IC Church of Christ: Next Steps for September

It is so humbling to think that God would invite me to have a front row seat in the work he is doing in Iowa City and in our church. To be able to hear the stories and see the work going on in and around our church is so exciting. Let me share one of the awesome ways that God is working in our church. So far, through the month of July, we are on record pace in regards to our giving towards missions. By the time 2010 is done, we will have given more for missions than any other time in the history of this church! Do you know what makes something like that happen? What makes people generous with their money is their close relationship with a generous God. To truly know God means we understand his love and generosity and it changes us. With all that God is doing in our church, here are some "next steps" that we will be taking in the month of September.
First, we are going to launch a second worship service at 8:30 am, starting Sunday, September 5th. This service will be identical to our regular 10:30 am service, it just will be earlier. The reasoning behind the move to add another service was twofold. 1) Our main 10:30 service was 2/3rds full and we were having some parking issues, especially during the winter. A second service will provide more space for both of our worship services. 2) We wanted to provide another opportunity for people to worship with us. We understand that schedules and conflicts can arise and 10:30 doesn't always work for everybody. Now, there is a second option available. Please be praying for this second service launch and consider possibly making this service your regular worship time.
Second, in addition to this new service we are also launching a spiritual growth campaign called Prodigal God. This campaign is based on Jesus' parable from Luke 15, in what is commonly known as the prodigal son. The structure for the campaign is based off of the book, Prodigal God, written by pastor and author Timothy Keller. This spiritual growth event will begin on Sunday, September 5^th with a video sermon preached by Pastor Timothy Keller. This sermon will unlock the message of the prodigal son in a way you have never experienced. How you understand and relate to God has the potential to be radically changed.
To get the most out of this campaign there are three things that I would like you to do. First, commit to attending every worship service during this campaign (September 5^th – October 17^th). The worship and preaching experiences are designed to help you grow throughout this event. Second, sign up to be in a small group Bible study. The best way to apply the teaching you will be receiving is to have a group to talk, pray and study with. Small group sign up will begin August 22^nd. Third, purchase a Prodigal God book ($15)…and read it! This book will be your guide throughout the study. It will help you unpack what Jesus teaches in this powerful parable. Books will be available in the foyer starting Sunday, August 22.
God is doing some incredible things, the question is: Are you ready to follow? As the saying goes, "You can't go with God and stay where you are." I think it's time to take some next steps!

Prodigal God

Coming Sunday, September 5th, IC Church of Christ is going to launch into a spiritual growth campaign entitled Prodigal God.  Here's a video trailer describing what Prodigal God is all about.

How To Fool A Baboon

I used this YouTube clip for my sermon on Sunday.



 What's the point you say? Well, how about this:  What do you need to let go of so you can find freedom?

What's the Best Way To Change a Church?

Here's a video from my friend Jim Powell, the Lead Pastor at Richwoods Christian Church in Peoria, Illinois.  The church he leads has under gone some dramatic growth over the last few years.  In this video he shares what the key component was in turning things around.


Untitled from The Nines on Vimeo.