Revival Or Roots - Trusting God

Okay, we're in a time when all of us are being just pulled a lot of directions and I'm really aware of that. At this juncture, I'll just say real candidly, the facility is ahead of the rest of the ministry. That's what I think. I think the facility is going to be ready before the rest of us are to receive everything the Lord wants to send to us. So that's kind of exciting in one hand, it's kind of scary in the other, because we need to be just as prepared as possible, folks, for what I think is going to be an exciting, really just unbelievable time of harvesting that many of us have prayed for for years and all of us are looking forward to. I wanted to have each of the pastors tell you in about a minute, that's what they've been assigned, what their critical path is in terms of preparing. Let me just say, there are a number of issues that are all kind of converging toward when exactly we're going to be in the building. There's approval issues, there's still some major hurdles to be covered in terms of occupancy permits, there's the carpeting issue, which is looming large. There's probably four or five other things that, you know, one piece has to fit together. And interestingly, at this juncture, they all interlock, so it's sort of like it all has to button up together and then, boom, it's done. But we're still pressing forward with confidence that in the Lord's perfect timing, it's going to be real soon. So I want you to know that every Saturday we're out there and I hope that after we're done here in 45 minutes, some of you could find an hour of your time to stop down and maybe grab a rake and move some things around with us for about an hour before you get on with the rest of your day. It's encouraging and it's also kind of fun. So I'm going to ask you to do that. In fact, I'm going to make sure this meeting is over early so you're not pressed in too hard on that. So, Scott, just jump up here and start with, grab a microphone. John, which of these can we use? How about the red one? What's your 60 second plea? You know, we're expecting anywhere from three to five hundred people to be crowding their way in the first base over the next year. And the implications are very serious on the body. We're preparing all of our front door ministries like the greeters, the ushers, the North Wayfinders, the traffic folks. We have probably one hundred and fifty servants that are preparing for activity like they've never seen before. One thing I tell our people at first base is you're the first person people see. And oftentimes, in fact, I think usually it's our people out there at our doors and folks that are helping people that really have a greater impact than this guy that gives a sermon. That's what experts tell me. But it really is important. And so we're working. For example, we have two, plus ten, two big training nights coming on the 20th and 27th of September to prepare. But we're just we're looking at everything from what people see and what they feel to how we present ourselves to them. And it's a tremendously busy time of training and mobilizing and preparation. So next couple of dates that are key from your end? Tuesday night the 20th and Tuesday night the 27th. We're building a whole new ministry, for example, just for our visitor center with probably 20 servants, 20 new people. A lot of new people getting involved and plugged in. That thrills me because I find new folks like Ryan Sharon Brooksbeck here. They're more excited about the ministry than some of us that have been around for a long time. Some of us. Some of us. Yeah. Not me. No. Some of us. That's right. Someone who have been around a long time. 20th, 27th. And, you know, let me say to folks that the preparation issue for those of you who are out there on the front lines, this wave of people, I couldn't agree more, Scott. Actually, I gave him the book that he's telling you about that quoted the insignificance of the pastor's message. And the first 10 to 15 minutes is when people kind of make their initial determinations. Well, what is this church really like? Are the people friendly? Are they overbearing? Are they caring? Are they sensitive? What's important to these people? And it is amazing how many people come back and say, well, you know, I don't remember what you preached on that day, but I sure remember the folks that walked us back to the children's ministry. I sure remember the guy that took the time to show me what I needed to know about the vision. So anyhow, that's so critical. And I know that doesn't seem to you. I mean, when you're out there just doing your thing, you say, well, what difference? It makes an enormous difference. It's the body. That's what we're talking about. It's a gift to the body. So 20th, 27th, training time. This is our only opportunity to do this. After those dates, we're really going to be in motion. Okay, great. Thanks, Scott. All right, let's see. Bill, once people come in and trusting. How many did Scott say he expected first base? Three to 500. And that's what we're preparing for. I have every reason to believe that's not at all ambitious. I believe that's honest faith right there. Now, let's believe God for that many people. We want them to go on to be received. The Lord prophetically spoke. He would send us all that we would care for. And care means to become involved in a group, a community group, that's going to love them and support them and help them to grow. So, Bill, what's going on? What's the critical issues that you're facing? Well, as I see it, one of the things that's happening in second base is we're putting the word out that the seminar is happening. And there are significant numbers of people that are attending that seminar, which indicates to me that there is a real hunger in people to find out how they can grow or go on to the next phase of development in their walk with the Lord. Part of our strategy with that providing support for people to grow is in the small group ministry and the home groups. And we're providing training right now on Wednesday nights for people that are interested in community group involvement. A lot of the people that are coming to that are interested in home group ministry. That is going to be the most significant place of people in terms of their connecting in the body is getting involved in a small group. That's the place that growth is going to happen. That's the place that people are going to find the greatest opportunity for ministry and to be ministered to, to exercise and discover their own ministry. And so we're really encouraging. We need, we're actually targeting maybe 20 new home group leaders by the end of the year. And in terms of community groups overall, we're looking at even more leaders than that because we realize that if we don't get people connected in small groups, they're not going to grow and they probably won't stay connected to the body. Okay, so what's the next, Wednesday night right now you're offering training. Right. And home group leaders that are here today, you're having a touch point, is that correct? We're having a touch point today. I'm going to be giving you some material that you can use in your meetings for content discussion. And our next meeting for home group leaders is? Next Saturday morning right after the Jim Ryan breakfast. Okay. Okay, great. Good. John? By the way, when we say community groups, we mean, for example, there's about 20 promise keepers men's groups that are forming. The ladies have a number of Bible study and support groups. Just there's lots of opportunities. How was singles impact last night? The singles, they're getting real casual after five on Friday. They show up kind of when they can. Really will be benefited when we get our building open and have that place that's identifiable. John? One of the things that I want to say is that I'm excited about how we're working together as a pastoral staff. We really are finding how God is uniting us where all of our opinions are in harmony with our purposes. And our purpose is to help you to grow in your commitment to Christ in your maturity and to put that into service because that's where our growth really happens. And that's where third base comes in, where we're identifying individuals, where their giftedness is, where their experiences help them in ministry, their life experiences, their spiritual experiences, educational experiences, their abilities and talents, skills, their heart motivation. And we're seeing that people are plugging into ministry in areas where they're really excited about what they're doing. And also opportunities for new ministry. I believe that one of the best places for us to put our efforts is to see the expression of God's love in those places. God's put that heart motivation for those people, so we're seeing new ministry open up. And we're going to need that with the numbers of people that are coming in. One of my needs right now is to see new interviewers lifted up, individuals that will come in, ministry advisors, and help people be directed to different ministries that they have opportunity for. Am I causing that problem? One of both, obviously. We're dealing with this. Next, let's go on. Anyway, one of the things that we're looking for is for new people that are coming through, we're expecting at least 180 new people coming through the third base ministry in the next six months. But we want to plug into ministry opportunities to reach out to others to care for them. It's inviting people to the seminar, helping to recruit new people that have a heart for people to see them plugged into ministry, and to equip them, to train them and equip them. Do we have the baseball paradigm there, Nancy? The reason we brought attention to this today, folks, is we're trying something brand new next Sunday. We're calling it Grand Slam Sunday, and that is the time that we're going to have all the seminars on the same day. So we're going to be here at Marshall, and all four bases, there we go, will be having their classes right here. We'll have a lunch, as I assume Scott, in the cafeteria. And then we'll be spending our day right here. So it's a great opportunity. It's not confusing. You don't have to run off. You don't have to go home. It's all going to be here. And it's going to take, however, your encouragement of the people that you're responsible for, to encourage them along. And maybe some of you need to get on. I won't ask you to lift your hand, but how many of you haven't even been to second base yet? And you think, well, I don't need to hear that. Well, I'll tell you, I think you probably would be encouraged by it, and maybe able to help us to even sharpen it a little bit. We'd love to have you make your way around the base pad. So that's next week. This paradigm helps the folks who are new to us figure out what they need to do. And it's so important for us to all own that together. Because you know what? Otherwise, what we have here is an indistinguishably large group of people all sort of milling around. Now, I'm going to get you involved because a lot of you are daydreaming and wondering, why am I not home working in my grass? And I'm going to tell you why. I'd like you all to stand up. And I want you to experience something that everybody at North Way is about to experience. My staff knows what I'm going to do because they've done it recently. And I'm just going to require you to connect with somebody that isn't your spouse. Not a problem for some of you. If the spouse isn't here, don't have a spouse. Big problem for some of you who feel connected at the hip. You're going to have to sever that connection for a minute. And here's what I'm going to have you do. We're going to experience exactly what a lot of people feel when we make significant change. Are you ready for this? Here's what I want you to do. It's a great experience. You'll have fun, I think. All right. First of all, I want you to go find that party. One-on-one. No more than two people. One-on-one. Go find them and face them. And when you find them and face them, then put your hand up so I know you're ready. Okay? Find your partner. Anyone at all. Face them. Okay. Anyone who doesn't have a partner? Who does not have a partner? Everyone. Okay. All hands down, if you don't have a partner. You don't have one? Everyone has a partner. Okay. Everyone has a partner. Great. Wonderful. Now. John doesn't have a partner. Okay. Any other single person? Individual, I should say, who doesn't have a partner? Come on up front here if you don't have a partner. It'll make it easy for me to connect with you. I don't want to. No staff people together. No staff people together. You already know this. I'll tell you. You got to watch them all the time. That's what happens. Split them at the hip. Okay. Ready? Here's what I want you to do. Listen carefully. I want you to turn to the person that's your partner. Make sure you know their name so you're not embarrassing yourself. And look at and carefully observe every external thing about them that you can for one minute. Observe. No talking. No touching. Look at them. Observe them. Everything you can. No talking. No touching. No talking. That's only... It's been 30 seconds. Observe everything about them. Don't you wish you'd worked a little harder before you came this morning? No, I'm just kidding. Okay. Alright? Got it? Now, I want you to turn your back to your partner. That's it. And I want you to change five things change five things about your appearance. And when you've done that, put your hand up. What's hard about those directions? Change five things about your appearance. Your appearance. And when you think you've done that, slip your hand up so I can get an idea. Back to your partner. Alright. Keep your hand up so I can see just about everybody. Five things. Remember what they are. Great. Okay. Very good. Everyone ready? Alright. Good. I'd like you now to turn around, face your partner, and take turns. Tell them the five things they changed. What are the five things they changed? Now, don't change... Don't... Please leave my mic up, guys. Please... Don't change back. Don't change back. Just leave them the way they are, even if you're embarrassed. Help your partner. If they don't get all five, as soon as you've got all five, put your hand up. Some of you are still digging. Okay. All five? Alright. Look this way, please. Don't change back. Great. Got those five things? Here's what I want you to do. This is important. Now, this is... We're getting in touch with what people feel. Now, I want you to turn your back to your partner once again and change ten more. What's so hard about... Ten more. Just... Just do it. Change ten more. Just do it. No talking. To your partner. Some of you are having rebellious thoughts right now. Mutinous thoughts I'm hearing from the Lord. Some of you are in rebellion. I'm not going to do it. Who does he think he is? Why do they come anyhow? Oh, man. Ten things. As soon as you think you've got ten things, tap your partner on the shoulder and turn around and get going. As soon as you think they're ready. So you have 15 all together, right? I haven't seen Jeff Baird yet. Let me know if you see him. Alright. As soon as you think you've got 15 all together, turn to your partner and say, alright, check me out. Help them out now. Encourage them and cheer them on when they get them right. Alright, as soon as you've got all 15, congratulate your partner and then you can put yourself back together again. And be seated. Take your time. No big rush. Alright, as soon as you've done it, put yourself back together and be seated. And I'd like our servers there to please pass out the yellow sheets right away. Alright. Tell your partner you love them. Put yourself back together again, Mac. Alrighty, let's do it. Servers, we need those sheets right away. Okay. Now let me explain in 10 minutes what I could take a half an hour explaining because I want to get us connected here. While you're getting your sheet, may I read a scripture to you? Can I read a scripture to you? Just listen as I read. I quit squawking up there. Listen carefully. Now you tell me where I'm reading. Think about it. See if you recognize the reference. Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty or freedom. And we who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory are being transformed or changed into His likeness with ever increasing glory which comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. Where am I reading? One person. Who else? 2 Corinthians 3, 17. You ought to know that one. Folks, listen up. There's purpose in this. It's not just to irritate you this morning. I know that's irritating. I experienced it. I know it's irritating. But it's also kind of fun when you realize just how goofy your partner can look, isn't it? Here's why we did this. Listen carefully. We are about... And I want you to grasp... Can I have one of those sheets too, please, Dave? Thanks. Let me get another one up there. Thanks, guys. Look on the side that says, Make room for a change. There's four levels of change that we're all going to go through. Four levels of change. This is common. And by the way, if you're a parent, this applies to parenting. If you're in a new job situation, this is stuff that you can apply right across the board because it is true. There's, first of all, knowledge change. In other words, you know something's going to happen and you've got to deal with the facts. We all know that change is coming big time in North Way. It's going to happen. The second thing, however, is your attitude toward change. Right? If your attitude is skewed on this thing, you're going to be frustrated. Any time a change is introduced, if the attitude is resistant, it creates another whole dynamic that you have to overcome. But this is the order in which change happens. Knowledge, attitude. The third thing, it's much more difficult to change, is behaviors. Behaviors. You may know that change is coming. You may have a decent attitude, but you've got to do it at some point. Right? Now, folks, all that's on an individual level, but it's far more difficult when we get down to changing a large group of people. And what I hope today you're hearing me talk about is, how does a whole large body adapt itself and change? How many of you know that the church of Jesus in this last generation has largely lost its influence because it's been unwilling to change? How many of you never hope that we'll get to the place where we won't adapt and change ever again? I just pray we realize this is something that's common to all organizations. They resist change. And it's more difficult, the larger the organization, the more complicated a change is. I have been told, and I believe this is right, those of you who know more about this kind of thing than I would probably fill in the blanks on this, but I've been told it takes three years or more for an organization to embrace change. I mean, to embrace it. For three years, they're just kind of dealing with it. Three years. So, I want to get us on board as the core leadership for the change that's coming. Now, let me talk about it. Flip your page over. I'm reducing this down to a very short period of time. Number one, change is always awkward. How many of you felt awkward looking at that neighbor? I mean, how many of you, after the first ten seconds, I mean, I see everything about it. How many of you found it really awkward to look at him for a minute? Wasn't that awkward? Can I tell you, it's going to be awkward for people. If it's not awkward, it's probably not change. We may not think so, but when we move into this new structure and we have all the new people we're expecting, it's going to be awkward, even for those of you who are veterans, to use Scott's word a few minutes ago. I can tell you from years of experience, just having a lot of new people mingled in among us even makes our experience awkward. You watch, because it's just different. Change is awkward. Expect it. And the more information we can provide, the more reassurance, the more communication, the easier the pain. Home group leaders, listen carefully. It's going to be awkward when you ask your group to adapt and expand and embrace. You need to help them through that process. Number two, change normally begins by giving something away. This sense, I'm giving up something. How many of you, the first thing when I asked you to change five things about your appearance, took something off? Ah, my glasses. I said, John's a dad and I can't see anything. I don't know what you changed. And if you've been dressed up a little bit, ladies, earrings, somebody took a watch off, you know, what? Because initially, change seems like you've given up something. Initially, change feels like I'm losing out here. What's it going to cost me? Now, in our situation, it's so positive and we know we're gaining a new church home and we know that we're moving in our mission. So, I think a lot of this is going to be kind of taken care of in the move itself. But, on the other hand, how many of you know people, maybe you're one of them who feel like, you know, if North Way grows, I'm going to have less importance. My role is going to be less significant. I'm not sure I want to get any bigger. I'm not sure I want to lose the friends and the intimacy that I have. And folks, that's a big thing. Change is perceived as giving up. And I know that, you know, that's painful for some people. Number three, change is facilitated with help. A little question. Did I ever say that you couldn't help someone make those changes? Did you notice that a lot of us... How many of you didn't go to anyone else and try to change all 15 things just standing there and you were racking your brain with it? Come on. How many of you didn't really go to anybody for help? Way to go, American Christians. You did it. You know? But listen, we're not alone. If you need resources, we're all around there to help each other. Change is made easier. I mean, Mac, I saw him. He was grabbing everybody's belts and he had, you know, tape to his forehead and he was sticking... Well, if you just moved one aisle back or one row over, you could have picked up a lot of stuff to make those changes. Let's remember that as we go through the process of change, lots of resources are going to be there. We just need to reach out and take a hold of them. It's important that you not try to do all this on your own, especially if you're becoming overwhelmed. Number four, don't overload with change. Now, what do I mean by that? Well, how many of you felt it was kind of fun when we had first, you know, change five things? A lot of laughter, right? What happened when I said change ten more? Oh, boy, you got mad, right? Mad. No way, you know. Didn't you? And I saw some of the staff saying, you know, I have him all week and then he does that. What is it? Well, because you see, too much change, you just shut down. Some of you did. Some of you, you know, you're still shut down, but that's just, it's okay. So, what's the strategy? Well, ease into change and that's why, folks, as many things as we can keep basically the same at North Way, we want to do that. Because there's enough other change going on. That's why we want to keep our structures. That's why I'm so grateful we had this paradigm for a year. We should all be familiar with it. That's why we have these structures that are functioning and working. you know, that's why we're not going to have big changes in the services and all that kind of stuff. Because we can only take so many changes at once without going into overload. Okay, number five. Anyone here, when I said change ten more things, just felt like you wanted to quit? Thank you for being honest. I was aware of that. I mean, it's pretty obvious when you sit down and snarl that you're quitting. This relates to the earlier one and that is to say there is something in all of us that, facing significant change, feels like maybe it's not worth it and I'm going to give up. And I know, for example, in our youth ministry right now they're going through a big time change and some of them are struggling with, man, I don't know if I can keep doing this. And we need to help them see that there's resources all around. People with gifts and abilities right there beside them that can help them to get through. And folks, it's true for all of us. Don't quit. Just ask. And you'll find that change happens much more easily as you draw on other resources around you. Number six. Go ahead. There are differing capacities for change. Let me just say it was very evident to me that some of you loved this. Some of you were gabbing and talking and laughing and chatting and some of you really didn't get into it at all. Well, you know what? That's, I guess, kind of normal. And some people, they're tired of hearing the word change. They're tired of hearing the word transition. We're in transition. I do have bad news for those people. That's life. That's the way it's always going to be. However, it isn't necessarily as intense as it is right at the present moment. We're in some intense time. Some people, and so in other words, what I'm saying is if there's some folks in your home group that you find are kind of a little more negative and maybe just are having a hard time making the changes and adapting, help them. Just encourage them. Say, well, you know what? Be like one of those people I described last week that goes back on the track and helps them through it. Because some people just don't like it. I mean, they love their little predictable little nest. And it's hard for them to go through it. We don't want to cut them off. Finally, follow up and reinforce change. How many of you, the minute you thought the exercise was over, started putting your stuff back on and, you know, reattaching your belt? Why? Well, because, you know, there's something in every one of us that just as soon as we possibly can, we want to go back to where we were. Oh, I don't want to change. I want to see. And I've noticed that we try to get into habits and create new patterns and I don't know why it is, but boy, do we like to just go back to the old way that it was. And we've had experiences on a grand corporate scale of that and you just experience it. It's an inclination that we have. Even before the green light goes off, we're just like, back to where we were. So you need to go back and say, here's why we're changing and here's why we're doing this and let's keep after it until it's a new habit. How long does it take for something to become a new habit in your life? Three weeks. 21 days. And that's a minimum. That's a minimum. So please know that. Now, folks, the one last thing I want to say about change is prayer, write this on the bottom of your page, prayer, prayer opens the heart to change. And so whatever your realm of responsibility, pray for your people to be open hearted about change. And I especially mean in the realm of being willing to take responsibility. It is a big thing that we're facing here. Can I tell you, I'm a little anxious about it. To me, we should have had at least twice as many leaders here today. I'm grateful that you're here. Please, I'm not foolish enough to chastise you for being here. But there should be twice as many people here because we're not ready. And I'm wondering, maybe God won't let us open the building physically until we're ready organizationally to receive the people. The worst thing that could happen is that North Way has a great influx of people and we, our fellow leaders aren't ready for them. It's the worst thing that could happen. It's like birthing a baby and leaving it on the steps. I just pray that that doesn't happen. So would you do us the favor of communicating to the ones, maybe you look around and gee, I wonder where so and so is, this home group leader, you know, that children's ministry, and I know that there are some in the property but there really aren't that many. Not that many. Most of them just, and I know this is a dilemma that we face. Our lives are full. We have many things. But the core of this church is right here. And if I look out here, you know, this isn't all of us by any means. I can't imagine what it's going to take to get us all together. Next month at this time, you know, Lord willing, we're going to be moving in there. Will we be ready? And will we be able to help people go through that change? That's my prayer. Amen. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, I thank you for the fact that your word today said that we are being changed from one degree of glory to the next. And Holy Spirit, I pray you to anoint these that have come today with a heart's desire to embrace change and to look forward with anticipation to new things that you're going to be doing. Lord, I lift them to you. I pray for your grace to be upon them. I so appreciate, Lord, their faithfulness and their willingness to be agents of change for others. And Spirit of God, would you please help us to see that this is a process. It's not an experience. Change is a process. And I pray that the experiences that go along with that process would be abundantly poured out. Those divine appointments, those encounters with the Spirit that building on one another lead us to a changed life. Thank you so much, Lord. Help us to learn these lessons that we've experienced today about the awkwardness of change and the sense of loss and the sense of struggle that many have so that we can help them through. In Jesus' name. In everyone's name. Amen. Well, we want to kind of wrap things up here and give you an opportunity to... Yeah, Jean, yes. That's what we ought to be striving for. Because it will be easy to make the changes if you're willing to give it like purpose. Hallelujah. You can have all the love you want if you're willing to give it away. Excellent. I want to have us all today, as our custom itself, recognize one of our outstanding servants and leaders who's pouring themselves out for some of the folks that we all care about but don't always see. And every week, or every month, rather, when we gather, there's a list of people that we say, wow, we just need to bring recognition to them and we need to let the body know. And I want to bring to your attention today somebody who has, for about, I guess eight years, been serving our youth, who started himself as a seeker, a very reluctant seeker here at North Way, dragged here by his girlfriend. And he liked his girlfriend enough that he just had to go to church with her because the parents said so. And then one summer, about almost nine years ago, Carol and I led a little Bible study in the girlfriend's living room. And he came and brought some of his friends from school and they met Christ that summer. Their lives began to turn around. They went through all kinds of change, which you wouldn't believe, well, you would, because many of you have experienced what God did. But for the last seven years, this brother has been serving our kids. He's been here longer than three sets of youth pastors and has served faithfully and continues to give his life and actually is even pursuing a call from God in the area of youth ministry. So I want us to just stand and honor today our Salter Award winner, Jeff Baer. Thank you. Now, I was, you can be seated. I was dragging this out a little bit because we couldn't get Jeff here because he was working with the kids doing a car wash today to try to continue in the raising of support for the mission trip. Right? And I know you don't want to talk up here. But what would you like to say to the folks just about your experience? You don't have to say anything if you don't want to, but what's the work you've been teaching? I don't need that. Yeah, you do, actually. I'm used to yelling for kids. I can yell. Basically, he's taught, can everybody hear me? You should be able to hear me, in fact. He's really taught me just basically that we have to keep pursuing on The dips and valleys we go through in our ministries are difficult. Right now, it's one I'm facing again. It's another one of those. Alright, where do we go from here? I'd say to Shelly, and she should be here, too. When you see Shelly, please give her the same amount of applause and attention as you did. Because if it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be here either. But just for support, not because she got me here. But just, it's b