

2011-07-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

It has been a few months since updating my blog. Lots of things have happened, and are happening. I suppose the best place to start is the big news.

Leslie and I are moving to Houston, Texas! What? When and how did this happen? Well, it has all happened quite quickly, frankly. Allow me to share the past month or so.

About a month or so ago, I was notified that a position was open in the missions department of Houston's First Baptist Church. Many of you know that I have interned in that office and church in the past. It was a church that had a lot of influence on me as a college student. Adding to this, my wife Leslie grew up at this church. I

Leslie and I already had a trip planned to Houston over the 4th of July, so we scheduled an interview during that time. I had a great time talking missions, ministry, and loving the community.

I received a call later that week, offering me to come on board with the missions staff. Leslie and I believed this was the direction we are to go, and so, we are moving. We are so very thrilled we can not tell you how much!

Allow me to share a bit more about my job. I will, as I said be on the missions staff of Houston's First Baptist Church. Specifically, I will function as the Associate Director of Houston's First Baptist Church's Faith Center. It is an incredible place, seeking to equip the physical needs of people while sharing Christ with them. I couldn't think of a better position for me at this time. I am SO excited about my position, and the opportunity I am going to get. Rather than me rambling about all the incredible things the Faith Center does, check out this link. http://www.houstonsfirst.org/FaithCenter It will tell you all about this incredible place that I get to help lead.

My position is full time, which is definitely something Leslie and I have been praying for at this time in our lives. God has proved faithful to us, providing us an opportunity that is geared exactly for who I am.

The Lord has shown himself extremely faithful to us. Within a week of my accepting my position, Leslie was accepting a teaching position in the Cy-Fair School District, teaching 8th Grade Science. She taught in this district prior to moving to Kansas City, and now she gets to go back.

Our transition happens pretty quickly, as our moving van will be pulling out of Kansas City Friday, August 5th and we will move in that weekend to our new place in Houston. I and Leslie will both be beginning our positions around August 15th.

We are feeling bittersweet about leaving Kansas City, a place and people that has meant so much to Leslie and I the last few years. But we are extremely confident in the Lord's moving, and are ready to get settled and serving in Houston.

Please pray for us, in our transition. We are very excited as we said, but have a lot to do as we wrap our lives up in Kansas City, and transition them to Houston. God has proved so faithful to us, and our hearts are full of gratefulness. Praise be to The Lord.

Brookside Art Annual-April 29th-May 1st-We Need Your Help!

2011-04-14T13:33:00.000-07:00

Coming up at the end of the month, The Brookside Art Annual will take place literally steps from where Wornall Road meets in the heart of Brookside Kansas City. During this weekend, literally thousands of people will walk our streets and enjoy the weekend.

Wornall Road Baptist Church will take part in serving our community. Below are several ways you can get involved. We need your help-so contact me at matthewcreath@yahoo.com now to volunteer! Our goal is to bless our community, to love them, and to share the love of Jesus!

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

April 29th

-PARKING LOT: we need 3-5 volunteers to man our parking lot anytime from the hours of 6pm-10pm. During this time, we will take donations for our parking spaces, all of which will go toward our community missions fund.

-FLYER HAND OUT: we need 2-4 volunteers to distribute flyers about our Saturday events at the art fair that evening. Anytime you are available is fine.

April 30th

-PARKING LOT: we need volunteers to man our parking lot anytime during the day and evening on Saturday from 10am-10pm. During this time, we will take donations for our parking spaces, all of which will go toward our community missions fund.

-CHILDREN'S STREET FAIR/CONCERTS:

During the hours of 1:00pm-5:00pm, we will have a great event happening across the street at Border Star School on the corner of 63rd/Wornall (where the planters and tables/chairs are). Included in this will be a kid's street fair with fun games, a concert stage with performances by the "Red Onion Jazz Babies" (a local KC Jazz group) from 1-3pm as well as by Geldart at 3:30pm. We will also be BBQing and raising money for a great cause. Below are opportunities to serve. We need lots of help.

1) Set-up/Tear Down: I need some folks to step up and volunteer to help in set up and tear down. This will involve arriving early Saturday morning and will require quite a bit of lifting.

2) BBQ: I need someone to volunteer to BBQ hot dogs and run our food booth. Preferably if you have your own BBQ grill you can bring, that would be great.

There will other opportunities as well. So please contact me ASAP so that we can get you scheduled!

It should be a great opportunity to love our neighborhood and share the Love of Jesus!

Again, let me know ASAP that you can help! matthewcreath@yahoo.com

The World At Our Doorstep

2011-03-29T15:18:00.000-07:00

About four or five years ago, during an extensive seminary class, I was able to spend time with a great man who was trying to reach college campuses with the Gospel. It is utterly staggering how little international students are truly being interacted to with the Gospel. There are groups of international students at many of America's Universities that no one cares for, no one loves, no one even thinks about. And they need the Gospel greatly.

I have a friend in the ministry who runs a ministry in New York City called Urban Impact. www.urbanimpactny.org He reaches out to young men coming to the U.S. in droves, working what many of us might think of as "sub-par" jobs at best, and sending their earnings back to their families in countries and areas of the world such as Africa. These men come to the U.S., they know nobody, and the last thing on their mind is Jesus. Larry and his group of indigenous missionaries lead out in E.S.L. classes in storefronts, among other great things they are doing. A few years ago I had the pleasure of helping with these classes, as well as with the remodeling of one of the storefronts. This is front line ministry folks.

So many think "Go", and they believe they are to fly half way around the world to a village. These things are true, and very, VERY good. But I was meditating recently upon principles and facts that I simply could not ignore. The fact that there are over 160 nations represented in a 75 mile NYC metro area is staggering. The fact that there are areas of Kansas City that are similar convicts a part of my heart.

I was talking with my wife the other day about mission trips. The core of our discussion centered around the motivation behind our "going" on mission trips. We concluded that it's probable that none of us ever have completely pure motives for going on a mission trip. For example, some of us love Africa-the people, the culture, etc. For that person, they want to be there as much as they can be. And, to that end, there is nothing wrong with that. But do we really check ourselves, our hearts, etc when thinking about going on a short term mission trip. Are we going, with our hearts prepared, our minds focused, and our mouths ready to share the Gospel? Or, are we simply excited to go on a trip to a land we haven't been to before? It's probable that there's a little bit of both in us.

There is something to be said for a mission trip "exposing" a person to something they never really understood, and God using that to form a calling. I'm all about that, and believe it. I believe it because it happened in my life. During my college years, while all my friends were going to Europe, Africa and South America on mission trips, sometimes multiple times a year, the Lord never allowed me to go. I wasn't against it, but as opportunities came my way, the Lord always directed me towards the urban core of cities. I was able to spend time in New York City, Chicago, Houston, and many other major cities around our country during that time. God was using those trips to give me a passion and understanding for reaching the nations in America. It was something to be honest that was not fully understood or received by all. They didn't really understand.

I was recently talking with a pastor/missionary friend who talked about some churches he works with. They support missionaries all around the world in mission work, and even go on mission trips half way around the world, but when the idea is suggested that they go to the parts of Kansas City with internationals (which is also a very "rough" part of Kansas City) to reach them with the Gospel, things are said such as "I'm not going there-it's dangerous", and "That's a bad part of town...I don't think we should do that kind of thing". It is absolutely amazing to me that a person will travel half way around the world to a land and country they've never been to (that is likely much more dangerous than where they are at), but won't drive down the highway a few miles to talk with, reach out to, and share the Gospel with people who have come half way around the world from the village or country they may have just been to on a mission trip.

I suppose there is less glamour in it. You don't get to go on a big trip. You don't get to have an "off day" in some foreign city, seeing sights. You probably have to commit alot of regular energy to keeps relationships us with these people, instead of dropping in a few times a year. However, certain trips around the world of filled with their own less than comfortable glamour themselves. So we must not think one is better than the other.

The answer isn't doing one or the other. The answer is both. We MUST go to utter most ends of the earth with the Gospel. We can't, nor should not, deny it. The Word commands it. But we MUST also go down the street, to a community of people that are completely different than us. In many senses, it is very much the same. It's just the location that's different. There is also some strategy in it.

Imagine if more of our churches put as much energy into going down the street and reaching the nations there. Especially with college students. Imagine seeing college students coming to America for great education, coming to salvation in Christ while here, and then we sending them back as missionaries to their own country, to reach their own homeland and people with the Gospel-think that would be pretty impactful? Or imagine seeing the young african man, who has come to this country to support his family, go back not just with a few more dollars, but with the Hope of Jesus Christ, and seeing his family and community come to Christ.

It can happen. It IS happening. But we have to support great missionary pioneers like the one's mentioned in the beginning of this post. (let me know if I can connect you with them).

Remember: It's not one or the other-we have to and are called to BOTH. If God's calls you to go physically around the world-GO. If God calls to go down the street-GO. In fact, I would be very comfortable in saying the Lord commands that we do both.

The world is at our doorstep like never before. And as such, our mission to share the love of Christ doesn't change, but the ability only grows stronger.

Praise God for bringing the World to our doorstep. It has made us think about "missions" in greater ways.

The Gospel, Period.

2011-02-18T17:14:00.000-08:00

Last night (Thursday) about 50 people came together at Wornall Road Baptist Church to pray for Southwest High School. Included in this number for many who are alumni of Southwest, who work and live in Kansas City, whose hearts are broken for the condition their school has gotten in to. After gathering in a concert of prayer for about 30 minutes, we all walked out the front doors of our church, down the street two blocks, and gathered across the street in front of Southwest. We circled, we prayed, some cried, and we poured out our hearts to God, asking him to do a movement in our school(s).

I walked away from Thursday just plain exhausted. I worked at launching Wornall Road's new website in the morning (check it out http://www.wornallroad.org/), went and tutored junior high students for three hours in the afternoon, and then went back to set up the church for the prayer gathering. I was exhausted, but I must tell you, I felt good. I felt good for a number of reasons. First, I felt good to have been able to help and serve many different people during one day. Second, and in my mind and heart more strongly, it is good to be a part of a church who attempts, to the best of our ability, to really put action to what we say when we communicate that we want to love and bless our community.

Jesus said to "love your neigbhor as YOURSELF". I think if a lot of us are honest with ourselves, myself included, we would say that happens very little in our lives. Heck, most of us do not even know who our neigbhors are, much less know how to love them. And, even if we do know are neigbhors, are we preapred to love them as much as we love ourself? Are we prepared to provide for them as we provide for ourself? Are we prepared to sacrifice ourselves for the sake of others? These are tough questions to ask, but questions that Jesus demands us to answer, if we say we follow him.

We are nothing special at Wornall Road. Believe you me, we are not. But God has shown all of us at Wornall Road alot of grace, and we simply wish to extend it out to others. I'm also so very glad that I am a part of a body of believers that takes action. Not only do they take action, but they take action quickly.That probably has been one of the most remarkable things I have seen in Wornall Road. The people of Wornall Road step out in faith, take action, even when they may not know at that moment where the resources are going to come from, or who is going to step up to lead. They don't wait until they see someone else doing something and then jump on board-in many respects-they see a need, and begin working immediately.

A great example of this is the meals we provide for the Southwest High School sports teams. As we found out that the students leave from school to go to their games, without eating anything, we couldn't keep that information to ourselves and do nothing with it.The meals we provide to the best of our ability are nothing special. It's a brown paper bag with a sandwich, fruit, some chips, bottle of water and cookies. Over the past month, however, I have seen people step up and serve (and in many respects sacrifice) to make these meals occur. Never once did we have to "beg" people to get involved. When we announced what we were going to do, they stepped up, and continually sent emails or texts wanting to know what they could do. Better than this, though, never once did we have to answer the question-"How does this further Wornall Road" or a question of the sort.

That's where the the rubber hits the road, and for why I am grateful I am a part of this church. Wornall Road Baptist Church is not about Wornall Road Baptist Church. Wornall Road Baptist Church is about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, lived out. Period. Wornall Road Baptist Church seeks to love it's neigbhor as itself. Are we perfect at it? Absolutely not. In fact, we have a lot of learning in this area, as most do. But even if we make mistakes along the way, we will press on, perhaps even in the world's eyes foolishly, pointing our neigbhors to the cross of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel, the Good News, is why we are what we are, and why we do what we do. I don't write what I did about the people of Wornall Road above to give them big heads, to make them feel good about themselves, or to say they are the best. In fact, they/we need God's grace as much as ever. That is the Gospel-that without Christ daily, we are nothing.

Christ is our hope. And through Christ, we have hope, and can provide hope, as we serve and pray for Southwest High School.

Southwest High School

2011-02-14T15:01:00.000-08:00

Southwest High School is a historic school in the Kansas City Missouri School District. Well, we could say that for any number of buildings in our city. It is located just south of Wornall Road Baptist Church by a few blocks.

During the massive merging of the schools that took place at the beginning of this year, essentially three high schools combined into one. With this, much has occured. Fires have been started, fights have broken out, and the school at times is struggling.

As the church, when someone/thing in a community is struggling, we should be first in line to serve it. We have tried to do just that since the beginning of this school year. From bring donuts to preparing meals for the basketball teams, there is a great deal of need that simply isn't being addressed.

Southwest is home to no fewer than 100 homeless students. Social workers work with them on a daily basis to ensure their needs are met. Sometimes they are, sometimes they are not.

In the past week, three fires have been set, fights have broken out, and now other copy-cat acts are happening at other schools in the district.

Rather than join the crowd of people who are critical of the KCMO school district, and look at it with disgust, we are trying fervently to let our schools know that we love them, are rooting for them, and are their biggest fan. Our communities will only grow stronger when the love of Christ is poured on them. Follow the link below to see how our church has been helping in efforts for the schools.

Church Reaches Out to Southwest High School After Violent Outbreak - WDAF

2011-02-14T15:00:00.000-08:00

Church Reaches Out to Southwest High School After Violent Outbreak - WDAF

An eventful week!

2011-02-02T10:42:00.000-08:00

Last friday, I finished my final day of work at Barnes and Noble Booksellers. I have worked there for nearly three years, as I completed my MDIV and threw myself into church planting. It has been a great job where they were very flexible with my schedule, and gave me a place to at times support myself as I followed what the Lord had for me. I am so very thankful for all the folks that I worked with there! From Steve to Laura to everyone else, thanks for making me look forward to unloading 50 pound boxes out of trucks in all kinds of weather!

speaking of weather...it is CRAZY! We have had a major blizzard go through Kansas City. This is the view from our apartment balcony. At times, we could not see the other building across the parking lot. (and yes...I haven't taken the Christmas lights down yet....too many winter storms in January!) We are hunkering down, and now trying to scoop out of it. Not sure if Leslie or I will have much to do the next few days...but, we got enough snow out of the way to make it to The Filling Station coffeeshop this morning. After a day, we already had cabin fever!

I also continue to read the above book. It is a great book that really challenges you on how you view your life, and God. Ravi Zacharias is the real deal. A great man who loves the Lord, and the Word of God. I highly recommend it.

Busy Weekend...

2011-01-26T17:51:00.000-08:00

This weekend will find a lot going on! On Saturday, we have a big workday planned for Wornall Road Baptist Church. Between having an almost 100 year old building, and 5 churches meeting in it, we continually to do work on the facility to keep it open. It's good, though. Nothing better than working and getting dirty together to build unity.

At the same time our work day is happening, we will have between 30-50 church planters in our building, as we host and lead The McCoy Group Gathering. Issac McCoy was a missionary to the KC area, before it was Kansas City. His son founded Westport, among other things. We will have a few speakers addressing the topic "The Impact Of The Gospel On The Life Of A Leader". Praying the Lord would move, and humility would exude the group of leaders we gather together.

We also begin on Friday to provide meals to the Southwest High School Basketball Team. I've been working this week on gathering donations, etc to make this happen. Very glad we are a church that is trying to love our community, in Jesus name, and continue to try to think less of ourselves.

Along with this, a good friend of Leslie (and mine) is coming into town for the weekend to hang out a bit before continuing on a work trip. We are so thrilled you are coming to hang out, Katie!

Excited as well to gather for worship and hearing the Word this Sunday.

In completely other news, today I tutored (for those of you who do not know, I tutor 3 afternoons and/or evenings a week). In a room of about 15 students and adults, I was the only one that was even close to being caucasian. I have been doing this for many months now, and it was the first time I have ever noticed it. I love it. If you have been and currently are only around people that look and sound like you, you are severely missing out on a lot. God's creation is amazing, in how he made us. It's a lot of fun to continually learn.

Oh yes, and I am excited to announce that on Friday, I will work my last day at Barnes and Noble. After nearly three years, and a master's degree later, I can now quit this job to focus more of my time on Wornall Road Baptist Church and the Brookside area, for the sake of the Gospel. I'm sure you'll be hearing more about leaving the bookstore soon. All in all, very thankful for the job, and the flexibility it has allowed me. But, it is now time to press on, as we continue to journey into this next step of faith.

My first month...

2011-01-25T16:28:00.000-08:00

How to do I describe my first month of being on board the staff at Wornall Road Baptist Church? Probably lots of things could describe it, but overall, it has been encouraging beyond belief. I love being in and a part of a place where there is always something going on. Being a part of a church that is connected to 15 church plants, including 4 that share our building, is fun beyond imagine. The times I get to spend in my office are great, as I get to talk with and encourage the various pastors of those plants that stop in.

I really have enjoyed being able to come into Wornall Road, and begin to strengthen areas that need strengthened, under the leadership of our lead pastor. Not that I have anything special to offer besides willingness, but the ability to strengthen, if only by man power, things in our church to push it forward, is a joy. It's a joy to sit in an office, assess a situation, and take action immediately on it.

As a church, and especially as it comes from the pastor/elders, we have a desire to bring glory to God in what we do. We desire, above all else, to be faithful to the Word of God, and to allow it to LITERALLY change people's lives.

The GOSPEL changes lives. It shakes the soul. It forever changes our entire lives. It changes the way we view ourselves and the World. It changes the way we make decisions. It changes the way we treat people.

I'm so humbled, and so thankful to God, that He has brought me to the place He has. I get to work alongside a group of elder/pastors, as well as many others in our church, who love the Word of God, and take it serious.

Wornall Road Baptist Church. It's not a perfect church. Come hang out with us for a day...you'll realize it very quick. However, it is a group of people that God is using to change our city, one church plant, one family, one person, at a time. And all...for the Glory of God.

My first month, and I'm already on the local news...

2011-01-22T07:23:00.000-08:00

This week FOX-4 Kansas City decided to do a news story on historic church buildings in Kansas City that are closing...and yet some that are not...excited to be a part of the story, and even for a few seconds let people know just a tiny part of what is going on through Wornall Road Baptist Church! Enjoy!

A New Year!

2011-01-05T15:18:00.000-08:00

Leslie and I find ourselves busy as we start 2011! I am getting settled in to my new role with Wornall Road Baptist Church. We couldn't be happier to be where God has placed us, and we are thankful for his sovereignty. We are loving being able to serve at and with Wornall Road, and the Lord is doing great stuff there!

We had a serious holiday roadtrip, driving to Houston for Christmas, driving back to Kansas City, and then driving to Illinois to see some family and in St. Louis for New Years! We have had a great holiday, but we are glad to be back in Kansas City. Things are going well for us, and we are very thankful. We anticipate 2011 to be a great year!

New Steps...

2010-12-12T14:04:00.000-08:00

Whew! This fall has flow by in a hurry. It is December, fall has come and gone, and we are into Winter. Here in Kansas City, the temps were in the single digits last night. Leslie and I built a fire, had some homemade chili, and bundled up! So many things have happened this fall, that i'm afraid that one post may not cover everything that has happened, but, allow me to give you to big highlights.

Ministry

Per my last post, Leslie and I stepped back from our leadership responsibilities at Midtown Community Church, a church we helped launch in the urban core of Kansas City. (If you need more info on that, go to the previous post). That decision was one of the best we could have ever made. It gave us time to focus on our marriage, relationship, and creating a firm foundation. She and I would be in a very different place if we had not made this decision. The past few months have found us in a lot of different opportunities.

In October, we had the great opportunity to attend a minister's marriage retreat, by the generosity of dear friends. Leslie and I got away, were able to focus on us and our young marriage, and be poured into by many men and women of the Lord.

In November, Leslie and I were able to get away to Baltimore and Washington DC for a mini-get away. Leslie had a work conference to go to, so I tagged along. We had a great time. We also got to spend the night with our friends Joel and Taylor, and attend Capitol Hill Baptist Church, about three blocks from the US Capitol. It was a great time in our nation's capitol, and my first time. We'd both like to go back very soon. It was a refreshing time to be together.

Over the past three months, Leslie and I have had lots of time to talk, think, and pray about our futures in ministry. As we stepped away from leadership at Midtown Community Church, we were not sure what the future had for us. However, we opened ourselves to the Lord, and asked him to reveal what he would have for us, what our lives should look like, and the directions we needed to go.

We truly believed that the Lord was preparing us for the future, but didn't know where, or what this looked like. For me, I knew I have things that Lord has gifted me in and desiring to use me in, that I needed to push forward with. For example, one of those giftings is pastoral care type ministry. I love visiting folks in the hospital and counseling with those in crisis. So, we prayed for an opportunity that would include that (as well as many other situations for me, Leslie, and our marriage combined).

As we trusted the Lord with our greatest ability given by Him, we continued to pray for the Lord to put us in the right spot he desires to use us. A few weeks ago, I was asked to have dinner with a man and pastor in the city that I have the utmost respect for.

Thus, a few weeks ago, Johnmark Clifton, lead pastor of Wornall Road Baptist Church here in Kansas City, and I had bbq at BB's Lawnside at 84th and Wornall (YUM). You might recognize the name Wornall Road, as it is not only the church that initially gave us some momentum to get Midtown Community started, but is also the church where Leslie and I were married at in July. I didn't really have a lot of idea on why we were getting together. At our meeting, Johnmark and I had a long discussion about ministry. Ministry is going well at Wornall Road (a church re-plant in itself from about 5 years ago...that's a story in itself....God is doing a great work there). There is a great need for an additional pastor to come on board there, to essentially continue to move the church along and allow it to grow, while effectively handling the many ministries and churches that have equipped by the church over the past five years. This church has been a part of 14 new works and ministries over the past 5 years, and it really is a newer work itself who truly lives out the Gospel in giving itself away in any way it can.

As we talked, I was told that the elders and himself had been praying, and my name came up in discussions to fill this role. Then, as we began to talk about specifics of what the need there was, it included EXACTLY the things Leslie and I had been praying for. We took some time to pray and consider the opportunity, as well as to attend a worship service at Wornall Road.

At the beginning of this week, Leslie and I decided that this was the direction we are to go, and we accepted the offer of coming on board at Wornall Road Baptist Church, right here in Kansas City. The church is located literally thirty city blocks (about 6-7 miles) from where we live right now.

This past Sunday (Dec. 12th) we announced to Midtown Community Church that we were being moved by the Lord to Wornall. We will begin worshipping with Wornall Road next Sunday, and i'll come on officially January 1st, 2011.

Many have asked, "are you full time there with a salary?". Well, not exactly. The church will be providing me with some funds to start, but definately not full time. This work is still relatively new in itself. However, there is an agressive plan for that to happen. In the mean time, I will need to have churches and individuals come alongside me, and support me. Those of you who have supported me in ministry thus far, I honestly may need your help to continue, should the Lord lead you. I will be in contact with you soon. However, we have an initial plan laid out where a specific beginning and ending of that will be in place, and soon down the line, Wornall Road will pay my salary and we will pull back from outside help.

It has been quite a journey thus far for me. in the past five years, i've seen a new church planted in Kansas City, i've married a beautiful girl, and now we are beginning our first ministry call together. Thank you for those of you who pray for us. Your prayers and support are vital.

I will have more information very soon. To end this post, I quote the title of my blog, "One step at a time, but always moving towards Him...". This is the theme that I have tried to live my life as. I take life one step at a time, and always try to move in the direction he is leading. The story in Mark 10 of Blind Bartimaeus has always stuck out to me as the life I wanted to live. There you find a man who was filthy, dirty, and cast out, and the Lord healed him, and he immediately got up and followed Jesus wherever he went. I am no different. Before knowing the Lord, I was filthy, dirty, and apart from God. Once the Lord became the center of my life, I have tried to immediately follow Him, wherever he leads. I'm excited for this new journey, and this time, I have a beautiful, wonderful wife to come along.

Life is good.

Many blessings.

Changes

2010-09-22T13:27:00.001-07:00

Fall is here, and as I always say, with fall comes so many changes! I love the cool air that is beginning to grace us here in Kansas City. I adore being able to get a pumpkin spice latte. I love the leaves changing. I love going for long walks. It's certainly the beginning of my favorite time of the year.

With the Fall comes many changes for me as well. I'm a husband, first and foremost. What a change! I couldn't even imagine what that would be like a year ago. Now, I wouldn't want it any other way. I love it. For those of you who have kept in touch with us, you know Leslie and I have had quite the start to our young marriage. With that, as the leader of my home, I was faced with some huge situations and circumstances that tested my leadership. I made it through those situations well, I think, (you can see more about it below), but it gave me time to have perspective on a lot of things I was not able to think clearly about before. After much thought, prayer, and counsel, Leslie and I have made the decision to step back from our leadership roles at Midtown Community Church, effective immediately. The details are laid out and explained better below, in a portion of a letter which I sent to a majority of my financial and prayer supporters by email last week. So, as opposed to writing it all again, please read the letter below. Leslie and I are doing well, and God is moving in our lives in some great ways. We are learning a whole lot! So there is no cause for alarm. As the leader in my home, I feel what is laid out below is going to be the best for our marriage overall. We are excited for our new marriage, and making Christ the center of our marriage. Thanks for your prayers and love.

Dear Financial and Prayer Supporters,

I wanted to write you personally and give you a quick update of the progress of Midtown Community Church, as well as our lives. First, Midtown Community Church is growing closer to launching weekly services. We will begin a series of three preview services next Sunday, September 19th. We will then hold our launch service Sunday, October 10th. Launch team members are working hard at preparing our meeting space with sound equipment, etc for that time. It is an exciting time in the life of our church. Our website is being updated. Goto www.midtownchurchkc.com for more info on current things. We are excited to see our church impact our community, all for the glory of God.

Parallel to this, exciting, yet some changing times are here for Leslie and I. Leslie and I have been married for a little over 40 days, and boy, have we had a mountain to climb in the beginning. In case you were not aware, we found out on our second day of the honeymoon that Leslie's father was found dead in his apartment. That news, on our honeymoon, sent shock waves obviously through us. August was a rollercoaster month of emotions, etc. We have arrived back to Kansas City, and are trying to get our heads back into the swing of beginning a new marriage together, trying to work through Leslie's father's death, her working a very time consuming job, me working multiple jobs at all differing times, trying to help pastor a church, and trying to nuture a marriage which is in an incubation time right now, with many new and exciting things being put upon our hearts...WHEW! That's alot.

The short of it is, as the leader of my marriage and family, I feel if we don't make some changes soon, we are going to put our marriage in jeopardy. Many days, the way our work schedules fall, for example, I don't see my wife until late into the evening. This affects alot of the foundation building a marriage needs in its beginning.

Leslie and I have three criteria for which we are working from right now:

Three Criteria

1) A unified heart

We believe we need to nuture our marriage and grow a unified heart. This includes me being available to help my wife work through her fathers death, as well as build a foundation that we only have one shot at in the beginning of our marriage. Many men in my life have all told me the same thing-that the first six-twelve months of your marriage will affect alot of the areas of your marriage for years to come. I take that seriously, and thus put it at high importance. I cannot, and I will not, compromise my marriage, even in doing other "good" things. Leslie and I are both so scattered, simply from what our day to day looks like, that continuing in this direction is not healthy.

2) Practical Change

We believe we have to do something as far as our jobs, and more day to day what we look like, in order to better give a foundation to our marriage and life, especially where we find ourselves currently. This also has to happen for us so that we are simply not exhausted when we approach these times. We can see the affects heavily waying on us right now.

3) Stirrings

With everything else going on, we believe that many things are stirring in both of our hearts as far as future ministry together, as well as the direction we want to go in our family, etc. Now hear me: We have no opportunities currently, nor do we have an idea of what this even looks like. I do know, however, that God has really given me a heart for pastoral care type ministry, and I've known it for a long time. I think I realize how much of a heart I have for it, in that I work for theRonald McDonald House Charities right now, and get to meet alot of people in times of tragedy and grief. In these times, while always hard, I thrive, and see my heart become passionate for those types of ministry and situations. Just a few weeks ago, I had a pastor friend call me from another part of the state, asking me to go visit a teenager from their church at Children's Mercy Hospital here in KC because they were not able to get up here to do it. I was OVERJOYED with the phone call. The highlight of my week was going to the hospital, meeting with the family, and letting them know they were cared for and giving them hope. Exploring how to pursue ministry in this fashion is exciting to me. Combining these passions missionally and through the church is something I am excited about exploring, pursuing, and learning as well.

However, we know in the very least we need to take a bit of time to process both individually and together, and to seek what the Lord may have for us. We feel in the very least we need some time together to pursue that. However, in our current state, we have no time to even talk about what is on our hearts together. Thus, things have to change for effectiveness.

What Have We Decided?

With all of those thoughts and needs, we came to the decision this past week that it would be in our best interest to step down from our leadership roles at Midtown Community Church. With everything going on right now, I feel as the leader of my family a great responsibility to get our life better ordered, so that we can be better effective as we move forward in ministry, wherever that may be. This past Sunday, I shared our heart with our launch team, and let them know that I would be stepping down from my pastoral duties, and Leslie would be stepping down from her role with the music/worship responsibilities. I believe that Leslie and I are about to enter a season where great prayer, study of the Word, and growth together will be needed. We are excited for this greatly. We will continue to attend and help see Midtown Community Church launch and be successful. However, our roles will be greatly reduced during this time, as we process and come together effectively.

Our role with M.C.C. isn't the only thing that needs to be changed. Leslie and I feel we desperately need to get on the same schedule work wise during this processing season for us. It does no good to step down from church responsibilities if we are working opposite schedules. We are currently exploring opportunities that may be out there for me to put us on the same schedule during this season, with some promising opportunities out there (non-church related). I will continue part time at the Ronald McDonald House Charities for this season in our lives. I love that place, it's mission, and it allows me to continue to learn about caring for people in distress.

We do plan to take some select opportunities, should they come to our attention, to minister together during this season outside from our current context as well. As many of you know, Leslie is an accomplished musician and worship leader, and in the last year had a CD come out. We want to put ourselves into select, short term situations where we can serve together and use that as a part of us creating new vision and unifying our hearts as a ministry team. So, if they become available, we may do some retreat and/or speaking/worship engagements together. Our hearts are both saying the same thing, that we need to pursue this, and now is the time. As with a few other things, we do not have anything like this confirmed right now. But, we say this to say that if a situation or two comes our way, we may say yes to it, as it exactly correlates to the goal(s) we are trying to accomplish during this time.

To close, I will encourage you in saying a few things:

1) God is moving in Midtown Kansas City. Our church is getting ready to be launched, and you were/are A HUGE part of it. I'm so excited to see what God does with M.C.C.

2)God is moving within my and Leslie's heart. Be affirmed-we are not burnt out, etc. We do need some rest together in the Lord for the sake of our marriage, but we are confident that God is stirring. We are excited to see what happens next in our life.

3) God is using you. God has, and is using you in my life, and in the life of Midtown Community Church. Your sacrifice has made it possible to see a new church about ready to be launched. You ARE a missionary! In the missions phrase to either "Pray, Give, or Go", I am confident that you have been in prayer, and many of you have given greatly. To this, i'm forever thankful.

Thank you for being people who care for me, love me, and believe in me. You have all made me the man I am today. I look forward to hearing from each of you and talking with you/communicating with you soon.

In His Grace,

Matthew Creath

My First Month As A Husband

2010-08-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

The past three months have been one thing-a whirlwind! The Lord has given, the Lord has taken away, and yet in all He recieves the Glory. For those of you who follow me through this medium, allow me to take a few minutes to update you over the past few months.

June 2010

June found Leslie and I very busy. We traveled to Houston, Texas, where we were blessed with a wedding shower/reception from friends and family. Lots of folks we know who could not make it to Kansas City for the wedding attended, and we had a great time. June also had us very busy planning for our big day. We were both working extra shifts at jobs to make a little extra cash, and I literally cannot remember anything else about it.

July 2010

As soon as July 1st hit, Leslie and I both quickly realized that in less than a month we would be husband and wife. WOW! Leslie kept very busy with work, going on several trips in the weeks immediately preceeding the wedding. I worked hard as well, working with some college aged summer residents that were a part of Midtown Community Church as much as I could. During the month of July, we had 60 students from FBC Broken Arrow, Oklahoma join us for a week of serving our neigbhorhood. Alot of great momentum was had from this.

On July 31st, 2010, Leslie and I became Husband and Wife. It was a wonderful, God honoring ceremony. For some reason, the blog isn't uploading pictures right now, or i'd have some. Hopefully soon. The ceremony could not have gone better. For those of you who were with us, thank you so much for joining us during this day. And to the countless folks who helped us pull it off, thank you.

August 2010

On Monday, August 2nd, we left on our honeymoon for Jamaica. It was an incredible trip for us overall. Early in our honeymoon, we did receive news (as most of you know by now) that Leslie's father had passed away. On day two of our stay in Jamaica, I received that call, and had the great task of telling my wife of three days this news. It blows any other hard thing I have ever had to do out the water. I've never felt so very helpless in my life. The only strength that I could muster was what the Lord gave me. As we approached our honeymoon in a very different way than most do, Leslie and I decided we would enjoy our honeymoon, while at the same time, understand that we are not trying to be disrespectful of what had happened. We mourned, we relaxed, laid low many times by the pool, and rested in the Lord and with each other. We were able to take a small trip and enjoy some sites as well. Overall, our honeymoon was really good. The time we had together that week, especially with everything that happened, was irreplaceable and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I was able, to the best of the ability that a young husband can do, care for my wife. Before leaving the Island, we went to the beach, Leslie read a note she had written to her father, in which we burned and buried along with a flower. It was our way of saying goodbye at that moment.

We arrived back to the states on Sunday evening, in Charlotte, North Carolina. I don't mean to disrespect the good friends at customs in Charlotte, but we stood in line for two hours. It was crazy. We got to the desk to re-check our luggage just in time to hear the final boarding call for our flight to Kansas City. Has anyone ever seen Home Alone? Well, that is what happened to us. We HAD to make that flight, or we'd be stuck for the night. So I grabbed my stuff, told Leslie to keep up as best she could (so I could catch the plane) and we bolted clear across the airport. I threw my stuff through security, and ran in my bare feet, shoes in hand, all the way to the LAST gate. By this time, I could not breathe, and they had already closed the door. I begged the lady to let us on the plane. Normally, once that door is shut, that's it. I begged her. They let us on, and literally just like Home Alone, said "take whatever seats are left". It is a funny story, but an experience I never want to go through again.

We arrived in Kansas City late that night. Leslie and I both took Monday off, as we were exhausted. We then traveled to Houston by car on Wednesday, the 11th, and stayed there until Sunday, the 15th, for services for her father. It was a sweet time to remember Leslie's father. The service was appropriate and well done.

Leslie and I have now been back in Kansas City since the 15th, and we are still trying to catch our breath. We still have a few boxes to unpack and sort through, and we have been married almost a month. We have MANY thank you notes that honestly are not finished yet, and we are sorry they are not.

It has been a emotion filled month. A roller coaster is a great depiction of what its been like. But through it all, God proves himself faithful every single day. We are trying to get back in the swing of life, as a new couple.

Continue to pray for the both of us. Pray that God would show favor to our marriage, and that our story of the first month of our marriage might see others come to see Jesus as faithful for the first time.

We must again say thank you to everyone who has prayed for us, helped us in MANY ways (you know who you are), and served us. We are humbled and honored to receive it.

Graduation!

2010-05-26T12:05:00.000-07:00

I finally made it! Last Saturday, May 22nd, I graduated from Midwestern Seminary here in Kansas City with my Master of Divinity! Whoo Hoo!

I'm still here...

2010-04-29T13:40:00.000-07:00

Well, if any of my faithful blog followers are still out there, i'm still alive! :) It has been a whirlwind 3-4 months. I honestly, and truly, don't even know where to begin.

The biggest and most important news in my life is that Leslie Follmar has agreed to be my wife! On March 12, I planned a special evening for us. I won't re-write what happened, but allow you to go to leslie.blogs.com and read about our evening which concluded with us being engaged! We plan to be married late this summer, here in Kansas City. Needless to say, i'm a happy, and blessed man. I could write a book about how excited I am. But, I don't want to write a 100 page blog post.

Other big news is that I am graduating with my Masters (MDIV) from Midwestern Seminary here in KC May 22nd. So much new is happening my life right now, this included. For the first time in over 20 years I will be finished with school, and have met the goal I set out for myself when I graduated high school (to complete my masters). Anything past this will just be icing on the cake (and that icing, if it happens, will not be happening for QUITE A WHILE, if at all). If you are interested in coming to my graduation, all are welcome. Just shoot me an email or call.

Things with Midtown Community Church are going well. Honestly, we feel like we have some solid hope building in the community, and as a farmer would say, we are working hard at plowing the field daily. We are continuing to learn so very much, and realize how little we know. The Lord is so good, and he is blessing us. We have a CRAZY summer ahead of us as we confidently look towards middle of next fall for our "launch" (if you are around church planting that will make sense to you). This, added with a wedding, plus working multiple other jobs, has put me in the middle of a whirlwind right now. To my financial supporters, I can only thank you for your grace in my lack of communication over the last few months. I will be getting a newsletter to you soon, I promise.

All of this being said, i'm back, and hopefully on a regular basis. I've told some people as I look at my calendar that if I make it out of May still in tact, we are smooth sailing from there! You can pray for me in all seriousness, because it is a busy month coming up, that God would show himself to me and give my the supernatural strength I need to continue.

Many blessings to all!

It's Been A While...

2010-01-14T15:04:00.000-08:00

It has been a long while since my last update. We have celebrated 2 Holidays, we are out of the "otts" (will that ever catch on?), and much, much more has happened. This is my attempt to update everyone on at least some of it.

First of all, I am officially DONE with seminary. I passed my final two classes, and now all I have to do it go through the ceremony in May. I am EXTREMELY happy about this! It hasn't fully sunk in for me, as of yet. Many of you know I haven't stopped going to school since I was 5 years old. I am 26 now. WOW. I am starting to really feel a sense of acomplishment.

Second, financial support raising has gone so-so. I did not/have not reached my goal of 100% funding for 2010. I had many folks who are helping me out, though, and I thank you for that. I continue to need help in this area. On this subject of Midtown Community Church at large, I will hopefully be sending an update out by the end of this month. Things are growing ever busy!

Third, I have yet another job. I know what you're thinking...when do you sleep? Well, I find the time somewhere. This job I am REALLY excited about, for a number of reasons. It will provide a good portion of the funds I was not able to raise in support, which is positive. However, more importantly, it is something I am REALLY going to enjoy. I am now a relief manager at The Ronald McDonald House of Kansas City (www.rmhckc.org) What does that mean? Well, i'll tell you. Essentially I will work on average of one weekend a month at the house. I will essentially do all of the duties that the house manager would do during the week, so that they can have the weekend off. I will stay at the house, be on call, assist guests, etc. If you are not aware of what the Ronald McDonald House does, you need to check it out. It is an organization that I really believe in, and does some absolutely amazing work. And I guarantee you, there is always people to serve, love on, and minister to there.

Fourth, as a church, we have gotten for the first time a strong focus moving forward. Long story short, we now have elder men in our lives in Kansas City that are helping us in a number of ways, setting us up for success. Some things we were doing well, other things not so well. We knew that, and we knew alot of that was because of a lack of time on our part. We are really excited about the road ahead. I'm rapidly I fell like becoming a part of our neighbhorhood, and sharing life with this community. Things are going well. But you'd really have to be here to understand it fully...(so you should move here...). :-) I'm so thankful that God has put me in the position he has. It seems like the longer I live this life, the less I feel like I REALLY know. Do you remember when you were 16 years old, you just started driving, and you thought you knew everything? I do. I'm starting to rapidly learn that we deceive ourselves in this, and that humility must occur on a daily basis if we are to grow in following Christ, being leaders, and loving people.

Well, that's about all I have for now. Again, I want to have a more formal support update out by the end of the month. Be looking for that. Many blessings.

Support...

2009-12-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

It has been a very busy month here in Kansas City. Things continue to go well, and we continue to refine ourselves as a church, pinpointing our efforts in order to be who we believe God has called us to be. It has been good.

Many of you received my update letter in the last month. I wanted to update everyone on my status. I currently have approximately 35% of my support for 2010 raised. I have added a few monthly partners, as well as have had a church or two give me a substantial one time gift. That, along with a very generous, completely anonymous, gift I received in the mail the other day, and I sit at 35% to being fully supported, according to my plan laid out in my letter.

First, I'm grateful for those of you who have stepped up and blessed me so much. Your generosity is absolutely wonderful. I do still have quite a bit more to go, however.

As this final month of 2009 occurs, will you pray about becoming a monthly partner with me in 2010? Would you small group, or other group, like to come together and support a missionary in 2010? I would love to come speak to you about the vision we have for KC, Midtown Community Church, etc.

I still need to put a bigger dent in the overall percent of support coming in by the beginning of 2010. Please pray, and contact me if you have any interest at all.

Matthew Creath

mcreath@midtownchurchkc.com

Midtown Prayer Gathering

2009-11-05T14:56:00.000-08:00

Last evening we were able to have our second monthly Midtown Prayer Gathering. During that time, we prayed for South Korea, our country we have adopted to pray for this month. We also heard from Brian and Kelly Key, campus missionaries to the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and dear friends of mine. We also spent time praying for the people of our city. As the holidays approach, many, young and old, are lonely. They are looking for people to be around. I was able to challenge our church and the visitors to befriend their neighbhors, co-workers, and others. And, in this way, we can share the Gospel as well. Below are pictures of our first prayer gathering in October. Please join us in praying for South Korea, Brian and Kelly Key, and the people of Midtown Kansas City this month! A prayer guide may be downloading by going to our website, www.midtownchurchkc.com, clicking on "connect", clicking on "Midtown Prayer Gathering", and clicking on "November Prayer Guide". It should be posted soon.

It's November!

2009-11-01T06:17:00.001-08:00

I'm sitting at the Filling Station this beautiful Sunday morning. I don't know where the time has went. It's already November. The next two weeks I will be preaching at our Sunday worship gatherings. It has been a bit since I last preached, so i'm pumped for the opportunity, and am realizing more and more how much I feel strongly about doing that regularly in my life.

I've been convicted lately about urgency. Urgency with the Gospel, yes, but also just plain urgency in getting things done. I've learned that there is absolutely no excuse for not having urgency. Not having resources-no excuse-go out and get them, and beg for them if you have to. Not having time-make time-you are in control of your schedule, not the other way around. Not having energy-work HARD when it is time to work hard, and rest HARD when it is time to rest. There needs to be a strong urgency in all of our lives as followers of Christ. Being passive about something you are passionate about is kind of ironic, if not contridictory, to me. Recently I decided that I will no longer be passive about many things in my life. Not that I am neccesarily a passive person anyway (I feel like i'm a pretty upfront, look at things realistically type of guy). However, in my actions and attitude, i'm going to be respectfully blunt and honest. Thus far, it has brought about nothing but positive results. I don't neccesarily think it always will, but, thus far, it has.

Pray for me this morning and next week as I open the Word with Midtown Community Church.

Fall 2009 Update Letter

2009-10-30T16:34:00.000-07:00

I have completed my Fall 2009 update letter. As I say in the letter, it is probably the most important letter I have ever written, as it includes detailed information on my financial need for 2010. In a nutshell, I need your help desperately in the coming months leading up to and after the launching of Midtown Community Church. If you have not received my letter yet, I would love to send it to you. I can send it by email via PDF, or, I can snail mail it to you. It would be my pleasure to do this, and I would be honored for you to pray through it. Love you guys.

A Crazy Week...

2009-10-16T12:17:00.000-07:00

Well, to say this has been an unexpected week would be an understatment. About a week ago, I had three or four bites that appeared on both of my legs. A few days later, rashes were spreading over both of my lower legs. Seems to be I have been eaten on by a brown recluse spider. Thus, a week later, 3 trips to the doctor, 4 pill bottles of pills, including two different steroid packs, and i'm on my way to recovery. I spent half of the week off work. Thank goodness for paid sick days! The legs still look pretty nasty, and itch. But, with this kind of stuff, that is to be expected. However, I was able to go to work this morning, and had hardly any pain in my legs, and the rash seems to be beginning to dry up. I had a lot of time to sit and think this week while resting my legs, which was good. So, thank you for everyone who helped me out/visited me this week. I think i'm gonna make it. It made for a crazy, yet at times restful fall break from seminary classes. Perhaps the Lord knew I needed to take a few days and sit, and he knew the only way I would do it is if I had no choice. He was probably right.

It's friday afternoon, and I just had to get out of the apartment. I'm at The Filling Station, which if you don't know, is absolutely the BEST coffeeshop in Kansas City. Period. It is located right across the street from our church's meeting space, and a block from my apartment. To Do: Study for a midterm I need to take before Monday. Have I studied for it-not yet.

So, while this post focused more upon me personally than Midtown Community Church, I wanted to update you as to where I am at. I owe each of you who support me an update letter. Be prepared to recieve that soon. It will be a special letter and appeal, so be looking for that soon.

Lots Of Things Are Happening!

2009-10-08T15:45:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy week for us at Midtown Community, and I could not be prouder of our leadership. They have stepped up and gotten a lot done on our physical meeting space. Pictures are soon to follow, but we are nearly complete with our Children's area now. This includes paint, trim, new bathroom fixtures and new tile. The only major thing we lack at this point is carpet. So, if anyone knows of someone who would like to donate some carpet, let me know! :)

We also had a group of 20 8th graders from the Whitfield School in Waldo (south Midtown area) come and spend an entire day painting our worship area. They did a great job getting the first layer on. We still have quite a bit to do on that, but, they provided us a great start. The area already looks completely different!

And, last evening, we had our first monthly "Midtown Prayer Gathering". Our church gathering with another local church, where we prayed for our churches focus country of the month, Rwanda. We also prayed for another church plant that is attempting to reach out to an area north of us. Thirdly, we prayed for our city in general, Kansas City. We pray that God would use us to share the Truth of Christ, to love, to serve, and to care for the people of our neigbhorhood and city. We pray that our city would be transformed by the love of Christ. And, we believe it can, and is.

I hope to have pictures and/or videos of these events up soon! Right now, i'm in the middle of finishing one of two final midterms of my Masters Degree!

Remodeling Update

2009-09-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

Greetings all. The next 2 months big changes will begin to take shape on our meeting space for Midtown Community Church. We have nearly completed our work on our children's area. All that is left to do is prime, paint, tile the bathroom, and install new fixtures. This will happen in the next two weeks. Whoo hoo! There are a few things left to do as far as this goes (installing possibly a drop ceiling), but the priorities in the room will be finished.

On October 6th, we will have a group of 20 8th graders from Wycliffe School in the Waldo area coming to begin painting the said area above, plus begin painting our worship area. Thanks to a donation from an amazing paint company in the KC Metro area, we have been donated some incredible paint (about $100/gallon...its amazing paint they create themselves).

Along with this, we are hoping to meet this week with a woman whom we got to know through our launching church (www.wornallroad.org) that designs spaces. She has be gracious enough to volunteer her time to help us get a computer mock up of our space, and give us some vision to show people. What a blessing.

We also met friday with a church from here in Missouri that is near and dear to my heart to address the water leaking in our building. Two men were gracious enough to meet with Adam and I, and figure out what the best plan of action would be to seal the patio that is above our space so that the leaking ceases. We are praying about a group from this church that can come up in the next couple months to help us with this task, which is not a small one.

In the next month or so a group from one of our partner churches in Oklahoma will be coming to install a secondary exit door for us (as we need it for fire code). A big project in itself, we are so thankful that this crew will be coming up.

Thus, so MUCH is happening. And, while its good, we still have MANY needs. We need two bathroom plumbing lines run, which is going to be QUITE a task. We need concrete floors sanded so that they may be painted/stained. We need indoor walls built. We need two sets of fixtures for two future bathrooms (vanities, sinks, toilets, and possibly small shower set-ups).

If you have access to anything remodeling, construction, etc, we probably need it. If you have anything you would like to donate, it is completely tax deductible! Remember that.

God is up to some great stuff, and these are some of the practical things for our physical space that we are in need of. Lots of other needs we have as well.

A Great Weekend

2009-09-20T05:59:00.000-07:00

This weekend the leadership of Midtown Community Church had the chance to go to a Church Planter's Retreat at Lake of the Ozarks. It was a great few days of refreshment and a chance to refocus ourselves on the mission of our church. I was very grateful for the opportunity to get to take part in this.

This weekend I have been working of filling our website with content. It's certainly not complete, or even close for that matter, but it's slowly building. Check it out if you would like. www.midtownchurchkc.com

I hope this week to put together an updated list of our most severe needs as a church, with the possibility of you as an individual or you as a church could help us out. We have MANY needs from remodeling to simply finanical help. In the mean time, if you are interested, let me know. I can discuss some of these things we need so very desperately.

www.midtownchurchkc.com

2009-09-15T17:34:00.000-07:00

well, we are almost there. In the coming days, our church's website will be in its infancy. As of now, if you go to our link, you will not find anything. But, we hope to have some basic structure launched by next week at this time. So, bookmark www.midtownchurchkc.com and, when it is launched, visit it often! We are only able to launch this site thanks to the benevolence of a kind person who saw a need and responded financially. I would like to say that we don't have more needs...but we do, and lots of them. Some needs are small in both financial and labor, and some are larger. Are you a person who would like to help a young church launch? If so, please contact me. I would love to share the ever growing needs we have. Many blessings!

The Urban Core Needs You

2009-09-03T15:58:00.000-07:00

I just got done today meeting with pastors, church planters and other men from the assocation our young church is a part of. This consists of churches all over the metro KC area. I had the distinct pleasure of sitting and talking with like minded men who have given their lives to be used in the urban core, some right in my neigbhorhood, some white, some african american, etc. It was a joyous day. Good discussion was had, and I believe we are starting to see the Lord opening some hearts for the city amongst our assocation.

The day was very encouraging. I came away, however thinking a few things. No matter what people group in the city we are trying to reach, what color skin they have, etc, we desperately need your help. And I do not mean we need your help so that we can "FINALLY" build that new building. We need your help, your resources, your time, your energies, in furthering the Gospel presence. This may flesh itself out in time you can give, finances you can give, resources you can give, prayer you can give, encouragement you can give, etc.

I'm pretty blunt these days, and I'm not bashful to ask-We Need Help, and we need it from you if you are reading this. Ours is a church that has very little resources, but a great deal of hope and faith. Please contact me if you have a heart to help. I promise you, if you have a desire, we have a need in almost any category.

Our City, Kansas City, and specifically the Urban Core, need YOU.

fun times!

2009-08-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

Well, many of you have/will recieve my August 2009 update letter in the coming days. The hard copies were sent out today, and I emailed copies to many folks last night. If you would like to recieve one, let me know.

The last two months have been quite crazy! Busy, yet good. Great weariness, yet beneficial. I was reminded today of how faithful the Lord is, even in incredibly hard circumstances that most of us cannot relate to.

Most people would respond with a negative when someone and/or a group of people completely devestate your life (and this isn't about me, just fyi). I am learning so much by watching a good friend of mine right now. The last year has been full of confusing adversity for Him, yet, he seems to be seeing Jesus in His life more than I am. What a great lesson for us to truly understand how hardship, even that which is not understandable, sharpens us and pushes us closer to Jesus. It will do that, or bitterness occurs, and our lives are incomplete. I'm thankful for the former in my friend's life.

God is Good, He's moving in my city, and in our church!

Whew...

2009-08-08T14:56:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry for the lack of updates the last two months. I literally have been through the craziest, busiest two months of my life. I'm not complaining though. The Lord is up to great things in my city, my neigbhorhood and in my life. Finanical/prayer partners-be looking for an update letter soon. I owe you one in the worst way. For now, let me just say that things are going well, and i'm learning new life lessons everyday!

A Nice, Overcast Day...

2009-06-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

The weather is overcast here in Midtown Kansas City today. I am sitting at THE coffeeshop in Kansas City (if you do not know which coffeehouse reigns supreme over all others, let me know, i'll tell you...hint: it's right across from the building we are renting for Midtown Community).

This past weekend we had a wonderful time with the pastor and members from Cornerstone Baptist Church from Richland, Missouri. This group came in for an overnight vision weekend with us. During the weekend, we spent time in our neighbhorhood, walking and praying. We also had a very enjoyable vision casting dinner at the Ronald McDonald House Community Room, complete with Gates BBQ (what better excuse to have KC BBQ!). The group from Cornerstone was also able to worship with us on Sunday. It was wonderful to worship with fellow believers who love Jesus, and are proclaming Him in other parts of our state.

I'm extremely excited for the continuing develop of Midtown Community. We are gearing up this weekend for a number of things. First, the Hospital Hill Run, which is the second oldest half marathon in the country, is happening. Over 5,000 runners will make their way right through our neigbhorhood! What an opportunity! Also, a group of students from Brookside Baptist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma will join us for an entire week of urban ministry. I nearly cannot contain my excitement! Knowing what God has wired you for, and actually getting to do it, it beyond comprehension a blessing.

I have recently in the last week sent out my latest update letter, both in email form and hardcopy. If you would like to recieve this, please message me. I am currently seeking several new financial partners. Finances are growing ever tighter for me as we plant Midtown Community, and i'm in real need for some new partners. Please contact me for more information. Many blessings!

Building Progress...

2009-05-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

Below are a few pictures from the progress we are making on our children's area. These actually do not show all that was completed. This is about half way done. Much more was completed. I'll try and take pictures this week and put them up. Thank you FBC St. Charles for all of your hard work!

Happy (late) Mother's Day!

2009-05-11T05:51:00.000-07:00

End of the Road, New Beginnings...

2009-05-06T16:38:00.000-07:00

I am closing in on the end of the semester at seminary. I have been SUPER busy finishing everything for it, and thus have fallen short on my updates lately. I just registered for my final two classes that I need to complete my masters degree, which I will take this fall! I am surely ready to be finished, but at the same time have been in a reflective mood wondering where the time went, and how soon I will have my masters degree (well technically I suppose I won't walk until a year from now).

Things with Midtown Community are going well. We are gearing up for a big summer. Groups will be coming in to help us with mission projects and learn urban ministry alongside us. We are beginning to build some relationships in our neigbhorhood. God is stirring a great deal within me right now about Children's Mercy Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House, which are literally a few blocks from where we meet. I am meeting with the director of volunteers of the Ronald McDonald House next friday to begin a partnership between our church and them. Personally, I feel very strong about this place. You can drive by a place such as this, and until you go in, you have no idea how it will impact you. There are few things that are harder than to see a child suffering with many times sicknesses that will not get better. I forsee myself becoming greatly invovled in this organization in the coming years personally.

In the coming weeks we have groups coming into town to specifically help us with some rennovation efforts we are doing on our building as well. Some needs we still have, if anyone has the ability, time, finances or supplies:

A pressing need we need to get done this summer is to seal the roof of our meeting place. Those of you who have been to our location, you know its a unique facility. Bottom line-we have some leaking when it rains that we need fixed. If you have any ability/know how and would be willing to donate the time/finances to help get this done, we'd be appreciative. Just get into contact with me, matthewcreath@yahoo.com for more information.

Well that's all for now. Back to working on end of semester work. I hope in the next few weeks to get an update letter out. If you do not recieve my letter, and would like to, email me at the above address.

Many Blessings.

Our First Easter!

2009-04-14T16:31:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, Midtown Community Church gathered for our first Easter Celebration together. It was a wonderful morning, with 30 total joining us during the morning! What an encouraging sight it was to see, as our gathering usually consists of around 13-15 people. Families, as well as some special invited guests joined in our morning of worship, prayer and hearing from God's Word. Afterwards, we had a big brunch together, in this same spot.

Update Letter

2009-03-21T06:05:00.000-07:00

Hey friends. Through a printing fiasco (I had to buy a new printer), my new update letter is nearly ready to be sent out. I have already emailed to those I have email for through a .pdf. If you would like to recieve a hard copy or email of it, please let me know. Those who regularly recieve my update letter-it should be in your mailbox by the middle of next week.

Thank you to those who support me! Blessings you to!

Matthew

Building Progress...

2009-03-02T16:47:00.000-08:00

Below are videos of the process we have went through getting the beams ready in our worship area. Through the blessing of a local KC company, we were donated some high quality paint (over $100 a gallon) as well as the application of it. What a blessing! God is doing a great work! In the next two weeks, the walls of the room will be completely painted a tan color, also donated from the company.

Getting The Loose Rust Off....

Rust Grip/Primer Applied....

Beams Painted!

Great Things Are Happening...

2009-02-17T14:38:00.000-08:00

What a busy last couple of weeks! In church planting, you don't always know how things are going to work out, and when they will work out. It's literally a daily walk of faith and trust. A few of the things that has me very excited, and feeling very blessed include the following:

1. Prayer Weekend With Cornerstone
Weekend after next, we will have around 20 people from Cornerstone Bapt. Church from Richland, Mo spending the weekend with us. They plan to come in and spend a majority of the time praying with us in various fashions for our church, our neigbhorhood and our city. They will range in age from students to older adults. I'M THRILLED!

1"a". Vision Casting Dinner
To add to the excitement of the group coming, on Saturday night I have been planning a "vision casting" dinner for the group. I really wanted to do this a "The Filling Station" coffeeshop, where God began to birth into me the idea of planting a church. We talked with the operator of the filling station this past week, and she is going to let us do it there after they close Saturday.....FOR FREE...and then I asked her if she would cater the meal for us....and she's covering HALF of the expense herself...unbelievable generosity. It is quite overwhelming for a humble ministry such as ours. Our resources are greatly limited right now...so i'm praising God. Yet another reason why The Filling Station is the BEST coffeeshop in Kansas City...period.

2. Resources...
Many of you know that the core leadership of Midtown Community began a few months ago to rent a modest, one of a kind, building here in the hospital hill/union hill/longfellow neigbhorhood, directly across the street from the Filling Station coffeeshop. It was used as a woodshop before, and has a great industrial feel. While a great feel, it needs a HEAVY dose of T.L.C. (well lets me honest-it needs some remodeling.) Through a great man in Kansas City that we are connected to, we were introduced to a local company who produces industrial paint, etc. We met with them at our building this past weekend, and they said they would be able to restore the old "I" beams in the building, as well as paint our walls. The paint to redo the beams costs about $100 a gallon alone (a very special paint has to be used for them). The walls will be painted with a special paint that "insulates" both heat AND sound (which is something we have been trying to work out...there is a great deal of echoing in it). It costs around $102/gallon. And I haven't told you the craziest part about this whole deal yet.......we are getting all of this done, including all of the paint.....FOR FREE. We are talking about supplies and labor pushing the $10,000 mark if we were to pay for it. UNBELIEVABLE. What an affirmation to me that God is up to something with us. What a humbling situation. So, barring a few minor situations occuring, this work will begin THIS WEEKEND.

3.Faithfulness
God is stirring among a number of people either to support Midtown, or to move to K.C. and become a part of it. He is also stirring in our young church as it exists currently to follow the Him more faithfully, loving people in our community at a whole new level. Great stuff.

It is our hopes in the next few weeks to begin a weekly prayer email so that you may be better updated, as well as be in prayer for us. We need that more than anything.

busy busy

2009-02-09T18:20:00.000-08:00

Hey all. It's been a busy start to the year. Blogging is not my first priority, thus the updates has been few and far between. Things are going well with Midtown Community. Exciting news as of recent is we have a new addition to the church, with a young lady deciding to quit her job and move to Kansas City to be a part of the plant as well as continue her education. What faith! I am encouraged for her the change her entire life, for the glory of God.

I have decided not to graduate in May like I had dreamed of doing. I will take my final two classes at seminary next fall (i'm taking 9 hours this semester as well) and graduate May 2010. Much more drawn out than I planned, but it was my plan and not the Lord's I guess! :)

I'm pretty grateful for all that God is doing here in KC. Typical hardships occur, but all for the Glory of God.

I hope to have a new update letter soon for those expecting one. Thank you for your support.

I Love This City....

2009-01-03T07:48:00.001-08:00

I'm sitting at the Filling Station on this busy Saturday morning. The place is packed out. We are hosting a friend this weekend who is thinking of making a move to Kansas City to be a part of Midtown Community Church. Its a great weekend.

I absolutely love my city, Kansas City. I would not want to be or live in any other city. There is a humbleness about it that I like. We know we are not the most "exciting" city, and we know that when people think of vacation, Kansas City is not even close to the top of their list. I love it. There is a sense among the community we are trying to reach that we all live here, are happy to be here, and want to make our city great. I love that.

I met the president of our neigbhorhood assocation the other day here at the filling station, and he was the more excited about this neigbhorhood and the city than anyone I have ever met. And he is a man in probably his 60's, who moved BACK from the suburbs about 10 years ago, to inject some life back into the urban core. I LOVE IT. As he put it, "No one knows their neighbhors in the burbs. The thing we have to have here is COMMUNITY". Wow. What a friend in the community to have. I pray that as I wake up everyday, I think about this guy, and his excitement for the city. He has changed his entire life, for the people of this neigbhorhood. I can do no less!

The Meeting Place Begins...

2008-12-15T19:33:00.000-08:00

Below are some videos (although the video phone video is not high quality) of a group of men from our core group, who gathered all day saturday to begin preparing the meeting space we are renting for the renovations we be starting soon. This will be where Midtown Community Church will gather to worship and be our "ground zero" for sharing Christ with Midtown.

Sorry Jesus, I'd Love People, But I'm Too Consumed With Myself...

2008-12-11T13:45:00.000-08:00

This note will stir away from updates on Midtown Community, but its something I've been thinking alot about lately, and how it really affects my generation of leaders.

The word "busy" and "tired" come out of the mouth's of people my age alot. Unfortunately, they come out of my mouth far too often as well. "How are you, Matthew?" someone asks. "Oh, I'm busy", or, "Oh, I'm so tired" is quite normal for me to say. Its quite normal that many times, its the truth.

But the heart of the matter is the use of time. What am I/What are you using your time for?

I'm ever more conviced that we are not as "busy" as we like to think we are, but we put things in our lives in unhealthy fashions and amounts that consume us. They eat away at our time. Some of them "look" productive, yet are they really? Are they the BEST use of our time?

And it could be ANYTHING.

Classic examples people use many times are video games, television, movies, etc. In unhealthy amounts, these can indeed be severely consuming. In my day, I was a video game junkie. It has been a long time, though, since this was the case. For me, they became so "involved" that I figured out that I would literally have to devote my life to learning how to play them, and then how to play them well. That is when I chose not to spend very much time with these anymore (and why in college an 8 year old could beat me at "Halo".) :)

Others, still on the electronic fashion, include texting and blogging. I wrote a post not too long ago where I suggested I would try to cease my texting. Well, i've fell of the wagon of that (I think that's the phrase...hehe). It seems that to my generation, these have become neccesary in many people's lives. "I haven't blogged for 2 days, oh my"! The ironic thing is some of the most inflential people in my life either do not have blogs, or have blogs that are updated like 10 times a year (not on purpose). As I observe their lives, it becomes increasingly clear why this is the case. They do not have blogs, or infrequently update them because when the choice between ministering and loving people versus writing a deep blogpost comes, they choose to minister and love people. The urgency of the Gospel in their lives is so deep, that there is just not time for blogging. They are so deeply involved in Kingdom work (notice I didn't say busy church work), that the idea of blogging might pop into their mind as they arise in the morning, but they realize that they do not have the time. Even as I write this post right now, I wonder, "Why am I writing this when I could be out sharing the gospel with someone. I know the message and how to share the gospel, and yet, I would rather rant on my blog". It convicts me. It bothers me when I say "I'm so busy", or "I'm so tired", and yet can spend time writing out sometimes a well researched blog post. It makes me think that i'm not being entirely truthful with how "busy" or "tired" I REALLY am.

That being said, I'm not suggesting that every person that has a blog is evil (because I would obviously be calling myself evil! ha!). I'm not suggesting that every person that texts, or play video games, is evil. But i'm suggesting the role of it, along with these other mediums (with many others not mentioned), in the life of a follower of Christ.

So as I think about being "busy" or "tired", I do want my life to be worn out. I want my life to be worn out, however, sharing the gospel, loving people in my community, caring for them when they are struggling, encouraging them when they are down, celebrating with them when they are victorious, mourning with them when its time to mourn. I want my life to be worn out doing the work of the ministry, and doing it WELL. When people think of my life, I don't want them to think, "Wow...what a great blog he had", or "Wow, he was good at Halo", or "That dude could text me back faster than anyone else I know".

On the contrary, I want people, when they think of Matthew Creath at the end of my life, to think, "That guy wore himself out following Jesus. He gave everything he had, every day." This is essentially the purpose statement I have for my life. To be used, unconditionally, by the Lord for his purposes.

So I really think its ok for me to say, "I'm tired" or even "I'm busy". As long as i'm tired or busy because I'm giving 100% in kingdom work. So, as I think about that, I have to figure out what that means. As a church planter myself, if any of these (any of the media I have talked about, etc) take the place of the essential ministry and needs of the church I am called to help shepherd, then I think I have personally misplaced my priorities. I would say I have done this at times this fall. I would say many pastors and leaders have had this happen to them. Which is why I chose to come to the filling station today. I love this community, and I want to love it with all of my being. I want to be a part of it. I want the work Christ has done in my life to impact others in the community. I want people to hear truth, but not because I have learned a method on how to share it, but because they have seen how I live my life and it shines through.

I want to quit using "I'm busy" or "I'm tired" as an excuse. But, at the end of my life, the following words are what I want to say:

"I'm tired. I have served the Lord fervently, and I'm ready to go home to be with my Savior".

If I can say this with honesty, it will a joyous time.

Well, if you have gotten this far, I'm impressed with you reading my scattered thoughts. I would like you watch this video. An old family friend's daughter, whom I knew growing up, recently passed away. She was 34, and had just had a new baby. I believe its a great testimony to her life.
I had the opportunity to attend her visitation on Tuesday, and it was a beautiful tribute to the work Christ did in her life. http://www.myfoxkc.com/myfox/MyFox/pages/side bar_video.jsp?contentId=8029497&version=1&loc ale=EN-US

A Picture Of The Future!

2008-11-25T19:07:00.001-08:00

Today is a special day in the young life of Midtown Communit y Church. First, I realized that I had not ever shown to my blog readers the logo we have chosen for the church. I am very happy with it. In my mind, it represents several things. It in many senses resembles the seal an embosser makes upon, for example, a book. We as Midtown Community Church want to have a similar affect upon the community we are trying to reach. We want to make our mark, and when people look at this logo, they will think one thing-people who love and serve Jesus Christ. Second, the logo lacks "crispness". It has flaws, and imperfectness. I believe this represents each member of the Midtown Community Church, and what we desire to portray. We are an inperfect group of people, trying to follow a perfect God. These attributes of our logo may seem contrite to many, but I believe it gives us vision to remind us who and what we are to be.

Second, as of this week we have signed a lease on a building for our church to have weekly worship gatherings in when we begin these on March 8, 2009. It is difficult to tell from this picture, but if you look directly in the middle, there is an old brick building between two new townhome buildings. This building is called the "citybuilders" building. We will be renting the bottom portion (you can see the garage door, and there is a regular door out of sight right beside it). From where this picture is being taken, if you would walk to the right 10 feet, you would be at the door of "The Filling Station" coffeeshop, which has been "ground zero" for us in determining God's vision for us reaching this part of midtown...thus, God has provided an INCREDIBLE space for our church to meet in. It is providing us the ability to build relationships with many community members and buisness owners. Many around this area are hearing that we are renting the building, are greatly interested in what we are going to be doing (and some even interested in being a part of it!).We are so grateful for God's provision. Over the next few months we will be doing some light construction on the building, with the help of a few mission groups from churches we are partnered with, to prepare it for our needs. If you have access/knowledge of building and/or supplies, let us know! We could greatly use the help!

Almost Thanksgiving...

2008-11-22T15:12:00.000-08:00

Its nearly thanksgiving, and the week will surely be busy here in KC. From holiday dinners with family and friends, to the plaza lighting ceremonies, to holiday parties, my week will be quite busy. I'm excited for the opportunities of the next week!

In a few updates, Midtown Community is making some progress in our pre-birth phase (that just sounds wierd, now doesn't it?). Among the developments...

-We are nearly 20 strong.

-Through the finanical committment of a church partner, we have secured a building to begin "reshaping" to fit our needs for when we launch.

-we have "pushed back" our date for our weekly service launch date. We originally had January 18, 2009 as the Sunday we would begin having weekly services. A few weeks ago, our core group decided we would push this date back to March 8th, and have a few "preview" services in January and February. This will work much better for us in our position currently, and give us the ability to launch successfully.

-We have begun to create some relationships with those in the hospital hill community that are only God-given. Its really been fun to see the Lord connect us, even with people of the community that do not know Jesus.

-We have begun to secure partnerships with several churches and individuals throughout the country. (although we still are not at 100% on our funding, so we could use more partners!).

-We have had some churches and individuals donate items we will need for our launch, including folding chairs, a projector, screen, a few pieces of various sound equipment, some other AV equipment, etc.

Things are going very well overall. It's quite the journey, let me tell you. The Lord is good, and he provides just what his people need (and its figuring out what we NEED versus what we want that is important).

Yeah Baby!

2008-11-17T17:58:00.000-08:00

I Love Living In My Neighborhood...

2008-11-13T17:14:00.000-08:00

Living In My Neighborhood...
I sit at Latteland, I place I usually frequent about once a week. It is 2 blocks from my apartment, thus I get the opportunity to build relationships and live in community with people here on a regular basis. I love it. There are not a lot of people in the shop tonight. I am looking outa large picture window, sipping a cup of drip coffee, and look outside with the wishes of snow falling. Not yet, but, that will come soon enough.

I have found this to be the fastest fall to date. We are already in the middle of November. I remember when I was a child...it seemed like time stood still. I never thought about time going by fast. I was no concerned about where I would be in a year. I never thought and worried so much about seemingly small things. I simply lived a simple life. I think that adults can learn alot from simply thinking upon the way a child thinks, acts, and lives.

I Kissed Textmessaging Goodbye...
Ok, I have not given up on text messaging completely. But, if you are one who texts me, you may have noticed that I have not texted you back in the past week. I have made the decision to forgo the option (some do not see texting as an option but neccesity) of using text messaging to communicate. There are a number of reasons I have done this.

First, I don't believe I communicate well through it, nor do I recieve communication well from it. It makes "instant messaging" look good (which isn't good either). There is no way to understand what a person is feeling, thinking or really trying to convey through texting. There has been multiple occasion that I have taken what someone has texted me one way, when in reality, it is not how the person meant it at all. The opposite has also happened.

Second, there is a major paradox in communication that texting creates. It allows for MORE communication between people on an instant basis. Yet, at least for me, it allows for LESS (in terms of quality) communication.

Third, texting for most people (except for the crazy people who text 1000's of messages a month) takes longer than simply calling someone, communicating, and then hanging up. I know for me this is the case.

So, here's my conclusion. I am not giving text messaging up cold turkey. If I am in a situation where instant communication is not only handy but neccesary, then I will do so. Instances where this may occur include if I am in a meeting/lecture/etc that will not allow me to call someone, yet need to communicate immediately. Or, if phone service will not work, but texting will (which was a blessing during the hurricanes I was in the middle of a few years ago).

However, I will not text someone if I have the opportunity to call them. Period. As far as someone sending me a text message...if you do....and I am in a situation where I can call you...I am going to call you. It just makes sense. It will save us both time, and our communication will be better.

I have learned over the past few years that communication is the key that will make or break many areas of a person's life.

So, i'll either look forward to talking to you on the phone, or I guess I will be hearing from some of you less. But honestly, I don't count this as a loss, because really, the communication (at least on my end) was that great anyway. :)

Our God is A God of Provision...
As I've been on my journey of faith the last 1 1/2 years, in terms of relying on others for a part of my finances, i've seen the Lord provide for me right when I need it. It is a life few live in the U.S., yet I would encourage more of. I'm not going to lie...at times its hard. But I will tell you that he provides through ways that you can't even imagine. I will tell you that if you desire to be comfortable or rich, it isn't the road for you. But, if you are on the road of wanting to see your Lord and Savior work and grow your faith...give it a try. The road is hard. As I work full time at Barnes and Noble, providing a portion of what I need, and as a few and faithful people in my life sacrifice their hard earnings to the Lord (and bless me), I sometimes feel as though I don't deserve it. A friend responded recently to a prompting of the Lord to support me, and in which I recieved her check today. To this person, i'm encouraged by you. You have been used as an instrument to further the Kingdom. I'm so thankful. And, while I'm thankful, if I'm being honest, I need more people like her. As we begin in the next few months to launch a church, if you believe in me, I'd ask you to consider your support. I'm not a good salesman, nor would I ever try to sell you on supporting me and/or my church as well get started here in Midtown. I believe the Lord will lead those he has to provide my needs, as I present what we are praying the Lord does through us in Midtown Kansas City, and through Midtown Community Church.. He already is using some. I honestly need more. I would ask you if you are a regular reader (are there any of you out there...ha!) to get into contact with me if you are merely interested in hearing more about the new church, so that you could pray for it, and perhaps your financial support. No strings attached...I love to talk about the church, so if all you want to do is hear about the the church, i'd love to talk to you!

HE IS FAITHFUL.

Here Comes November!

2008-10-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

Well, we are nearing the beginning of November! The Holiday season is soon upon us. For those of you who know me, you know I love Christmas music, and that I listen to it most of the year. It's my guilty pleasure I guess.

In Kansas City, two soft rock radio stations have a head to head competition to see who will start playing their music first each year (and it has grown earlier and earlier each year. Last year, "Star 102.1" (www.star102.com) began playing Christmas music 24/7 on HALLOWEEN evening. WOW. Not to be outdone, "98.1-KUDL" (www.kudl.com) promptly responded by playing their Christmas music the next day, November 1st. And, mind you, these stations played Christmas through the 25th of December.

So, I was excited to see how the Christmas Music Wars would start this year. And let me tell you-THEY ALREADY HAVE. Last week...

Last week, Star 102.1 placed a link on their website, where you can listen to live streaming christmas music (just as if it were on their station-complete with commericals, everything). The third week in October! And, not to be outdone, 98.1 placed a link for THEIR live streaming a few days later.

CRAZY.

So, i've been listening to these. I know, I'm crazy.

In Other Important News...

Well, in things that actually matter, the last few weeks have been very good for our young church. We have been a part of a church planting service at our mother church, which was a beautiful site to see, with 5 churches represented, each with differing ethnicities.

2 weekends ago a majority of our core launching team were able to attend a weekend retreat with some veteran church planters. It was a great weekend to be able to be with the team, and for them to understand even further what their role is in the plant. Overall it was a great weekend.

We believe we have finalized a fantastic, but modest, location for us to launch in January. Be in prayer with us this week that these finalizing details are done.

I am currently working on a vision casting video that I hope to share with folks very soon. It will flesh out the neigbhorhood, etc. Be looking for that, even here on the blog, sometime very soon.

Resident Versus Member of Community

2008-10-24T17:37:00.000-07:00

I've been pondering lately the idea of community. Its a sort of "catch phrase" for the young church right now. I've been thinking of it, as it relates to the city.

Take Kansas City for example. You can live in Midtown Kansas City. You can be a resident, have your address in a midtown zip code, and even park your car on a midtown street. Yet, the ironic thing is that you can have all of this, and still NOT be a part of the midtown community. How, you might ask? Simple. To be a part of a community (midtown in this case), your life must connect with other life in your direct area. Your life must not only connect, but must interweave with others.

We can very honestly relate this to the typical American church as well (there is no "church bashing here..just an honest assessment from a member of the American church, and from someone who loves the American church).

We can in many senses "reside" at a church. We can have the false notion that because we attend a service, we have community. This is in much the same way we believe that because we "reside" in a community (midtown for example), that we are a member of the community. The two simply do not equate. So, we get it into our minds that because we have our "spiritual address" at a certain church (membership/"joining" the church), we have community. Not so much. It is not that community cannot happen in such a case, but alot of times our focus ceases to reach the lost, and becomes more about looking at ourselves and our needs.

For community to happen in Midtown Kansas City, believers must enter (with great wisdom and prayer) arenas that many mainstream churches would be anxious about. Believers must enter these in order to transform the community that already exists there (whether it be a coffeeshop, local eatery, bar/grill, etc). We must stop trying to re-invent the wheel when it comes to community. Community exists in nearly every establishment in midtown Kansas City, and your home city/town. You just have to look for it.

A great deal of the time, we can actually learn a thing or two from the world about community. What they need to learn from us is BIBLICAL community. The dissapointing this is a lot of times I have learned more about sacrifice and giving from people who do not know the Lord than from the one's that do. (although this is not a blanket statement...believe you me..I know some amazing believers as well).

When established, loving community connects with the bible, and that community is transformed through the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and repentance, you have a force that cannot be reckoned. Neighborhoods and whole parts of the city are changed. They are not changed because your or my church has "gained" a few members, but because those communities are now taking the gospel with them into their areas of influence, doing the same thing that believers started doing with them (thus, multiplication and transformation happens!). Thus, a natural growth happens, and the Church will grow as a result.

It doesn't take flashy signs or smoke and mirrors, nor does it take entertainment to see lives changed. It takes people who truly believe that Jesus is their ENTIRE life. When a person believes that Jesus is their ENTIRE life, there is no way they can sit around Christians all the time. It's unnatural, b/c it was unnatural for Jesus to be around "believers" all the time. He didn't wait for them to come to him (although this happened obviously too, and is VERY important in the life of a believer), but he went to them, where they were, and brought with him healing, good news, Truth and Love.

Don't just be a resident of your community. Be a member. The Lord will use you, and you probably won't even have to ask for it.

Another Night At Latteland...

2008-10-09T19:08:00.000-07:00

I'm back at Latteland tonight. I am working tonight on counseling work I am doing for one of the few masters classes I have left! Whoo hoo!

I wanted to let everyone know that this Sunday is a very special Sunday for Midtown Community. We, along with four other church plants in our city that our mother church, Wornall Road Baptist, is sponsoring, will be worshipping together in one service, all taking part in leadership. The churches included are an African-American Church, Korean Church, Spanish Church, and two mainly caucasian churches (one being us).

I am so absolutely excited about this time on Sunday that I could scream! I'm excited to worship in diversity. I'm excited to hear a wonderful sermon on church planting by pastor Johnmark. I'm excited to be able to share our hearts once again with four other communities of believers.

It is going to be an incredible Sunday at The Church @ Brookside. If you are in the KC area, and would like to join us, you'd be Midtown Community's honored guest! Just let us know, and we'd love for you to join us at this very special service.

The Power of Words

2008-10-08T17:20:00.000-07:00

Coming off the Desiring God Conference, I have been thinking a great deal about the power of Words. Words really power everything we do, think and say. Think about it. We are in a political race right now, and each side is trying to catch the other in something they say. In a relationship, if words are expressed correctly, and the meaning of these words, disaster can occur.

Lately i've had a lapse in my faith. Now don't worry...nothing crazy. Just simply had life overwhelm me. Instead of putting my trust in the Lord, i've tried to carry it myself. It just doesn't work! :) Rather than going on His strength, i've went on my own. Again, this doesn't work.

Tonight I am sitting at a coffee shop a few blocks from my apartment building here in Kansas City, and I watched this video. If I had to make a top 5 songlist, this song would be at the top. Why? First, the WORDS are incredible. They express Truth like no worship song does today (in my bias opinion). Second, everytime I listen to this song, performed by any artist, my heart is stirred. My emotion is stirred. It reminds me who is in control. When whoever is performing hits the climax of the song, I just want to go out in the streets and scream JESUS!

Simply listening to this song, and the extreme amount of Truth it speaks-gives me strength and faith.

So then I think, if this song, written about my Savior, can do this-what can SCRIPTURE itself do?

I challenge you all to find that out for yourself...you might be surprised what will happen to your life.

:)

The Need of Community

2008-10-05T07:59:00.000-07:00

I sit here early on this Sunday morning, waiting for our core group to arrive so that we may run through some things for Midtown Community. Many thoughts run through my mind. The overwhelming one is that I need these people. I do not mean that I need these people for warm bodies to start a new new body of believers. It is true that for a church, you need people. But I am not refering to the mere fact that I need them so that I can say "x" amount of people are in my core group.

What I am refering to is that I need them. As one moves from a "Christian consumeristic" mentality of life and church, to a "give myself away at all costs" mentality of life and church, biblical Christian community must exist and be strong. Accountability, compassion, truth, hard conversations, encouragement and love must exist. An understanding between this biblical community must be had by all participants. This understanding is that we are all in 100%, and that each one of our lives are given for the common cause.

When this happens, we can sit around, look at each other, and move past the trivial common questions that plague alot of our conversations. We understand that "church" is no longer just a non-profit organization that we attend once a week. We realize that Church is one of the cores of who we are. We realize that Jesus is our EVERYTHING. We realize we are all rotten sinners, saved only by his grace. We realize that Church does not have to be flashy or impressive by the world's standards (while at the same time, if the world gets a glimpse of the Church interacting with each other, they will be amazed). We realize that to experience joy in the Lord fully, it involves being in risky relationships with each other, sharing burdens, hardships, joys, failures, blessings, and encouragement.

We meet so that we may encourage, love, challenge and bring truth to each other's lives through the Word. We meet with the intention of leaving...leaving to go out into a world, being lights and intentionally sharing Truth. Then we meet again, after the World has beaten us up, so that we may be filled up with the love of our brothers and sisters in Christ, and the Word of God, to do the same thing the next week. This is a part of what I call the "Christian Job Description". Is this what you signed up for?

I say all this to say that I hope my Church knows that when they are not able to make it to our gathering(s), a piece of the puzzle is missing. This piece affects not just me, not just them, but all of us. Things come up for all of us (meetings, trips away, etc). I am just as guility of missing meeting with the body of believers as the rest (sometimes even for "ministry" reasons). And, I know that I will be in that situation many times again. It happens. But for me, I want to make every reasonable effort not to neglect this. If I speak at a retreat on a weekend, I want to make every reasonable effort to be back to meet with my local Body on Sunday (which won't always happen, but I want it to most of the time).

For some, they would be sad if a few people missed a regular meeting time (church service, etc) b/c it would mean less numbers to write on a report about your church. Not me. I miss these people because they are my life. I am attempting to allow the Lord to pour out my life as a drink offering, to serve them (and through that, serving the Lord).

I love the body of believers I am a part of, and with humility I get to lead them.

Words, Process

2008-09-30T13:42:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I was able to spend time at Desiring God's "The Power Of Words" conference in Minneapolis, thanks to a very generous friend who was able to get me up there.

The conference was wonderful. Each session brought a very different understanding of the power of Words (scripture, etc).

You can actually go to www.desiringgod.org and watch each session as I saw them. I would recommend it.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Those of you who keep up with me through my blog, if you are expecting Midtown Community's perspectus, you will be recieving it by the end of the week. We are putting some last minute touches in it as I write, so that is comes to you complete.

The First Wedding Of Midtown Community!

2008-09-20T18:36:00.001-07:00

How great is this! This afternoon, Laura and Jason, a couple in the core group of Midtown Community Church, tied the knot in marriage!

The ceremony went wonderful, with both being given the strong charge to live biblically in their marriage.

It was a great day. It was a great day to see two friends be married. It was a great day just to have fun. To dance at the reception, laugh with friends, and enjoy our time together. It makes me think that we do not do this near enough as the Church. We don't take time to enjoy life. Today, we set aside our afternoon and evening to celebrate the movement of the Lord in a couple's life. We celebrated it, and we had fun. We smiled, drank coffee, ate a meal (well at least most of us did-I got into too many conversations and missed the meal!), and had a great time in each others company. It didn't include facebook, text messaging, or Ipods. No one was worried that they were missing their favorite television program, nor was anyone concerned about whether their favorite college football team was winning. No, none of these mattered today. Why, you might ask? It is because today, if only for a glimmer of time, we were able to see priorities in people's lives change. PEOPLE were a bigger priority today than POSSESSION, POWER and SELFISH DESIRE.

It is obvious that none of the above "things" mentioned are bad or evil. I own an ipod. I am a MIZZOU fan (M-I-Z....Z-O-U...). I do text message (although i'm still trying to quit this form of what I consider infant communication). I, like everyone else, get on facebook. And yes, even I like to watch an occassional television program. But if we find ourselves putting these things above people (and more importantly serving God), we are in big trouble. If we would rather watch the MIZZOU game than serve people, we've got a problem. If we spend more time on facebook than we do in prayer and in the scriptures, well, we've got a problem (ouch...I just cut even myself there...). Facebook is interesting because we could use it as an excuse that we are "connecting with people", thus we are involved in people's lives. I would say we are living vicariously through others lives...(and put myself even in that camp), but I won't go down that road.

Today was a grand day. It wasn't a grand day because there was wedding cake (although that did not hurt!). It was a grand day for a few reasons. First, because I was able to see two dear friends commit themselves to one another and to the Lord. That's the obvious one. But second, and maybe not so noticable, a group of believers came together, and celebrated the Lord's movement in the lives of a young couple. I think this should happen more often. There will not be weddings like this in the life of my church every weekend. I hope that my church, Midtown Community, does not wait for the next wedding (and dare I say mine...hehehe...no there are no plans for that right now...sorry to let you down) to find an excuse to celebrate the Lord's stirring in our lives. It should be a weekly, if not daily happening. We should be gathering, looking each other in the eyes, and encouraging. We should be asking what needs each other have. We should be hearing a challenging Word from the bible, and accept it with an open heart because we know it is not man's word, But God's. We should be serious when it is time to be serious, and not when it is time to not. We should be going out, and people actually seeing a difference in our lives (that's suppose to be Jesus, by the way).

Community. A key element of my church. I think I saw a vapor of some of the elements today. I hope it is not simply a vapor. I really do.

Fall Is Here...

2008-09-14T13:26:00.000-07:00

Fall is here! What a brisk day it is today here in Midtown. It makes me want to go out and get a hot cup of coffee and go for a walk!

This morning we met with a good number of those who make our core group for some worship and training. Below is a picture of that group. I joked with them that we needed to take a picture of us so that people could actually see that we exist!

We have had some incredible opportunities already in our pre-launch infancy. Members of our group have been very successful in the past week of building relationships in coffeehouses and locally owned eateries in the neigbhorhood we will be launching in. The Lord seems to be giving us favor in conversations we are building with complete strangers.

Planning is in full force for us as fall has hit. I'm as busy as ever, planning, strategizing and organizing. It's a lot of work, but I'm finding great joy in it!

Worship...

2008-09-12T14:35:00.000-07:00

I stole this from a friend's website, with his permission. It's my deep, theological blog post of the day. (note any sarcasm there?) :) Seriously, if you are/will be a part of Midtown Community Church, this will NOT be anything close to what our worship will look like. (At least I hope not...oh my...hehehe).

Labor Day News...

2008-09-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

Well its Labor Day, and its a great day to be off. I can't help but think of the New Orleans region right now. Thankfully it sounds as if it the storm is weakening.

For my former financial supporters, you will finally be recieving an update letter on my transition to leading Midtown Community Church. Those letters will begin to go out tomorrow, so be looking for those in your mailbox this week. If you have not been recieving these letters, and would like one, I would LOVE to send it to you. Please get into contact with me, and I'll get you one.

Yesterday was a wonderful day for our core group. We have a total of 15 members in our core group now. We were able to worship with our initial partner church, Wornall Road Baptist Church, right here in the heart of midtown. We have been meeting at their building each Sunday for the past 3 weeks with our core group on our own, and will continue to do so this fall. However, we were invited to spend yesterday with the church that is being so generous to us in worship. It was great to connect with people whose hearts are geared towards reaching the city, and who believe in new works (like ours!). They are a selfless church, who can see beyond themselves to building the Kingdom of God. It's refreshing.

May each of you have a great Labor Day!

A Long Time Coming...

2008-08-25T10:05:00.001-07:00

Well this post should have been posted well over a month ago, but it has been a crazy couple of months in general. Allow me to update you.

God has been stirring in my life in quite amazing ways over the last year. Many of you who read my blog have been supporters of my through prayer and finance of my leadership of Metro Kansas City, a young adult ministry I had the honor of co-leading here in Kansas City for the last year. To you, Thank You. God has done some supernatural things in the lives of the young adults involved with this ministry.

I have known for a long time that God has called me to live missionally here in the United States. A 9-5 job, living comfortably all the time, was not for me. The short story is that God has broken my heart for Kansas City. I love Kansas City-the people, the neighborhoods, the communities.

But it is not the kind of love that says, "Cool, I'll go to a coffeeshop in the city, and then go back and live comfortably in the suburbs". Its the kind of love that says, "My heart breaks so much for this city that I'm going to eat, live and breath with these people". I'm going to sacrifice, I'm going to jump into relationships and friendships that would make most uncomfortable. I'm going to be all things, to all people, while staying faithful to the Lord.

Bottom Line: Myself, along with my co-director of Metro Kansas City, Adam, left our leadership positions a month ago, and are in the beginnings stages of planting a church in Midtown Kansas City. We are planting a church with the help of the Missouri Baptist Convention, as well as several churches.

I could post a blogpost a mile long with so many details, and they will come. Those of you who keep up with me through my blog and have supported me over the last year, you will be recieving a letter in the next week with MANY details, including how you can be involved.

At this point: Be in prayer for Midtown Community Church. We are meeting with our core group on a weekly basis now, and we are excited to see God moving already!

Titles....

2008-07-16T20:12:00.000-07:00

A quick thought on "titles". I've just been thinking about lately the "titles" that people put upon themselves. Specifically, I am even speaking of Christians. For a long time i've noticed that we all do this. How might you ask?

Well, I think it comes in many differing forms, and for many differing reasons.

One might say, "I'm a conservative". Or, one might say, "I'm a liberal". (when in reality, its all up to the individual beholder what those titles actually mean, at least from my personal experience...)

One might say, "I'm a Baptist". Or "I'm a Pentecostal". Or, "I'm a methodist". Or "I'm Progressive". Or, "I'm Emergent". Or, "I'm traditional". Or "I'm Post-Modern".

One might say, "I'm a calvinist". Or "I'm an Armenianist". Or "I'm Reformed". Or "I'm a Westminister Confessionist". Or "I'm a Catholic". Or, "I'm a Lutheran".

I could go on and on, but I think you see what I am saying.

What I am convicted about, and quite honestly am very concerned about, is that more and more, these titles are how people introduce their faith to someone. For example, someone asks, "Why are you so different from other people I meet". Instead of giving the answer, "I am a Christ-follower-A Christian"-because he has absolutely changed my life, many give answers such as those listed above (I'm a conservative, baptist, calvinist, etc).

This concerns me, because Christian, you are a CHRIST FOLLOWER. As I read the gospels, Jesus said to his disciples "Come follow me, and I'll make you fishers of men". You are a Christ follower, and that is how you should be introducing yourself, and that is what your identity should be.

I'm certainly not trying to split hairs. I understand that no matter what the description above (again-baptist, calvinist, etc), there are certain beliefs, theology, etc that go along with them. I myself ascribe to certain one's above.

But once you begin to identify yourself, even EVER so slightly, away from being a FOLLOWER OF CHRIST, you are on a slippery slope of misdirection and distraction. The title, that sounds so good, spiritual, in your mind theologically correct, and sound, may actually be your idol. For some, It seems when they stand before God, and they answer that great question, "Why should I let you in to my heaven", some might say, "Because I'm a Calvinist". OR "Because I'm a Baptist". If we look at scripture, I think we are going to understand that those two answers are not adaquete. But, "Because I'm a Christ-follower-I claim HIM for my sins"-THAT'S WHAT'S ETERNAL.

If you are a Christ follower as the disciples were, then I believe you are going to know and be convicted of what the bible says (that is, if you are opening it and reading it-as a Christ follower would do). As you do this, you will understand that your identity does not have to be completely enrapped in a "title", but in Christ alone.

So Christian-Know what you believe. Know it WELL. Far too many do not. But don't make a man made title be your idol and your identity-let it be CHRIST ALONE.

25 Years...

2008-07-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

I sit and ponder tonight in my apartment here in Midtown Kansas City. 25 years ago tonight, my mom was about to bust at the seam (literally). As I write this, in less than 24 hours, my mother would give birth to me, and my life on this earth would begin.

A quarter of a century.

For those older than me, I am called "nothing but a youngster". For those younger than me, I am called "old". That's interesting. Talk about perspective, huh?

I think about my life, the past 25 years. I recall memories, both good and bad, from the first 25. The only thing that I can think is this: I AM THANKFUL.

I am a blessed man. I have parents who love me. I have friends who love me. I know my Savior personally, and I know that He loves me. I was able to eat dinner tonight. I have a roof over my head. I generally have my health. I have already experienced more things and seen more places than I ever thought I would in my life. If I were to list all that I have been blessed with, it would take all night. But then again, maybe that would not be a bad idea. I'm reminded of an old Irving Berlin song "Count Your Blessings" (from the movie "White Christmas"...one of my personal favorites!).

"When you're worried, and you can't sleep.
Just count your blessings, instead of sheep.
And you'll fall asleep, counting your blessings".

'Tis true in my life. 'Tis true.

I'm thankful for all of those who have been a part of making me who I am.

I'm nothing special. Just a normal guy.

But for some reason, there have been so many that have taken the time to care for me, love me, teach me, and devote themselves to me. So my 25th is really a celebration of each of you. I celebrate you on this special day. You are the ones who should really be recieving the glad tidings on this day. Your devotion and committment does not go by unnoticed, and in fact is one of the greatest things I am thankful for in my life.

So yes, Happy Birthday to me. But more importantly, THANK YOU. EACH OF YOU. Each of you are a part of my life in some way or the other. And, you've all had an impact on my life.

Check This Out...

2008-06-16T18:19:00.000-07:00

If you know me at all, you know that New York City has a special place in my heart. I know many people like the glamour and glitz of the city, but i'm over that. When I visit there, whether for pleasure or mission, I can now SEE the city for what it is. I can look past the flashing lights, tall buildings, Broadway shows, and touristy things and see the city for how it really exists.

I have always heard stories about people living underground in old abandoned subway tunnels, train tunnels, etc. I have never read a resource, however, that detailed this. This is not the case anymore. While shopping at my place of part time employement (Barnes and Noble), I ran across this book. I immediately looked at it, and my jaw dropped, and I nearly started talking to myself right in the store. "I've been looking for this for so long" was my thought.

So, I picked it up, and am nearly half way through it already. It is one of those books you cannot put down once you start. And when you are reading it, you have to understand that THIS IS TRUE. It almost sounds as if it is a great fiction book of "what if". But understand, this is written from a first hand account of a lady named Jennifer Toth who entered and built relationships with the poor, homeless, drug dealers, etc that live in these tunnels, many times RIGHT underneath your subway platform. You will never use the subway in quite the same way after you read this book. I would recommend this book for ANYONE interested in the city, homelessness, etc. I do have to warn you that there is graphic language and descriptions, as it is first hand accounts from these interactions in the tunnel.

I promise you this, however: When you are in the city, and you look at the homeless and poverty stricken, you will be a different person after reading this book, and have a differing attitude. A GREAT read.

Summertime Is Here

2008-06-15T20:03:00.001-07:00

Summertime has arrived here in Kansas City (well, I suppose it has arrived in most places), but it comes with great anticipation for the summer. It will be a summer of learning in a number of ways. We have three "interns" working with us that are members of Metro Kansas City. Because of the nature of the ministry, we have no ability to pay them a dime, but they are being servants of the Lord none the less. Two of the three are guys who believe they have a desire to lead in ministry, and they are trying to figure out what exactly that means. The third is a young lady who, in my opinion, is one of the greatest encouragements to us, and always brings a smile to our face when she is around. So we are blessed to have three extra sets of hands, feet and ideas. They will help us execute what the Lord has for us this summer, and we are grateful for them.
We are trying to give them practial ministry opportunities (teaching, leading, etc), as well as leadership/ministry training (for example, we are going through a book with them, etc).

Disdaining Leadership

2008-06-04T19:47:00.001-07:00

Have you ever wanted the best for someone? Have you ever felt that you know what is right for someone? You know for sure that it is the best decision or way of understanding they can have?

Well, that's the easy part. Isn't it always easy to look at others, and their faults, misunderstandings, and lack of maturity in certain areas? You look at them, and your "concern" alot of times becomes disdain. In your desire to see them grow or understand, you actually exhibit yourself a different kind of misunderstanding, or maturity, or fault.

Quite the paradox, huh?

The craziest thing is, is that most of the time, you NEVER see it in yourself.

We (i completely put myself in with this) as leaders have this kind of problem all the time. In our effort to share biblical truth, in an effort to see believers grow in the Lord, and in an effort to allow believers to understand, we actually are guilty of acting unbiblical ourselves.

No, I'm not suggesting some monumental sin happens with leadership in the church (although it certainly does more and more, which saddens me). But what we sometimes will do, is become arrogant, cocky men. We may even make excuses for this attribute of ourselves, saying "we are just preaching the truth" (see my last post for more talk on that). And thus, we preach and teach on the 2 greatest commandments (love the Lord your God...and Love your neighbor as yourself), but it doesn't show. Joy doesn't show sometimes in us. God moving in us doesn't show sometimes. And we sometimes even get the attitude that "I'm preaching the truth, and it's their problem if they don't like my attitude". How wrong we are. Another excuse we sometimes make is "I am loving them...and that's the reason I have the attitude I do".

Well...I'm ever more conviced that we as leaders have to constantly be putting ourselves in check. Because the attitudes that we have may look right, sound right, but they may not always be as close to the heart of God as we may think.

Sometimes, on the other hand, people need a strong Word. They need to be shaken up, b/c they have become stale in their walk with the Lord, etc. I'm all for that, b/c men have done this and do this in my life, and it is how I have grown.

But, men (especially you leaders), there is a great separation between speaking hard love, and being an arrogant, cocky man. There is a great seperation between the two, yet it is sometimes without notice that they become blurred to the person affected.

It is how you treat people who don't agree with you. It's in how you treat someone when they clearly tell you no, but it makes more sense for the answer to be yes. It is your response when someone does you wrong. And, its the matter of your heart (which your hearers will see no matter what) when you present Truth to them.

Men, never allow disdain from yourself to flow through The Lord's Gospel. Never allow arrogance, pride, laziness or your own "genius" ideas get in the way of the Truth. And that includes your attitude.

You Never Know Who You Are Going To Run Into...

2008-06-01T18:28:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I went for a walk in Brookside, a small neighborhood near UMKC, and near my apartment. As I walking, I noticed a rather tall man getting ready to get into his Toyota parked along the sidewalk. It was one of those having to look twice, until I realized that it was the man in this picture getting into his car. Who is this, might you ask? Well, his name is Mark Funkhouser, and he's the mayor of Kansas City! How fun. In my mind, I guess i've always thought mayor's of major cities like KC are always with entourages and such. It was refreshing to see my mayor as just a normal man.

In other news, I was walking down a sidewalk near my apartment building today and was in such deep thought I completely ran in to a cement bench, and nearly fell to the ground. Needless to say, I was embarassed.

The moral of these two stories....ALWAYS KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN. You never know who, or what, you are going to run into.

Tact

2008-05-21T17:15:00.000-07:00

Tact:
1.a keen sense of what to say or do to avoid giving offense; skill in dealing with difficult or delicate situations.
2.a keen sense of what is appropriate, tasteful, or aesthetically pleasing; taste; discrimination.

I have learned more and more over the past year about this simple, yet challenging word. This attribute seems to be growing ever less strong in those of my generation. We act as if we, as people in our '20's, know everything, have everything figured out about life, and everyone else is wrong. I myself have fallen victim to having this very ugly description at times.

The problem I see with it is that lacking tact essentially equates lacking humilty. How, might you say? I'm convinced that a lack of tact is caused by overriding pride in our lives. We think we know everything, we think everyone should do things our way, we think if only WE were in charge things would be right, etc etc etc.

The problem is sometimes, we are in the right with some of our claims. Sometimes, our ideas would be better if implemented (please note SOMETIMES). So, when we don't feel our voice is being heard, we feel as if tact is the last thing we should ever think about.

Whether it be in your job, at school, in your home, or even in ministry. We tend to play the victim alot. If things do not go exactly our way, and exactly on our timetable, then the gloves come off. To borrow a silly phrase from ministry, "We charge hell with a water pistol". In ministry, we think we are doing a "great and ministry work and sacrifice" by dropping tact from our attitudes and relationships. "That's their problem...let them deal with that" or "I'm just telling the truth...it's their problem" could be running through our heads.

So, in our heads we think (and this is continued to associated in a ministry mindset) "I've taken a stand. I'm just being a faithful servant. I'm standing on the Word of God/Christ/etc". And, you know what, it's possible we have. Good for us. Pat ourselves on the back.

But what are we left with? For starters-broken relationships, both working and friendly, pride in our own lives that makes our heads swell, and possibly more non believers seeing believers fighting with one another.

Don't misunderstand what I am saying: I'm not one who would say that we should sacrifice biblical truth for unity. If I am going to stand on one, it's biblical truth. Period. But we have this idea that because we have the truth, we have to be arrogant jerks with it. I'm not conviced that's Godly at all. You know what? Sometimes, you are going to disagree with someone, and you will never be able to meet them half way. It will happen. It has happened in my past, and will again. But it doesn't give me the right to be an arrogant jerk to them, or have that attitude.

It's all in how we articulate it that is going to make the difference. It's all about Tact.

No matter your situation, whether if you are a student, in the work force, or some other arena of life. God is going to use you in greater ways, I believe, if you learn what the role of being tactful in your life will be.

Being tactful is not backing away from Truth. But what it does is take the arrogance out of ourselves, and allows for the person to take over who really needs to be leading in the first place-Christ himself.

Changes

2008-05-01T13:27:00.001-07:00

There are a lot of changes for me right now. Among those are...

1) i'm moving to a new apartment in the heart of Kansas City tomorrow afternoon. God has blessed me with a modest, 1 bedroom apartment in a part of the city where I can save automobile gas, and be around the area of the city I believe God wants to impact through me. The rent is the cheapest for a 1 bedroom apartment I could find.

2) i'm nearing the end of my time at seminary. In two weeks, I will no longer be on campus at the seminary taking classes. My MDIV is nearly complete, and the remaining few classes I have to take will be on my own. Basically after August, I will not attend formal education "class" for the first time since I was 5 years old. This is MINDBLOWING to me. I've been in a routine for 20 years...I guess this is why people fight against change...it makes them feel very awkward. I know there are to be some awkward moments and feelings for me in this area in the coming months.

3) i'm looking for a new part time job. most of you know that my financial support for the ministry has not come in like I have needed. Because of this, I have worked a part time job at the seminary to make ends meet. With my moving, I will be leaving this job (as it would make no sense to keep it-the seminary is in north Kansas City). I have inquired about jobs at Starbucks and Barnes and Noble. I had a second interview today for B and N. I am anxious to hear about this.

These are some of the changes that are in store for me. I'm just reminded about how "comfortable" I have become. Do you ever think about that? Do you ever think about how "comfortable" we get with things we are accustomed to?

Many times, because of our passive comfort, we neglect to live radical lives. We neglect to be all that we can be. We negate the amazing for the mundane. We don't risk, because we don't want to fail. We don't want to fail, because we don't want for people to look at us differently. We don't want people to look at us differently, because we are consumed with OURSELVES.

I convinced that there is much more than OURSELVES that we should be living for. There is much more than our comfort. There is much more than the mundane. What if we lived lives that were daily pressing into His greatness? What if we lived lives that looked past the comfort we have lived all of our lives, and jumped into His arms?

I think alot about the blind man and Bartamaeus, one of my favorite accounts in scripture (Mark 10). The blind man, once he is healed, IMMEDIATELY begins to follow Jesus. I can only imagine the blind man. He has seen his surroundings for the first time. He is following Jesus...I bet he stumbled a bit, don't you think? I bet, because he saw for the first time, he even fell in the dirt, skinning up his knees, maybe even crawling at times. But you know what? It says that he followed Jesus.

What if WE followed Jesus like this? What if we opened the bible, and followed him with our lives? It would be tough. I bet if we lived a set apart life such as this, we would stumble. I bet we would fall into the dirt at times. I bet we would skin up our knees. But we would also get up, brush the dirt off of us, and keep following.

There was a big change in Bartimaeus' life-he was able to see for the first time. And yet, even though after the change in his life happened and he followed Jesus he probably fell in to the dirt trying to follow Him, he got back up and continued without a second thought of following Him.

Will you follow Him, even when it means that, in your/the world's opinion, you may "fail"?

(This) Is Communion-Metro Spring Retreat

2008-04-17T16:33:00.000-07:00

Last Weekend, 40 young adults from our ministry here in KC headed about 30 miles north of Kansas City for Metro KC's spring retreat, "(This) Is Communion". The weekend was a wonderful success. God spoke to a great number of those who were in attendance. The Lord used a mentor in my life, Mr. David Myers, to bring the word several times during the weekend. God truly spoke through Him. A friend from my days at SBU, Adam Norris, truly led us before the Lord's throne in worship.

All of my expectations were exceeded by the Lord. Check out the pictures below.

The chapel we met in. It doesn't look like much, but Frank James, the father of Jesse James, pastored in this church building MANY years ago. It is now owned by the retreat center we met at.

Preparing for worship and the word.

Saturday Night Communion, Repentance and Confession

Clowning around at breakfast.

Preparing to worship.

The Lord is doing some great things among our midst right now. We are thrilled. We are even more thrilled that you can be a part of it through your prayer and support of the ministry happening in KC. Please continue to pray for our ministry.

Do Not Judge?

2008-03-20T16:57:00.000-07:00

I've been learning alot lately about what the bible has to say about "judging". More specifically, what Jesus has to say about the person who is critical of everyone else but himself.

As I really begin to understand what Jesus is saying in Matthew 7:1-6, it's not pretty.

Why?

Well, here's the lowdown. There are segments of Christianity that like to act in self-righteousness all the time. Even in the bible, there is a group called "The Pharisees". These guys were going around, distorting the truth of the bible, and putting man made requirements on people for them to be right before God. (Luke 18:11-14-Look it up!) Then when someone (like JESUS) comes along, and basically tells them they are wrong-the Pharisees are outraged. See the Pharisees were self righteous. They were trusting in themselves, and the things they decided was "righteous".

Unfortunately, as I've meditated on it, we all are like The Pharisees at times. Why? Because simply, we are sinners. We will look at someone who is "different" than us and be the judge and jury of them.

You know what i've found out? Its not MY JOB to do this. Period.

What do I mean?

In Romans 4:14-Paul says, “Who are you to judge the servant of another. To his own master he stands or falls”.

See, as followers of Christ (if you are one), we are subject to A SINGULAR MASTER. Namely Jesus. We are the SERVANT. We ALL are servants.

So understand, we will all stand before God, and will give an account for our lives. Without Christ's blood, we are toast. And, there are a lot of implications that go along with that (in how we choose to live, lifestyle choices, etc).

But when I recognize that every person is a sinner, and more importantly, so am I, and my role in the kingdom is to tell others BIBLICAL TRUTH (and some of that is TOUGH), and it is God's job to judge when the time comes and we stand before him, it makes my life a whole lot...well...full of joy and better understood.

Before I end today in my brevity, do let me say this: This does not mean you should not challenge one another and boldly proclaim truth, even in the face of those who do not like it. We are called to that. Nor does this mean we should not take seriously those who do not teach the bible faithfully. We should understand who is teaching it correctly, and who is distorting it-the bible talks about that also! But, it is more about the attitude we take with this-are we doing this in self-righteousness (for some kind of spiritual esteem and therefore tearing others down), or are we doing this to sharpen each other, to see GOD'S righteousness in others.

Do not Judge. A small little section of scripture. But with a lot of implications that I did not cover well today here at all. Study it if you have the time. I think it will really make you think. Or, if you see me this week-ask me about it!

An Unexpected Blessing

2008-03-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

Tuesdays are usually crazy for me here in Kansas City. I get up, work my mail job to pay the rent and then go to class, then go to work somemore, then head to prepare during the afternoon for our Metro Gathering.

Because of our worship leader being ill and having no voice, I got the opportunity to help lead worship. Quite honestly-I have not done this in so long in this type of setting.

It was a refreshing change for me, and I had a ball. No doubt I felt rusty and not in my element at times (as its been so long), but it took me back to my college days when this is what I did a lot.

I like the fact that our ministry is not so "polished" that we can have people lead in this way, and it be perfectly normal. I pray that we never become polished, if I may use an anaology for a minute. I pray that we will take ourselves a whole lot less seriously, while taking God all the more seriously. I pray that we (our ministry, etc) will never become a show or organization, but a gathering of like minded people with the purpose of pleasing God.

I'm just crazy enough to think that it can happen.

Bible Study Tips

2008-03-06T12:22:00.000-08:00

Some of you have asked since Tuesday for my notes from the talk I gave on studying the bible. Below you will basically find the 5 principles that I talked about, ever so briefly, along with the challenge I gave you (how to get started).

Would you join me in the challenge? I will be reading I John completely through for the next 30 days, everyday. Please join me.

Bible Study Tips:

Principle #1: Seek to understand that general CONTEXT of a particular passage by reading the
Verses/chapters before and after it.

Example: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”

What does this mean? Does it mean I can run a marathon without training
Whatsoever? Does it mean I can jump off a ten story building and not break
A bone? Does it mean I can walk on water like Christ?

NO! In this verses context, Paul has been suffering persecution, FOR THE GOSPEL.

So is it irresponsible to apply this verse to our laziness, complacency, etc? YES!

Principle #2: Let the bible interpret and prove the bible/Don’t bring your own personal
Assumptions and preconceived notions into your understanding/conclusion.

This is a simple rule, but takes understanding multiple passages to do it.

Many look to the bible for what THEY want to prove.
Ex. Whether it be hot topics of today-drinking alochol, homosexuality, etc
Many times we will pick a verse out and say “There you go” “what about this”

Do you understand the context of the writing?

Then you must think-how does this correlate with other things I’ve read? It has to!
We’ve done this sort of thing in our Emerge bible study before-”But what about this”

Don’t cherry pick verses. Understand what they are all saying in their contexts, and
Figure out how the go together.

Principle #3: Read a passage, and ask a series of questions
1) What does the scripture you are studying CLEARLY say?
2) What does the scripture you are studying NOT say?
3) To whom was the book you are reading written to? Who wrote the book? Why?
What is the purpose for what you are reading?

Principle #4: Look to other trusted biblical scholars/pastors for their interpretations/commentary
Guys that I like and trust-John McCarthur, etc
Remember as you do this-that their words are not the inspired word-they are human as you are, but they can give you insight

Principle #5: Remember that your or anyone else’s convictions, regardless of how strong they mayBe, don’t necessarily count. GOD’S WORD IS YOUR ULTIMATE STANDARD AND GUIDE. This could get you in trouble! But if your guide is the Word of God, you will be on the right track!

CHALLENGE:

I personally think the best way of getting into the Word is the following. This is taken from a manJames Grey, and he was the former president of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.

Take a book of the bible, may I suggest I John, and read it EVERY DAY. The ENTIRE THING.
For 30 days. In the same version of the bible. There are 5 chapters! But don’t read it to check it off Your list of things to do. Spend some time with it. Relish the words. Get an understanding of what It is saying. Find a good commentary explaining what the book is all about-context. Find out what Context you can from the book itself.

By the end of your 30 days, write out a one sentence summary of each chapter. What is it about?
By the end of your 30 days, if you are faithful to this practice, you are going to have a general ideaOf I John. I say GENERAL. You won’t fully understand it all, I guarantee you as well. This is How you get familiar with what you are studying.

Then, I suggest that you move to the gospel of John. Now the gospel of John has 21 chapters!
Should you read all 2 chapters the next 30 days? You can if you want, but I think you will be
More effective if you split it up into 3 sets of 7 chapters, spend 30 days on each. Go through the
Same process.

Now I know what some of you are saying. 90 days just on the book of john? I’ll never get throughThe entire bible!

If you do this process of averaging 7 chapters for 30 days (some times less, sometimes more
According to the length of the book), you will be able to get through the entire NT in 2 ½ years.

Question: How much biblically have you grown in the last 2 ½ years?

By doing this, you are going to begin to see the areas of scripture that connect, etc. And, I believe,That many of the questions that you have about scripture and your life will be answered. You Won’t have to come to me or Adam or someone else and say, “doesn’t the bible say this”…you Can say “the bible says this…what do you think? Am I right” and we can dialogue and go to theNext level in our biblical study together.

Shifting Sand

2008-02-24T12:24:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd post lyrics to one of my favorite songs, by a group called Caedmon's Call. It truly describes what I think we all go through (including myself so many times), as it pertains to this journey of faith. Enjoy these words.

Sometimes I believe all the lies
So I can do the things I should despise
And every day I am swayed
By whatever is on my mind
I hear it all depends on my faith
So I'm feeling precarious
The only problem
I have with these mysteries
Is they're so mysterious
And like a consumer
I've been thinking
If I could just get a bit more
More than my 15 minutes of faith,
Then I'd be secure

My faith is like shifting sand
Changed by every wave
My faith is like shifting sand
So I stand on grace

I've begged you for some proof
For my Thomas eyes to see
A slithering staff,
a leprous hand
And lions resting lazily
A glimpse of your back-side glory
And this soaked altar going ablaze
But you know I've seen so much
I explained it away

Waters rose as my doubts reigned My sand-castle faith, it slipped away
Found myself standing on your grace It'd been there all the time

What is the master of your life?

2008-02-21T16:33:00.001-08:00

I've been studying the idea of "master", or "Lordship", in the bible lately. I'm being blown away. I'm being blown away by how many do not understand it (including myself at times). I'm blown away at how many of those who profess to be followers of Christ have no idea what it means, and were never/have never been told about it. It's amazing that such an ESSENTIAL thing in the Christian faith as this does not connect with most peoples lives. And, even if people do have an understanding of it, it impacts their lives very little.

I read Matthew 6, I Corinthians 9, Romans 6....my mind is BLOWN! Read them, I dare you. Tell me your thoughts.

The Next Christendom: The Coming Of Global Christianity

2008-02-16T10:34:00.000-08:00

May I make a reading recommendation to you. I am currently reading the book to my left by Philip Jenkins, The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity (OUP, 2002), which explores the rapid growth and rising importance of Christianity in the global South and East, and among the new immigrants in North America.

The great majority of Christians now live in the non-Western world, where churches are growing and are full of vitality, while churches are declining in the North Atlantic nations. Among immigrant communities in the United States and Canada, the new Christianity is thriving and making church life ever more dynamic.

Why read this? It is one of those writings that 50 years from now, people will look back at this guy and say, "Man, this guy was surely a prophet of things to come", much like people do now with men of the likes such as Francis Schaffer, etc.

READ IT! Its a great read. And i'm pretty sure for most of you, it will make you uncomfortable.

Simplicity

2008-02-07T16:17:00.000-08:00

I've been pondering today the idea of simplicity.

Each one of us live WRECKLESS lives. I have determined that we all DO live intentional lives. The determinative difference is, however, HOW we are living intentionally. Or perhaps, its true that some of us are being intentional about not living intentionally...whew!

The truth of the matter for a lot of us is that we are intentionally keeping ourselves busy, so that we have "excuse" when it comes to some of the most important things in life.

Why is it that we get excited when we get the opportunity to make a few bucks, but don't when we get the opportunity to share life changing truth with someone?

I have the answer....

Are you ready....

Ok, here we go....

It's where your heart is. Quite seriously. What do you value the most in your life?

Whatever it is that you value most in your life, there is your treasure.

So, as we are living our lives, what are we putting as our treasure? I'm conviced that if our treasure lines up right, our lives will have to be lived with much more simplicity. If our treasure is right, the petty, mundane trials of this world will not shake us.

I'm learning how those two things relate, and how they should line up in my life.

Connecting The Dots In What We Say and How We Act

2008-02-06T17:38:00.000-08:00

As we have begun our new series at the Metro Gathering on Tuesdays, this is the question that must be asked.

Are we connecting the dots of what we say and how we act?

I mean, seriously.

Most of us like to talk a big game about ourselves. Spiritually, its no different. Most of us are so puffed up about ourselves, our heads are about to blow up.

However, for most of us, very little time is spent daily, intentionally examining ourselves. Examining how we act. Examining how we talk. Examining how we carry ourselves around others....

Examining how we present ourselves...even on Facebook....

Ouch.

I have been studying Matthew 6 recently. So much good stuff there. In it, there is a section concerning our spiritual eyes (an illustration for our heart). This section of scripture basically says that we can be going along, thinking we are doing fine, but we are actually completely decieved. Specifically, and contextually, this is talking about false security of materialism (get ready Metro Gathering...it's coming soon). The idea is that we think we are doing the right thing, but it is actually not. But, the heart is completely decieved, because it has let no light (actual truth) into it. Crazy deep stuff if you ask me. But very important. I also think we can use it to understand the human heart, and it's condition.

So this is my message to all of you believers out there that think you are fine with the way you are acting...you're wrong. The way you carry yourself with your friends is the same you should carry yourself if you were somewhere else. What does this mean? I guess fleshed out, it means, for example, that you should examine your entire life to ensure you heart is not decieved.

For example: I recently found a couple of persons I know having a "facebook" conversation on their walls. Ok...they see each other all the time, but I'll roll with it, thats fine. However, they began calling each other "derogatory" names, just because they say they have that kind of relationship and its ok. "We're just messing around, gosh" they will say.

How does that add up to being a follower of Christ? It doesn't. It's called immaturity.

It shows a number of things...First, it shows the value the person has of themselves (which is very little). Second, it shows the value they person has on others (very little).

It seems that I'm seeing how tainted my heart is lately at times, and because of that, it is making me aware of others' actions as well. Friends, we have got to press harder in our faith. If we believe that calling ourselves one thing, and then doing something like the example above, is ok, I really think our hearts are being decieved. And, as scripture says, "If the light in your heart is actually darkness...my how much darkness that is!" (my paraphrase).

Heath Ledger

2008-01-25T08:45:00.000-08:00

So obviously at this point in the week, i'm sure that you have all heard of the untimely death of actor Heath Ledger. I found most of his films very good, and enjoyed him as an actor. So hearing of his death is very sad, as they figure out exactly what has happened. My heart goes out to his family, especially to his little one who will now grow up without a father. One more fatherless child in this world...its a sad thing.

The question for me is, "How do I respond"? Many are so very much more concerned about Heath Ledger dying than the 1000's that die around the world from curable medical problems. So how I respond to this death is interesting.

Some decide to respond with hate. Namely, the fools from Westboro "Baptist" Church (sorry folks, this is anything BUT a church, much less a baptist church...they are pathetic). So, they believe that the best use of their energy is to picket a memorial service. One word describes them...FOOLS....but NOT for the gospel. I'm not sure the gospel has even reached them.

Some decide to respond with treating it like a world catastrophy. The media outlets are covering this now, in place of Britney Spears crazy life. The media outlets will spend all their time on Heath, when tens of thousands are dying around the world EVERY DAY from curable medical problems.

And then there are some like me. He certainly died too young. I'm sad that he died (from whatever the cause is). And i'm sad that he cannot contribute to the art of film anymore. But honestly...that's as far as it goes.

I began to think this week about the contribution I will make on this world, and when I die, what people will remember me by. Humbly, I really want people to remember me more for than just what they are remembering Heath by. They are remembering Heath by saying "He was in a few movies, was an aspiring actor, and a pretty nice guy". To me, that's pretty non-impactful. When I leave this world, I hope I am remembered for devoting myself to other people more than myself, to giving quantitatively and qualitatively MUCH more than recieving, to being a man who knew exactly who he was and his position/role is this world, and a man who never backed down from his convictions/integrity and what was True.

Bottom line: I want to be remembered more than just a nice "minister" at the end of my life. I want to be known as a completely sold out Man of God. And I'm learning, in most cases, there is a great bit of a difference, especially here in our good country of the USA.

New York!

2008-01-20T18:16:00.000-08:00

This update is long overdue. Let me briefly, but accurately, share with you about Metro Kansas City's trip to New York City. From January 3rd-11th, 12 members went to New York City to be trained by veteran missionary and friend David Weston. We learned a great deal about what it means to truly live our faith on a daily basis, as well as be a positive witness for the gospel.

Through the use of the Parable of the seed/soils, we came to underastand a number of things. We came to understand that it is truly GOD who prepares someone's heart. For myself, I came to the realization that I can learn all kinds of "evangelism" styles, etc, and can even say all the right things in the right order, but unless God is preparing the heart of the person I am speaking to, it is all for nothing. It is therefore good to know my faith by understanding and living it daily, and allowing myself to simply love people, build relationships, be committed to those relationships, learn how to truly speak of what my faith has done in my life in love, and allow God to do that rest. I have learned that, as scripture truly does say, it is HE who draws people to himself. I can be the best speaker, entertainer, etc in the world, but unless it is God doing a real work in someone's heart, it is all for nothing (as it corresponds to someone really experiencing salvation).

I have learned to view discipleship differently. I have come to realize that as soon as I meet someone, if I commit to a relationship/friendship with them, I am in discipleship already with them. What a great viewpoint!

Ok, practically...what did we do:

Each day, we would have dinner, and then be trained through a series of lessons by David. After this and some prayer time, we would go out into the lower east of Manhattan to various places. Some older people on the team went into bars and poetry clubs. Others who were younger went into coffee shops. As our missionary shared with us, "If we do not go to these places, who is going to go to interact and pray for the people there!" I couldn't agree more, although for most they would feel very uncomfortable. We learned through a process (not enough time or space to throughly explain here) of how to go to these places, be in constant prayer (which major spiritual warefare happens when you do this!) and ask God to bring conversations to you (versus some awkward evangelism method). It works...but you have to be willing to commit to a relationship to the person, whether they ever accept Christ or not...which for most of the traditional evangelism methods, it's all about getting a notch on your belt and leaving (which isn't biblical, by the way!). We would be out from 8-9pm until 3-4am, sleep until about noon, and then have the afternoons as a rest time. It was a great time had by all.

So, all of us experienced some great lessons, got into some great conversations, are now implamenting this to our own lives here in Kansas City. The small group in which I lead is in the process of praying for a place for each of us to frequent at least once a week on our own, and do what we did in New York.

So that was our trip. I am leaving so much out, so please feel free to email me if you want to ask me more questions, etc. God did a great deal in our lives, and we thank you for your prayers and finanical help!

We're Back!

2008-01-11T20:40:00.000-08:00

Well, we made it back from New York this evening. Whew! We are tuckered out! I will have a full wrap up of the week soon, but I HIGHLY suggest everyone take a look at this link from The TODAY SHOW from this past Thursday. Someone you might know gets interviewed for a segement (yep! it's me!) It's crazy. I still can't believe it. I was on National Television.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/22486717#22591409

Start Spreading The News....

2008-01-02T20:13:00.000-08:00

As I write this, we are only a few hours from jumping on a plane, flying to New York City, and sharing what Christ has done in 12 Metro Member's lives. I'm excited for the possibilities that are in store for us in the next week.
We will be working with a couple who have been living thier lives in missionally for a long time. I first got to know them when I first began to go to Houston many years ago.
Every evening, we will be trained by the missionaries, then will go out into the city late at night until the a bit before dawn, talking with people, building relationships, and praying for opportunities to share the gospel. We will learn how to make ourselves available versus being busy in our Christian life (there is a difference, for those of you who don't know).
Please pray for us. Below is a list of 12 who are going on the trip. If you are reminded, pray for us! :)

The Team
Matthew, Adam, Courtney, Todd, Lindsey, Jillyn, Audrey, Lauren, Laura, Jason, Nate, Madison

New Movie Trailer

2007-12-30T14:39:00.000-08:00

I couldn't help but share this new trailer for my favorite books.

Metro Christmas Party!

2007-12-17T14:03:00.000-08:00

Last evening over 40 members of Metro Kansas City gathered at a home of a friend and member of my local church for a Christmas party, complete with tacky/ugly/Christmas sweater contest! Check out the pictures below.

Nathan, Jeff and Adam enjoying some great conversation...

Patrick showing off his ugly sweater...

Ryan and Matthew embarrassing Britney...

Preparing to eat!

It Has Been Quite A Day...

2007-12-09T15:01:00.000-08:00

It has been quite a day, both in the state of Missouri and Colorado. First to Colorado. At midnight last evening, I'm sure you have heard by now that a gunman entered the dormitory of the missions training center of YWAM (youth with a mission) in Denver, a training center for missionaries going all over the world. Two have lost their lives. Later on in the day, ANOTHER gunman shot people at a church in Colorado Springs. They do not know if the two incidents are related. I have been thinking and praying about it quite a bit today. Honestly...if you are a Christian, how should you react? Persecutions and troubles ARE promised in the bible. America has not seen it for a long time, because the country has been very friendly to the gospel. It is my conviction, as well as many others, that these types of things are only the beginning of greater persecution of the Christ's church in America. I challenged my bible study this morning if they have prepared their hearts for this type of enviroment to live in? Are they ready to live their faith, even when sacrifice and troubles occur? When my generation is our parents and grandparents age, I believe this persecution will come even more. So I challenge you-is Christ your ALL, or is Christ your social club? The ones who will endure are the ones who are making Christ their all.

In Missouri, we had a round of crazy ice storms this weekend, with more coming tomorrow. My parents are currently without power in Eldon, as well as have had a tree limb fall on their van, crushing their windshield. It's a mess down that way. They do have a generator, so praise God they'll stay warm. Apparently trees are down everywhere, and power is gone from at least half of the city. Pray for them if you are reminded.

Christmas Greetings!

2007-12-06T10:17:00.000-08:00

Take Some Time To Rest and Reflect

2007-11-28T13:53:00.000-08:00

I sit currently in a coffee shop near the campus of Longview Community College. It is near that time of the year when exhaustion starts to sit in. I think we find ourselves many times at a state where we think we always have to be busy "doing" something. So much we do this that we don't take times to breathe. Everything has to have a purpose, a plan, a specific reasoning. I'm all for planning and goal setting. In fact, I help guys do this more in their lives in our ministry. But it seems to be that we are so busy doing stuff to "improve" ourselves that we are actually doing the opposite. Sometimes, we just need to go out to a field, put a blanket down, bring a book or journal of our interest, and simply breathe. To reflect on the things in our lives, both good and bad. I try to do things like this, sometimes at the expense of doing things and activities that many would question why I am not a part of. If I am to be "busy" for Christ, or if I am to abide in Christ, i'm going to abide. Thus, my choices may not make sense to some who are trying to stay "busy".

Just some thoughts of the day.

It's Time To Gve Thanks...

2007-11-19T05:30:00.000-08:00

I just got back last night from spending an entire weekend with a group of high school students from the Southwest Missouri Area. This group of students is from a church I was formally a part of while attending college. We went to Sky Ranch in Miami (pronounced "Mi-Am-Ma" (yikes...but it is oklahoma!) Oklahoma. I considered it a great weekend. I had the opportunity to speak to them four times on wisdom, and following Christ with our entire lives. I'm glad I got the opportunity to go, and all in all, it was a great time.

So now its monday morning and I'm wiped out! Probably not the best way to start a week, but, Thanksgiving is Thursday. Whoo Hoo! I plan to be here in KC today and tomorrow, then head out for a few days of rest and relaxation during Thanksgiving before coming back up here this weekend.

Hopefully this week will be one where I am going to process all the more how thankful I am. Some people are not big "holiday" fans. I love them. How can you not love a holiday where you celebrate coming together as a family (even though ALL are dysfunctional in some way) and giving thanks for all the blessings God has given you. I love it.

And I'm Thankful.

Leadership

2007-11-10T07:23:00.000-08:00

I urge you to read this article by Mike McKinley entitled "Contemplating Cool". It addresses Christian leadership, and he says some things that are oh so true. It's a great read. Enjoy.

Another Week Of Fun!

2007-11-07T14:22:00.000-08:00

This week has brought tests and fun! (not neccesarily in that order). Last evening at our Metro Worship Gathering, we were able to talk with a former Metro member that is serving as a missionary in Tiawan now! Through the powers of Skype, we were able to have a live video chat with him. It was 8pm on tuesday our time, and 10am wednesday his time! Amazing! It was an encouraging night to see and hear that a new generation of believers are growing up in places that are hostile towards the gospel.

For the next few weeks, i'm calling all of my friends and loved ones to pray for our New York City Mission Team that I am leading in January. We have a wonderful group of 13 going. I had some major miscommunication to me about our airline tickets, and so we are going to have to come up with quite a bit of money in a very short time. The Lord is faithful though, and we trust that he is in control of it all. Pray for us that we will make the neccesary sacrifices we need to make this happen!

God is great, and more real than ever!

Peace.

Thankful, Christmas Music Part Two

2007-11-01T14:42:00.000-07:00

Thankful...

Well, it is the time of year to be thankful. Thanksgiving is less than a month away, and I for one have much to be thankful for. Perhaps I will save these thoughts, however, for a time closer to Thanksgiving and share. So very much there is to be thankful for this year.

Christmas Music, Part Two...

Yesterday began the Christmas music on the radio. And, yes, yesterday was HALLOWEEN. Do you not believe me? Check out this story from the Kansas City Star, or turn your radio to 102.1 OR 98.1 in Kansas City. Now as a lover of this wonderful music, I really can't believe it is on already. I'm a bit wierded out by it, but I lean towards liking it. I just hope I don't get sick of it. What do you think-Is it too early for Christmas music??

Recovering From 15 Miles...

2007-10-27T10:52:00.001-07:00

On Friday Night I went with a few friends from here in Kansas City on a 15 mile bikeride through the greater part of Kansas City. I know what you are thinking...is Matt still alive? :) I am happy to report that I am. Towards the end, I was struggling! My legs were literally ON FIRE with pain, but I feel good today. It was a lot of fun. There is a group of people from the city that get together the last friday of every month to do this, and there were probably between 50 and 100 people that took part. We were one mass, having fun and biking around the city. It was dress up night, as Halloween is coming up. You can't really tell what I am from the picture, but I was suppose to be a three hole punch. I did steal this idea from an old friend, and several people loved the idea. We'll see if it is warm enough to convince me to do it next month!

A Glimpse At Passion Chicago

2007-10-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from Passion Chicago. Soon I will have some images that the great Rachel and Bobby took in my slideshow here on the blog. Enjoy these.

Worship at the Sears Centre will Chris Tomlin, Christy Nockels and Christian Stanfield

Walking Along Lake Michigan

Downtown Chicago/Lake Michigan

Crazy Face Time!

We Are Back!

2007-10-23T10:12:00.000-07:00

We returned to Kansas City at around 3AM from the Passion Conference in Chicago. We had an awesome time of worship and speaking, as well as growing together as a group. In the next few days I will hopefully have new pictures up in the picture viewer for you guys to glance at. Thanks for you prayers! It was a great trip!

Preparing For Chicago, Midterms

2007-10-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

Preparing For Chicago....

We are in process this week to take 35 students and young adults to Passion, a confrerence designed to grow, encourage and challenge. It is being held at the Sears Centre in Chicago, Ill. We'll be heading out from Kansas City at 6am on Friday, getting back around midnight on Sunday. There are still a few slots open if you would like to go! It is going to be a great time of worship, great teaching from the Word, and hopefully a time for new friendships to be made in our group. Pray that our group has safe travel, as well as has a great time!

Midterms....

Yikes! That's the word that has been running through my head this week. I have two midterm TOMORROW, and I have yet to study for one, and have hardly studied for the other. It's been an incredibly busy last couple of weeks, and unfortuantely my studies have been put on the back burner. I'm on it today though. It's gonna be a long afternoon and evening! It's a rainy day here in KC, so i'm going to bunker down in my apartment, make some hot coffee, and study study study!

New Friends, Goals, Joy

2007-10-11T14:17:00.000-07:00

New Friends....
I love when I get the opportunity to share stories of meeting new people. On Wednesday I was at Longview Community College, hanging out with some of the students we know that go there. A guy sat down at the other end of a long table we were sitting at by himself. He was playing his PSP (Playstation Portable). He soon entered our conversation through one of our students inviting him to join us. Before long we found out a lot about this guy. It is his first semester at Longview. He has had a rough 2007. His life and focus, himself self admittingly, has been way off. We further found out that he has been walking from his home most days to school because he was in an automobile accident. The big deal-he has to walk 2 1/2 hours every day from his house! So he has been getting up at 4am to make it to his 8am class! So Adam and I gave him a ride home, where we had a great conversation. Adam picked him up again this morning and took him to school. It's great to make friends, and connect with people. And really, it's not that hard. As a leader, I constantly learn from those i'm leading. Perhaps this is what the bible speaks about when it says we all have different gifts, and how the Body of Christ (church) is so important. We are all created differently, and we each have something important to contribute. That is one element that I hope my leadership and life express.

Goals....
I've been working on goals lately-personal goals, life goals, work-related goals, etc. It is really a good process. A friend of mine once said "Aim for nothing and you'll hit it everytime". How true he was. Goals are a great way to keep us on track in life. It's one part of living intentionally.

Joy....
Even when i've been down this week, the Lord has been my joy. There have been times in the last few weeks, when looking back, I put my foot in my mouth. Do you ever do that? It is so easy to be careless with our words, etc. It takes much strength to be able to think through something, to cool your mind and think clearly, and then present yourself well. It seems more and more to me that allowing Him to be your joy will allow this to happen. If he is your goal-and you come at a situation with humility-then you shouldn't worry.

New York Mission Trip Preview 2008

2007-10-07T13:32:00.000-07:00

Saturday At Panera...

2007-10-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

I am currently sitting in a secluded corner at a new Panera Bread they built by my house. Since getting rid of the internet, etc, I have to go places to use it. Not a terrible deal.

I am currently learning alot about discouragement. It comes so easily, when we allow it to do so. This many times results from our unfaithfulness. Anxiety and distress come, and we don't really trust our Savior like we are to do. Philippians 4:6-7 have been verses that I have meditated on greatly this week.

"Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus"

Do we take our faith at the Words of the bible? Do we understand what this says? I encourage you this week to meditate on these wonderful verses, especially in the context they are in with the surrounding verses. It will make you understand just how trivial your petty worries are in comparision to how big God is.

Upcoming Events

2007-10-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

Passion...
In just a few weeks we will be taking a group of 35 to Passion (www.268generation.com) in Chicago, IL. It is a conference designed for college students to grow and connect with the Lord. We are excited for the group we are taking, both the size of the group and the specific people going. Pray for us as finances come through for a few that still need it.

A Week Off...
Next week is fall break at the seminary, which means I do not have to go to class. whoo hoo! a break! BUT, I have much studying to do. I have two tests the next week, plus another the week after. YIKES!

Bible Study and Christmas Music

2007-09-30T19:19:00.001-07:00

Bible Study...
Our bible studies on Sunday's at my church have been going very well in my opinion. We are looking at some challenging scriptures right now, and those in our class are actually having to think through if they want to seriously take scripture at its word, or if they want to lessen it because of their opinions and uncomfortableness. It's been a challenge to me also. I'm loving it.

Christmas Music...
Ok, look...it's near October...and thanks to www.accuradio.com , I'm already listening to Christmas music. I know, LAME. Are there any people out there that like to listen to Christmas music all year long? I do. I am the most productive when I'm listening to it, for some reason. So, if for some reason you are at my church and walk by my office door, it's likely you are going to hear Christmas music. You cannot beat Nat King Cole proclaiming the birth of our savior! :) So yes, it's October, and by November I may have worn out the Christmas music. But I love it.

Updates, Goodbye to 70 channels, Focus

2007-09-27T14:56:00.000-07:00

Updates...
Hey friends. Just wanted to drop an update and let you know that I have sent my fall update newsletter yesterday out to those of you who recieve my updates. You should recieve it either tomorrow or Saturday. If you are not recieving my updates and would like to, drop me a line or send me an email.

Goodbye To 70 Channels...
Last saturday I ventured to the Time Warner cable office near my home, with cable box in hand, to end my buisness with them. This is one of the things that I am getting rid of due to the amount of money I was shelling out for it. And guess what....I don't miss it ONE BIT. It's amazing the things we believe we think we "need". Are there a show or two that I wish I could watch on basic tv? Sure. Is my money spent better else where? Absolutely. Plus, when I'm studying late, I can still watch my two episodes of "King of Queens". Am I persecuted because I do not have cable or internet anymore? Hardly.

Focus...
It's been a week that I have had to clung to scripture. Needless worry, etc has been a part of it. Those I work with and others around me have noticed. God's faithfulness is so wonderful. Scriptures such as "Do not be anxious about anything..." are one's i've clung to. Again, praise Him for his faithfulness to us when we do not deserve it whatsovever!

Economic Status and Choices We Make

2007-09-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking today about the economic status of America. A podcast I listened to today spured these thoughts on. The Sept 19th Episode of "The Al Mohler Program" (www.almohler.com) has Dr. Mohler discussing very briefly about how there are "cupcake" shops, where for just $3-4 a piece, you can get your own delectible cupcake. I have seen some of these places, such as in New York and on the West Coast. It's probably only a moment in time before we see one at the Plaza or the Zona Rosa here in Kansas City. However, the point Dr. Mohler was trying to make was that we will go and pay enormous prices for stuff like that, but still complain about other stuff such as the price of gas. He also touched on the idea that we will pay $3-4 for a cupcake, when, as our group from Metro Kansas City found out when they went to Uganda the past summer, that they could build an entire home for only a few more dollars than that. NO JOKE!

Now I am just as guilty as the next of doing this. Going to Starbucks or somewhere else, and paying $4 for a latte. Is is good? YOU BET! Could I use my money better? YOU BET! But I still do it sometimes. But then,when my gas tank is empty, i'll complain that I have to pay $2.50 for a GALLON of gas, when I pay $4 for 12 ounces of coffee. Now I must say i'm not one of those daily Starbucks people. I might enjoy a coffee from a place like that once every week or two, when my budget determines it. However, is it still a good use of my money?

The point is this: In my life, i'm trying to weed out the things that I think I am "entitled" to (yes, some students and young adults that I work with believe they are entitled to their Starbucks) and make the wisest choices with my money I can. I believe that God will be greatly honored, and i'll be able to further the kingdom further than I ever thought before.

Fall

2007-09-10T07:22:00.000-07:00

This morning I got the opportunity to take a good friend to the airport to begin his journey of following the Lord's call to teach overseas. It was great to see him off, and I pray the journey he is on will be fruitful and God-honoring.

This morning was the first real morning it felt like fall outside. The air is crisp, and I love it!

My father's surgery went well. He is home now and, although in a great deal of pain still, is recovering nicely. Praise the Lord!

This week is filled with a great deal. I will be continuing our series at Metro tomorrow night called Transformed. If you are a young adult and in the K.C. area, please come! I have some tests I have to take, as I continue to press forward getting my master's done at the seminary.

All in all, should be a good week!