ruined for the ordinary

Seminary Class - Sermon on the Mount

2012-01-03T14:36:00.003-05:00

I've just finished writing my term paper on "Secret Giving" from Matthew 6:1-4. Seminary is a lot of work...especially when you're trying to juggle a a blessed life with wife, three daughters, friendships and a full-time ministry.

I had to file for a 2-month extension just to finish my seminary reading and papers. 2011 was a good year of ministry advancement for me, but the advancement brought a lot of extra responsibility that would often push my seminary responsibilities to the back burner. I persevered though with the grace of my online professor. I will soon have my final in hand, and I'll be able to finish on time.

I hope I can stay focused to finish this Masters Degree. Only 6 more classes to go!

better in 2012

2012-01-02T13:40:00.002-05:00

I'm making a renewed commitment to stay faithful on this blog. However, I'm going to change it's purpose. I will use this as a platform for what I'm learning in my leadership journey rather than North Way announcements, events, etc.

Happy New Year! Here's to trying to keep to this commitment...

a lot happens in 5 months...

2011-08-06T11:21:00.004-04:00

It's been a long time since I posted anything on my blog. Life and ministry has been...let's say, quick. There's no way I could do justice to recap all that God has done in the last 5 months, but here are some of my highlights:

Dave Buehring spoke at North Way's Ironmen Retreat, and he nailed it!
Erica went to El Salvador to visit her brother's family and work at their mission.
The Worship Cafe welcomed back Joe Bucci as our Worship Leader.
Erica and I celebrated 12 years of marriage.
My 2 older daughters finished 3rd and 1st grade. Well done girls!
Erica and I, with the #pinklife, went to Sandcastle and Kennywood!
Madalyn attended her first basketball camp.
I was able to go to NetDMC Dallas with Stu Cozzens.
I was able to get to a Rockpointe service...first time in 5 years! It was great to see our friends!
My family went to Surf City for vacation, and I spoke there for their High School Discipleship Week.
Ainsley had to have her tonsils/adenoids out...this was not fun for anybody.
Kalea is back for another year of NA Tiger Pride Cheerleading.
I'm getting ready for Season Two of Ironmen and a whole lot more ministry!

God is up to something great for this next season of life, and I can't wait to continue to be ruined for the ordinary things that this world has to offer! I am eager to live the full life that Jesus promised in John 10:10!

#fail: redeeming life

2011-03-08T09:23:00.002-05:00

We start a new teaching series this weekend, and I believe that you will connect greatly to its overarching theme. We will take some key teachings from the book of Ecclesiastes, and we will pair them with a popular social media term in #fail. I promise, it will make sense for those of you not connected to Twitter! Is there meaning to social media? Some may think it’s meaningless!

No matter what we achieve – or don’t achieve. No matter how much we learn, or how hard we work, or how many difficulties we have – we all question meaning in our lives at one time or another. We’ve all had moments where we’ve felt like life is meaningless, work is oppressive, and we are left to wonder if there’s any point to it all. Are we just here and then gone? Is life a random chain of events?

Often, the filter through which we view our life makes an enormous difference. Join us as we seek a way to redeem life from meaninglessness, toil and fate. Together, let’s look at our lives from a Godly perspective and find new purpose and meaning in all of our moments.

meet Stuart Cozzens

2011-03-03T20:14:00.002-05:00

Stuart Cozzens is a new addition to North Way's team of Emerging Leaders where he will be serving alongside me at the Wexford campus in the Worship Café, Ironmen Ministry and Young Adult Assimilation. His passion is to help people successfully navigate change, to walk alongside new Christians as they grow, and to champion healthy, Christ honoring marriages.

Stu holds a BA in Business Management from Hope College (Holland, MI), and a Master¹s degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (Boston, MA). While pursuing these studies, he has served congregations in Michigan (Resurrection Life Church) and in New Hampshire (Faith Bible Church) in the areas of student ministry, discipleship, leadership development, and teaching.

Born and raised in Traverse City (MI), Stu inherited a love of all things outdoors fishing, hunting, and football. When he's not at one of the North Way campuses, he's most likely doing something outside, reading, exercising, or cooking international cuisine with his wife, Jessica whom he met at a summer church-planting course while in seminary. Jessica is using her unique degrees and experience in the publishing world as a freelance writer and editor. They married in December of 2010, and are excited to be a part of God's movements in the greater Pittsburgh area.

Back in the Day - Acts 1-9

2011-01-03T09:32:00.003-05:00

We start this new series this weekend at North Way.

The Urban Dictionary defines “Back in the Day” as:
A time in one's life looked back upon with great fondness. Usually invokes a memory of a particularly memorable or traumatic incident.

Two thousand years ago, the earliest followers of Jesus launched what was to become known as the “Early Church.” The Early Church experienced and endured incidents both memorable and traumatic that set the course for what we, as the “Modern Church,” have now become.

Please join us for this eight-week message series - January 8/9 through February 26/27 - as we study “The Church” as found in the New Testament book of Acts, chapters one through nine. With a commitment to not overly-romanticizing the early church, we will look for inspiration and truth from those that embraced both the calling and cost “back in the day.”

Christmas FUN!

2010-12-24T09:48:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas from the Chevalier's

2010-12-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

My family and I wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas!

Chevalier Merry Christmas 2010 from Kent Chevalier on Vimeo.

High School Laurelville

2010-11-30T10:44:00.003-05:00

This weekend I will be speaking at High School Laurelville. This retreat is offered by the Pittsburgh Kids Foundation (the organization my wife works for now). 400+ High School students will be there, and the major focus of this weekend is to share the gospel with them over a series of 4 messages.

I have to admit that I'm a bit nervous going into this weekend. It's been a long time since I have spoken to High School students. Having worked in Youth Ministry for 10 years, it should be a blast! BUT...that was 4 years ago! What's funny to me is that the last time I spoke to 9-12 graders was at North Way's Blitz. Interestingly enough, I have never been invited back!

I'm excited about this weekend! I'm praying that God will use me (an X-Youth Pastor) to share his gospel of grace with these students. It's an honor and privilege to be the guy that jump starts the real conversations that will happen during cabin time with their youth leaders.

If you have some time on Saturday night (right around 7pm), please pray. I will be sharing a message on Jesus' redemptive work on the Cross for the world's sins with 400+ students. My hope is that everyone who hears the gospel will receive God's grace and forgiveness. Thanks!

Post-Thanksgiving break

2010-11-29T20:30:00.004-05:00

This week I'm on vacation...OK, staycation. It's when you take vacation days, but you don't go anywhere, and you stay at home. I'm getting things done around the house like putting up the Christmas tree and hanging our Christmas lights outside. This was a new adventure in our new home.

The girls were off school, so we took them to see "Tangled" today. They liked it, and I pretended to enjoy the movie, but I secretly enjoyed only being with them. Princess movies just aren't my cup of tea, but I'll do anything for my princesses...well, almost anything.

Radical - David Platt

2010-11-22T14:47:00.004-05:00

I'm reading "Radical" by David Platt. I've only just started, but I thought I'd share with you these quotes:

"I could not help but think that somewhere along the way we had missed what is radical about our faith and replaced it with what is comfortable. We were settling for a Christianity that revolves around catering to ourselves when the central message of Christianity is actually about abandoning ourselves."

"We are giving in to the dangerous temptation to take the Jesus of our Bible and twist him into a version of Jesus we are more comfortable with...A Jesus who brings us comfort and prosperity as we live out our Christian spin on the American dream."

Garry Poole

2010-11-20T10:15:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting in an evangelism training class with Garry Poole (Seeker Small Groups) where he's training us on a "different" approach to evangelism. Here are two big ideas that encompass his training...

Empathic Evangelism - The process of guiding non-Christians to self-discover biblical truths by seeking first to understand through asking great questions and listening really well.

Living in 3-D - A process of building genuine friendships with non-Christians based on common interests by offering unconditional acceptance with relational intelligence. (Develop Friendships, Discover Stories, Discern Next Steps)

social media and the Church

2010-11-18T12:21:00.002-05:00

Pastor Bill James walked into my office 30 minutes ago, and he hands me his phone. He explains that this is Mike Pintek of KDKA News Radio. He wants to interview a pastor that is using social media. He explains that there was an article that is causing some contreversy about the Church and social media. He asked if I would be willing to be interviewed about how I and North Way Christian Community use social media.

So, I will be on KDKA 1020 News Radio at 2:05pm. You can listen HERE.

We'll see how this goes!

it's better to give than receive, but...

2010-11-18T11:23:00.003-05:00

It is true that it is better to give than receive, but receiving is not so bad either. Yesterday, I received a gift that blew me away! I was so excited that someone would give me such a valuable gift. I was like a little kid on Christmas morning!

Now that I reflect on the moment I received the gift, I think about the giddy nature of the person giving the gift in that moment. I do see how giving was better for that person than receiving.

This gives me a bit of a glimpse into the heart of God when people receive the gift of salvation. His heart must explode with excitement and anticipation. He must lean forward in heaven to say, Watch this! This is going to be awesome! They're about to put their faith in Jesus! Gather 'round! Here's the moment we've been waiting for! They're about to be set free! When a person receives the free gift of Jesus, I bet you God is giddy!

gotta get better at this...

2010-11-16T09:13:00.001-05:00

Acts 20:28 - Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.

I have to get better at this.

wedding season?!?

2010-11-15T10:13:00.002-05:00

I've never experienced a wedding season like this before! I don't remember officiating many weddings past September, but this year is different. I've had 3 weddings since September, and I have 2 more to go before December. Love is in the air this fall season!

teamwork

2010-11-12T09:26:00.003-05:00

Looking back at my life, I didn't really like sports that you played on your own like golf and tennis. I always liked team sports like baseball, football and basketball. Why?

You have to depend on and trust others. You have to work together towards a common goal. Teammates cause you to be better because you don't want to let your team down. There's constant challenge and encouragement. There's a feeling of being a part of something that's bigger than just you.

The same applies to ministry. I'm grateful to be a part of the North Way team. There are several teams that make up the North Way team. I'm thankful for those on the Worship Cafe teams and the people that lead those teams (Production Team, Worship Team, Greeting Team, Baking Team, Usher Team, Hospitality Team). I'm grateful for the teams that allow those people to be a part of the Worship Cafe (Family Matters Team, Parking Team, Operations Team, Safety Team and many more).

The Church is a team of many teams with a common goal: Freeing People to Follow Jesus.

getting ready to preach...

2010-11-09T14:18:00.006-05:00

I'm getting ready to preach "live" in the Worship Cafe this Sunday! I always love preaching "live" in there! We start a new series this weekend, and each of our campus pastors will be preaching the first message of this 3-week series "live" in their own communities. Pastor Jay Passavant is in Wexford Sanctuary. Pastor Doug Melder is in Oakland. Pastor Curt Coffield is in Sewickley Valley, and I'm in the Worship Cafe!

This is our new series: "Overdraft Protection: Discovering True Wealth & Influence"

Our experience of financial wealth or scarcity can be either good or bad news for our spiritual life, or both. In fact, true wealth and influence are not measured by our bank account. God has been clear in the scriptures that money can be a serious struggle in our lives, and that is only made worse by the culture around us as well as the economic climate in which we live. During this three-week series, we will seek to discover the Biblical ideal of wealth and influence as it relates to our lives today.

Weekends: November 13 / 14 - 27 /28

different ways to worship

2010-11-07T14:01:00.003-05:00

Right before the Worship Cafe met in the South Venue of the Wexford Campus, fmlive! met with what looked like over 200 parents and kids in the room. The music was pumpin'. The graphics were tight. The lights were on cue. The memorized lines were spot on. The overall program was funny and engaging. This was an incredible way for parents and their kids to worship God.

Immediately after fmlive!, the Worship Cafe met in the South Venue, and we worshiped God with 1 acoustic guitar and 150+ voices. The simplicity was profound. Lights were low. Simple graphics underlying the song lyrics. The music was a mix of new songs and old hymns. We listened to a profound sermon by Pastor Scott Stevens as he wrapped up our "Relational Remedies" series. We took communion together and celebrated the new life of significance that we receive because of Jesus. This was another incredible way for folks of the Worship Cafe to worship God.

2 distinctly different ways to worship God. I am thankful for both experiences in the same room.

welcome Ironmen!

2010-11-06T20:14:00.002-04:00

Many of you reading this right now have been redirected from the North Way Ironmen weekly e.update. Thanks for stopping by to read my blog. It's my journey of being ruined for the ordinary things this world has to offer. It's my attempt at doing what Scott Stevens said in his sermon this weekend - to 'keep my eyes up' towards eternity with Jesus.

As we journey together in Ironmen, I'm praying for you to also be ruined for the ordinary. I'm trying to bring as many people with me as I can. I'm thankful for you! May you experience God in a new and deeper way in this journey together!

Saturday mornings

2010-11-06T08:01:00.002-04:00

I cherish Saturday mornings with my girls. Why? In this season of life (kids in school), I realized that Saturday morning is the only morning that I get to wake up and hang out with my daughters with absolutely no agenda. Every weekday morning is a chaotic rush to get up, get dressed, eat breakfast and hurry to the bus. Every Sunday morning, I leave before they wake up to get to church. Therefore, Saturday morning is the only morning that I can spend quality time with them.

Even if it's lounging around the house, I think it's so important that I "protect" these mornings. They afford me the ability to do things for and with my daughters that I just can't do the other 6 days of the week like...I get to make them breakfast. I get to rotate little dates with each of them. I get to watch cartoons with them. I get to have focused chats with them.

Protecting Saturday mornings has been difficult. When I say 'yes' to my girls, that means I say 'no' to many other important things. Saturday mornings for most other people are good mornings to leverage for meetings and ministry gatherings. Every once in a while, I will break my rule, but I try not to do it very often. I have to get better at saying 'no' to even the best opportunities.

I have a feeling that this season of Saturday mornings with my girls will pay off in our family's future.

new look

2010-11-05T14:37:00.004-04:00

I've updated the look and added a few tabs to my blog. I'm trying to simplify the front page a bit. Take a peek.

With the new look, I'm trying to make a commitment to more consistency with my posts.

it's pretty simple

2010-11-04T10:06:00.005-04:00

God has been doing a lot of work on me lately. The word "disciple" is a BIG word in my vocabulary lately. I was talking with a friend this morning about the huge need for discipleship in the Church today. Think about it. Jesus' strategy of advancing His kingdom was to invest 3 years into a small group of men. He then told these men to go and make disciples that obey everything He taught them. Pretty simple strategy.

Disciples who make disciple-makers.

After a conversation with Dave Buehring the other day, I'm convinced that many people think they are disciples of Jesus, but have a really shallow and/or skewed view of what that really means. There's a burden in my heart to change what Henry Blackaby defines as "the least discipled generation", but I'm not sure where to begin.

I guess I'll start with a small group of guys.

Relational Remedies (from an Average Joe)

2010-11-01T11:46:00.002-04:00

Sorry that I haven't kept up with this, but now you can see the last three weeks of our teaching series.

Relational Remedies Part 1 from North Way Christian Community on Vimeo.

Relational Remedies Part 2 from North Way Christian Community on Vimeo.

Relational Remedies Part 3 from North Way Christian Community on Vimeo.

ministry is like fall leaves

2010-10-22T10:10:00.003-04:00

If you were to come to my home today, you would see thousands of leaves all over my yard. I can't keep up with the amount of leaves that are falling during this season. I have mature trees all around the outside of my property. The other day I spent 2+ hours ridding my yard of all the leaves, and the next day it didn't even look like I had touched it. This is one thing that I didn't anticipate when purchasing this home. If I don't keep up with the fallen leaves, I will have a real mess on my hands in a few weeks.

Sometimes the life of intentional relational ministry can feel like picking up fall leaves. There's always more to do, but it seems that there's not enough time to get to it all.

Jesus offers us a lesson in allowing some things to fall. He didn't heal everyone. He didn't teach in every town. He chose to be laser focused with what He did and when He did it. He then taught his disciples to do the same. They obeyed.

I'm not raking leaves today.

Dave Buehring

2010-10-19T09:13:00.004-04:00

The title of this blog, "Ruined for the Ordinary" was largely inspired by Dave Buehring. He has started a blog, so I thought I'd lead you to also be ruined with me.

Reflections on the Ways of God - Dave Buehring

The Mandate

2010-10-18T16:17:00.002-04:00

You have to see this new resource from a friend of mine, Dave Buehring. He's put out "The Mandate" to the Church. The call is "Making Disciples that Make Disciple-Makers" in this generation and the next. View it - www.lionshare.org/netdmcmandate

This resource will make ripples in the waters of eternity.

perseverance perspective

2010-10-18T11:15:00.004-04:00

This past weekend, Pastor Doug Melder kicked us off in a new series "Relational Remedies" with an incredible message about perseverance through what he called the "secret will of God". I loved his sermon, and the one line that struck me most was this: Kent's paraphrase - "The Exodus doesn't happen unless Joseph gets thrown into a pit." Essentially, God's redemption does not happen unless Joseph has a bad day. Now that's perspective in the midst of trials!

I'm amazed at God's sovereignty today. Thanks to Doug for putting my life into perseverance perspective.

ignite a passion within...

2010-10-14T11:57:00.003-04:00

I recently sat with a guy I consider a great mentor. I don't get to see him too often, but when I do, it's always a rich time. He asked me about my life, and I unloaded several things onto him. But then, he talked openly about what God is doing in his life, and I found myself deeply challenged and encouraged by his words. In fact, many of his words are crushing me right now (in a good way). I'm having a tough time understanding it myself, but let me see if I can explain it to you (therefore possibly fleshing it out for myself).

Since he shared what he did, I have a burden in my heart for his vision, words and ideas. I can't get them out of my mind. I am filtering many things through his recent words. My spiritual antennas are "up" considering what he shared. This is a noticeable difference in hearing a teaching/sermon and then applying that teaching to your life. This is a depth of vision that this guy shared, and I just can't shake it, and I don't want to. His words ignited something in me, and I now have an obligation to respond.

I believe this is how the Holy Spirit teaches and guides us. The question is - how am I going to respond? My hope and prayer is that my obedience to the next steps will be revealed in the coming days, weeks or months.

Should I be concerned?

2010-10-12T12:46:00.002-04:00

My wife started reading Kevin Leman's "Have a New Husband by Friday" last night. Should I be concerned? No. I like this guy, and I like his principles. I especially like what I heard this past weekend when he was here at North Way. Over and above all the books this guy has written, I believe he's the real deal. He's a down-to-earth guy that doesn't try to be somebody he's not. He's authentic, and he tells it like it is.

He said some things this past weekend that could offend your mom. However, I believe that we need to be brutally honest in the church today. It helps us to grow. If it takes my wife reading this book to make be a better husband to her, so be it. Who doesn't want to be a better husband to their wife? I didn't wake up this morning wondering how I could be a worse husband, did you? No, it comes naturally. I should not be concerned that she's going to try to change me, but I should strive to be a better husband to her.

WAIT...I think that's his point!?! Ooooohhhhh, he got me good.

Dr. Kevin Leman

2010-10-11T08:36:00.006-04:00

This past weekend, Dr. Kevin Leman was at North Way. He preached at all of our weekend services. He gave a marriage seminar on Saturday night. He gave a parenting seminar on Sunday night. Today, he's giving a mother stress seminar and tonight, he'll give a relationship seminar at our Oakland Campus.

One of the most profound things Kevin Leman said to me backstage was, "I only have one sermon. I just use different stories." As we talked more, I realized that he was ultimately talking about his life more than just a sermon. He lives his life to spread one "sermon" of grace everywhere he goes. From the "highest" profile people to the "lowest", he lives his life to spread the joy of the grace he's received from God.

I knew there was a reason I liked this guy.

the unexpected

2010-10-05T15:30:00.004-04:00

When most people hear the word "unexpected", they automatically go negative. But, I am reminded today that very positive "unexpected" things can also happen in life. I think of my wife's pregnancy announcement of our 2nd daughter. We were not expecting that at all! I think of the phone call that asked if I'd like to come to the Steelers game. That's a nice unexpected invitation. I think of the incredible house-warming gift we recently received from a friend. Again, not expected, but good!

As a follower of Jesus, I should expect the unexpected. The good and the bad will come, but I can rejoice either way because God will never change. Maybe you're in a season where the bad unexpected "things of life" are crashing in on you. My encouragement to you is - Turn your eyes upon Jesus and expect Him to never change. That will get you through the unexpected of today.

much has happened since...

2010-10-04T07:49:00.002-04:00

I haven't been on here in a while because of the craziness of the fall launch at North Way. So many exciting things have happened since I last posted. At the top of the family list was the celebration of my middle daughter's 7th birthday! Happy Birthday Kalea! It's going so fast!

At the top of the ministry list was the launch of our third campus - North Way Sewickley Valley. Pastor Curt Coffield and his team launched with 400+ people. That was absolutely incredible. Many ministries launched alongside our new campus, and it's so exciting to participate in the fall launch season.

This coming weekend, we will start a new series at North Way. "Relational Remedies From An Average Joe: A Study of Joseph"

Ironmen @ North Way

2010-09-23T07:46:00.002-04:00

Ever since I came to North Way I've been starting men's groups with the purpose of getting men into God's word and encouraging one another in accountability. These groups through the years have taken on different names and styles. However, this past year, something began to change in my approach to launching these groups. Instead of me trying to launch one group, I began to dream about multiple groups of men that met all over the city throughout our church and beyond. I didn't know how this was going to happen. After some great counsel from my friend, Dave Buehring, Ironmen was born. This is a men's small group ministry birthed at North Way Christian Community, but it's reach will go far beyond just North Way.

To date, there are 240+ men in these Ironmen groups, and I couldn't be more pumped! God has done something amazing here! God is going to do something incredible in and through these men. I'm praying that all 240+ will lean hard into this process throughout this journey!

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. ~ Proverbs 27:17

Ironmen - week 1

2010-09-20T10:49:00.004-04:00

Some of you weren't able to see this video in your email, so I posted it here to my blog.

No Vacancy - Part 2

2010-09-19T22:53:00.001-04:00

No Vacancy Part 2 from North Way Christian Community on Vimeo.

ironic?

2010-09-16T23:19:00.002-04:00

I'm about to preach this weekend on how our busyness often keeps us from following Jesus. I find it funny and ironic that this may have been the busiest week I've had in a very long time!

Lee Strobel at North Way...

2010-09-13T18:36:00.000-04:00

No Vacancy Part 1 from North Way Christian Community on Vimeo.

U2 - please, let it be...

2010-09-10T10:08:00.003-04:00

I just read this morning that U2 will possibly be ending their 360 tour at Heinz Field. This would be so good. Thanks to Dan Rooney!

Read the story HERE.

community - part 3 & 4

2010-09-09T11:20:00.002-04:00

Community Part 3 from North Way Christian Community on Vimeo.

Community Part 4 from North Way Christian Community on Vimeo.

new series this weekend

2010-09-08T07:48:00.004-04:00

Jesus interacted with masses, but few followed him. Some couldn’t find room for him in their lives; others thought they were too busy for him, or too messy; others were waiting for Jesus to prove himself.

Often, we have much in common with those who didn’t follow him. Like the motel that is full, our lives have “no vacancy,” no space to fully embrace Jesus. We think he cannot handle our questions, won’t fit into our lives, won’t be able to clean us up; or our actions demonstrate our belief that we don’t need him.

Join us as we journey through four real stories of people who discovered the real Jesus when they learned to take down their “no vacancy” sign. Although we are all at different stages in our journey with Jesus, we can all come to know that He meets us all right where we are.

Francis Chan's next steps...

2010-09-04T09:17:00.002-04:00

Francis Chan: Pastor, Author of "Crazy Love" and "Forgotten God" makes a move...

What's Next for Francis Chan? A Conversation with Mark Driscoll and Joshua Harris from Ben Peays on Vimeo.

feeling new

2010-09-03T09:51:00.002-04:00

Over the last few weeks, we have felt what it's like to feel new to many things. We are in a new house. We are in a new neighborhood. We are in a new school district. We walk with our daughters to a new bus stop. We are shopping at a new grocery store. With all of these things, we are figuring our way through, but it's hard to be NEW! There is a lot that is assumed when it comes to the new person...

This has given me a profound appreciation for new guests at our church building(s). We have to constantly be thinking about and executing good strategy for new people and families. But, what does this really look like?

I'm sure for every person, this answer would be different. One thing I do know is this - a friendly invitation for help is never a bad thing for a new person. If someone asked me, "Can I help you find what you need?", I would appreciate that help. Some may still not accept the help, but it never hurts to ask!

A very special day for me...

2010-08-31T20:31:00.005-04:00

This past Saturday night, I had the rare privilege to baptize my brother and my sister. I could spend many lines telling you how significant this honor was for me, but I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

J.H., Shannon - I love you both!

difference in preaching

2010-08-29T19:46:00.002-04:00

North Way Christian Community is one church in multiple locations, and it's made up of all generations. When I have the privilege to preach, it is different than any other preaching I have ever done.

Each campus and venue hears the exact same sermon live or via HD technology. This changes the way we preach. When our teaching team brings the sermon, we don't just preach to that particular room. We preach to that congregation, Oakland's people, the Worship Cafe and soon to come...our Sewickley Valley Campus. When you're preaching, you have to keep all these different locations in mind.

However, I had the opportunity to preach "live" at the Worship Cafe service today. This is completely different than preaching to all campuses and venues. I was able to be much more interactive with the congregation. It's also a blast to preach in my "home" congregation.

I'm learning so much at North Way, and I'm excited to lean into the future while living in community one day at a time. I'm being stretched in my leadership abilities, and I'm loving it!

community - part 2

2010-08-26T12:35:00.000-04:00

Community Part 2 from North Way Christian Community on Vimeo.

the pace is up!

2010-08-25T22:58:00.002-04:00

Over the last couple days I have felt the pace of life pick up incredibly. I feel like a switch flipped, and now I'm running 100mph. This is a reminder that I need to push pause even more now. I have to be very intentional about my time with Jesus. I have to make sure that my schedule includes quiet time and study time. If I don't, it is so easy to miss what God has in store during this season.

my wife

2010-08-22T07:41:00.002-04:00

I preach 2 more times today, and I'm excited to bring the word this morning to North Way. There are so many places I could have gone this weekend as we looked at "community that leaves a legacy" and a "community of all generations." There's one place where I wish I could have gone, but time would not permit.

The gospel legacy has been passed to me through my wife, Erica. This is why I was drawn to her in 1995. She is beautiful on the outside, and she's even more beautiful on the inside. Her character and integrity surpass mine. Her intellect and knowledge of the Scriptures surpass mine. I joke that she's a walking Bible commentary.

Erica's influence on my life has been remarkable. The gospel legacy that she received from her parents has been infused with my parent's godly legacy. She has passed on her legacy to me, and I've passed mine on to her. Now, we will raise our daughters with a faith legacy that has been passed to us.

Erica, I love you. I'm excited to do this life with you. I'm excited to pass our faith legacy on to our kids. You are so precious to me!

2 friends

2010-08-21T11:36:00.004-04:00

I preach this weekend on the fact that God's community is designed to pass on the gospel legacy to the next generations. There is a component that I can't really get to this weekend, but I wish I had time to unpack it. It has to do with the gospel legacy being passed within and through friendship.

I have 2 life-long friends that have done this for me. Ben Kendrew and Franco Salvatori are incredible men of God. I know they want nothing more than for their gospel legacy that has been passed on to them to be passed on through them as well. These two friends are truly a picture to me of how God collides lives together for life to spur one another forward in the advancement of His kingdom.

I've written about these 2 friends before, but I can't write about their influence in my life enough. We each live differently, but we are connected at the soul. Though distance and ministry schedules usually keep us apart, we always pick up right where we left off in our journeys. It is always a rich time to be with them, and I long for more of that time.

Ben and Franco...much love to my 2 greatest friends/brothers in my life. Without you, I would not be me. Thanks for your friendship throughout all these years!

my parents

2010-08-20T08:49:00.003-04:00

I am grateful that I grew up in a Christian home. My parents passed their faith legacy that was left to them by their parents...on to me. My parents have different ways of living their faith. My father is very outspoken in his faith, and my mother is very soft spoken. I call her the silent saint.

I do remember that when I woke up in the mornings to get ready for school, my dad would be in his chair with the lamp on, reading his Bible and praying. I do remember my mom's Bible (that was falling apart at the seams) sitting on her night stand. My parents always made sure we were at church. They always provided great opportunities for me to go to camp to learn about God.

I am now and will be forever grateful for my parent's investment in my life...physically and more important...spiritually. When you're a kid/teenager, it seems like this investment is all about rules and should not's. However, now that I'm a dad (trying to do the same thing for my daughters), I can see that passing on the gospel legacy in my parenting is hard work.

Dad and Mom...thank you! I love you both deeply, and I'm honored to be your son, and I pray that my daughters will one day write of a gospel legacy that they have embraced on their own. I appreciate you for your investment, even when I rebelled and sinned against you. You are precious to me, and I need to tell you this more often!

Rich Grassel

2010-08-19T13:21:00.002-04:00

My freshman year of college, I was introduced to Rich Grassel. Rich sought me out as a young leader on campus. He recruited me to be a volunteer intern at his church’s youth ministry where I began to work with students that were only a couple years younger than me. Rich encouraged me to play guitar and sing in the youth band. Rich invited me over to his home to hang out with his wife and 2 sons. Rich gave me my first ever opportunity to ever teach the scriptures to students.

Almost every week while I was in college, Rich and I got together for a one-on-one. He asked me about my relationship with Erica. He asked me about what I was learning from my biblical studies. He asked me how I was applying what I was learning to my everyday life.
I did not understand it at first, but the more we hung out, the more I understood that Rich was mentoring me. Rich was discipling me in the ways of God. He was showing me the ropes of this Kingdom that Jesus came to establish. Rich was passing on a legacy to me...A legacy of living and leading in the ways of God. I will be forever grateful to Rich for his investment at a crucial time in my life.

community - part 1

2010-08-18T21:15:00.000-04:00

Community Part 1 from North Way Christian Community on Vimeo.

dude baptisms!

2010-08-18T07:40:00.003-04:00

This past Sunday in the Worship Cafe I had the privilege to baptize seven people. This is one of the biggest honors! I was so excited about these 7 people taking this crucial step in their faith journey! What somewhat surprised me was that 6 of the 7 were men!

I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but statistically women are much more "spiritual" than men. The trends show that woman are much more inclined to attend church and urge their families to come with. BUT...

This past Sunday 6 men declared their unashamed devotion to God. I've been praying for all 7 of those that were baptized, but I'm specifically praying for those men to take their faith to a whole "nutha" level! We need these men to rise up and continue living and leading in the ways of God!

That's why we're starting Ironmen this fall. Check out the Ironmen page on the North Way website.

misunderstood...

2010-08-17T08:36:00.002-04:00

Last night, I was misunderstood. It was the age old adage that perception is reality.

I asked my oldest daughter to help me and my wife. I needed her to hold one panel of an 8-foot tall wardrobe. As I began to fasten the base of the wardrobe to her panel, she began to lose her grip because of how I was tightening the bolt. It began to fall, and my instant reaction was one of genuine concern to warn her...I honestly didn't want her to get hurt (or my wife). I briskly yelled out her name to warn her, and she thought I was scolding her. Poor little thing.

I'm very bothered this morning that I was misunderstood last night, and it's all on me! It has nothing to do with her. Her perception is that I was yelling at her...not trying to protect her and my wife. I have to change the way I react. She can't continue to think I'm upset with her.

God help me.

preaching on legacy...

2010-08-16T11:54:00.002-04:00

I'm getting ready to preach on "the Christian's legacy" this weekend. As I'm studying today, I can't help but be humbled by the incredible heritage passed on to me by many godly men and women in my life.

I'm preaching out of 2 Timothy where Paul encourages Timothy by reminding him of the spiritual legacy left for him through his grandma and mom. It's now Timothy's turn to live the legacy and pass it on to others who will pass it on to others.

This phrase is sticking with me today...to leave a legacy, you have to live a legacy. Are you living a legacy?

unplugging for a few days

2010-08-06T21:15:00.001-04:00

I'll see you in a few days. I'm taking my family on vacation!

moved in...

2010-08-05T12:33:00.002-04:00

The Chevalier family has moved into our new home in Ingomar! We are surrounded by a sea of boxes, but we're in! We've met several of the neighbors already, and we're excited to get to know them. The girls have already made some friends across the street.

Thanks to all that have dropped by with house warming gifts and meals.

one church. multiple locations

2010-08-01T07:24:00.002-04:00

Today I have the privilege to be at North Way's Oakland Campus. Pastor Doug is out with our Nicaragua team, and I'm covering for him. I always enjoy the opportunity to go to North Way Oakland.

One thing I've always noticed about North Way Oakland is that they can SING! They sing loud, and they worship hard! I can't wait to get over there!

I will miss the Worship Cafe partnering with our Sewickley Valley Campus core team today. I love my church!

all packed and ready to go...

2010-07-31T18:45:00.002-04:00

We're all packed! We're ready to move!

We're staying at a hotel tonight compliments of a great couple that blessed us with a free night's stay! Thank you so much for taking some of the stress out of this move! My family and I appreciate you very much!

appreciating the love...

2010-07-30T08:13:00.002-04:00

We are moving in a few days, and I'm past the point of being excited. I'm tired of all the last minute things to do, but in the last few days so many people have offered their help for anything that my family needs. People have offered to help us pack, watch our girls, cook us meals and even put us up in a hotel while everything is packed! There hasn't been a day this week where someone hasn't offered. Every time I check my email or facebook, someone is asking how they can help.

This is the church loving and serving one another, and I'm appreciating the love this morning!

hearing God speak

2010-07-29T12:21:00.002-04:00

Last night I was sitting off to the side during North Way's All Worship Night in the Atrium of our Wexford Campus building. One of our worship leaders said to imagine yourself in the presence of God, and my mind went immediately to Isaiah 6. As I read through this passage, I felt prompted to share it with all who were there last night. How would I know to do that?

1. This passage dropped into my mind out of no where. It wasn't like I was thinking about Isaiah in that moment. It was a God-drop.
2. I read the passage to myself, and a certain verse jumped off the page and into my heart.
3. I asked God if this was something I should share with everybody.
4. I had a notion/impression that God said, "It wouldn't hurt."

That's it. Hearing the voice of God sometimes gets so over-spiritualized and complicated. Maybe you need to hear this today from Isaiah 6:7: "...your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."

Our Nicaragua team...

2010-07-28T12:46:00.002-04:00

I'm following 2 blogs that are keeping us up to date on what's happening with our church's team(s) in Nicaragua.

Leaving Them a Better Place - Mark Feldman

What's God up to in La Chureca - Doug Melder

Who Do We Think We Are? - Parts 5&6

2010-07-26T10:41:00.000-04:00

Ephesians 4:17-32

2010-07-26T07:32:00.002-04:00

I had the opportunity to preach on this passage yesterday. Here is a quick recap of my notes.

Jesus Christ delivers us from verses 17-19.
Jesus Christ delivers us to verses 20-24.

Paul addresses four areas of our every day life:
1) Our speech 2) Our anger 3) Our work ethic 4) Our way of relating to others.

I hope that you'll take some time this week to reflect on Paul's letter. I encourage you to really think about how you're doing in each of these areas. Are you and I living a life of righteousness (right living) and holiness (a life set apart for God's purposes) in these 4 areas?

God is doing a new thing...

2010-07-23T09:55:00.002-04:00

The winds are changing, and God is doing a new thing. There are a lot of people in my life that are entering a new season...including myself. Moving to another city. Buying a new home. Taking on new positions. Starting new ministry initiatives. Going on missions trips. Adding to their families. Taking new territory for God's kingdom.

This can be an extremely exciting time, but it could potentially be dangerous. This could be a time when these people (and me) try to do it all in their own strength. May we all continue to humble ourselves before the Lord and recognize that He's the One that causes the winds to change. He's up to something new, and we're simply holding on for the ride of our lives!

Sports Clips!

2010-07-22T20:10:00.001-04:00

I'm moving to Ingomar in less than 2 weeks, so I'm in search of a new place to get my hair cut. I received a free cut coupon in the mail for a place called Sports Clips. I went there today, and I had a great experience.

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with a smile, and I was checked in immediately. I was a new client, so they said I received a complimentary MVP! I was taken to a barber's chair right away and asked how I would like my hair cut. Through out my hair cut, my hair stylist kept the conversation going by asking me questions about my family and job. After my cut was done, I was taken to the sink where she washed my hair and put a warm towel over my face. She took me back to my chair, and she had a machine that gave me a back massage. On my way out, she gave me a $5 coupon off my next visit and a free cut for a friend. This was the best hair cut experience I've ever had!

I think there are some things the church can learn from Sports Clips.

1. They made me feel right at home right away.
2. They explained everything before it happened.
3. They treated me like an MVP.
4. They made me want to come back.
5. They gave me an immediate tool to invite a friend.

accountability & discipline...

2010-07-21T07:35:00.003-04:00

5:30am. My alarm goes off, and I don't want to get up. I don't want to start my day this early. I don't want to drive 35 minutes to the gym by my church. I don't want to work out! But, something keeps me going.

1) accountability - I can't let my accountability partner down. I can't have him show up and me not. He would let me have it and never live it down.

2) discipline - I have to do this. If I don't, I won't be healthy. This is a "must" in my life, and a "must" deserves a consistency and hard work. Time must be dedicated to it.

I find that these 2 things help tremendously with working out at the gym, but they also apply greatly to my relationship with Christ. I need accountability and discipline to stay healthy in my walk with Christ. The difference is that I WANT to do this, but often times I find it very hard to keep this consistent. What about you?

moving in 2 weeks...

2010-07-20T20:45:00.002-04:00

I can't believe we're moving again in two weeks! This will be our 8th move in 11 years of marriage. My poor wife!

We're moving for good reason though...to get closer to our church community. We've had a commute for the last 3 1/2 years of 35+ minutes, and we weren't able to do ministry the way we want. We love to have people over to our home. The problem was that if we invited people from our church over to our current home, sometimes it would be close to an hour drive for them. Therefore, Erica and I found that we almost stopped having people over to our home.

Now we're excited that we will be 10 minutes from our church's Wexford campus. We're also excited that our home will be able to hold a lot of people. We can't wait to get over to Ingomar so that we can start building and reaching our community for Christ.

the fellaz back together...

2010-07-16T06:50:00.003-04:00

Today, I'm going back to Hollow Rock Campground. This camp has a huge place in my heart. I try to get back there every year, at least for one day.

This year, my best friend, Ben Kendrew is the youth speaker. This is one of the rare occasions that I get to hear him speak. With us both being in ministry, we rarely get to enjoy one another's sermons. On top of that, our great friend, Franco Salvatori is coming in all the way from the Philly area. Ben and I met him at Hollow Rock in junior high, and we became instant friends. All three of us are in ministry, and we owe a portion of our combined 40+ years of ministry to our Hollow Rock roots.

This is going to be an incredible 24 hours! The Fellaz haven't been all together at Hollow Rock in 14 years!

Who Do We Think We Are? - Part 4

2010-07-14T16:13:00.001-04:00

Bryan McCabe...

2010-07-13T12:28:00.003-04:00

You have to RSS feed this guy's blog. It will make you think!

Bryan McCabe is friend and co-worker. He's the Director of L.A.M.P., the Learning and Mentoring Partnership. This is a collaboration between the Pittsburgh Public Schools, Family Guidance, Inc., and area churches, including North Way Christian Community.

The vision of L.A.M.P. is to impact the City of Pittsburgh, one student at a time, by matching a church (or churches) with a specific Pittsburgh public school to serve and provide mentors to the school’s students. In 2006, North Way partnered with the District by providing mentors, services, and resources to the Helen Faison Arts Academy in the Homewood neighborhood in the East End of the City of Pittsburgh.

waiting game...

2010-07-12T09:52:00.002-04:00

My family is in this waiting period. We have a sales agreement on our current home. We're in a sales agreement on another home. Our closing date is August 2nd on both homes, and now we wait. But, it's not like we're just waiting around with nothing to do. We have a ton to do!

In some weird way, this made me think about God's Kingdom. As Christians, we're in between things right now...playing the waiting game. But, it's not like we can just wait around and do nothing until Christ returns. There's so much Kingdom work to be done! We partner with God to advance the Gospel here on this earth.

Unlike our closing date on our home(s), the day and the hour of Christ's return is unknown, but we labor to advance the Kingdom! We're actively waiting for the day when "the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend." Man, that's going to be an awesome day, and we need to work hard for the Gospel until that glorious day!

free

2010-07-04T09:48:00.002-04:00

I'm sitting here in a church building thinking about my freedom. I have complete freedom to worship God. No person of authority can hinder me from reading God's word, the Bible. I have complete freedom to do what I want when it comes to Christianity. I am allowed to gather with 100's of others today to worship God. I'm free.

I'm thankful to God and the 1000's of men and women that give me this freedom. Happy Independence Day!

last day of vacation...

2010-07-02T07:38:00.004-04:00

This is our last day of vacation. We fly out late this afternoon.

I'm bummed, but I'm also excited. I'm bummed because I'm now thinking of the "to do" list that's waiting for me at home. I'm excited to hug my girls and tell them we bought a new home! I'm bummed because I have to mow and trim tomorrow. I'm excited to celebrate the 4th of July with many family and friends. I'm bummed because I won't be blogging poolside. I'm excited because I will get to be with North Way this weekend.

I could keep going, but I'll stop now and make the most of this last day of vacation!

red hot...

2010-07-01T09:44:00.005-04:00

Usually it takes me a while to decompress on vacation. Sometimes it takes until day 3 or 4 to fully feel relaxed. Not on this vacation! I was able to relax almost as soon as Erica and I got here because we didn't bring our wonderful 3 daughters. That sounds bad, I know.

You know I love my daughters so much, but I was excited to spend this time with Erica only without any distractions from each other. We have not been able to do this in 8+ years, and I have been having a wonderful time with her. The best thing that I could show my daughters is a red hot marriage with their mother! I told my girls that the reason we were going on this vacation was because I love their mom! I love you Erica!!!

what to do?

2010-06-30T09:17:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, we walked away from the house we were bidding on. However, we got a voice mail late last night from our agent saying that the home owners googled us, and they liked what they saw. They want us to reconsider. A few thoughts going on in my mind right now...

1. technology is amazing!
2. be careful what you blog.
3. i googled them.
4. i think i found him on facebook.
5. i now feel like a creeper.

A lot to think about this morning.

relaxed yet troubled

2010-06-29T08:02:00.003-04:00

Erica and I are on vacation, and it's been incredible so far! I've been able to decompress quickly because we did not bring the kids with us...first time we've done this in 8+ years. I'm very relaxed, but we've got this whole purchasing a house thing going on right now.

We put an offer on a home this past Sunday. Now, we have to make a decision on a counter-offer today, and it's obviously been on our minds and in our conversations. I'm praying that God would give Erica and me wisdom beyond our years. I'm praying that He would speak clearly this morning!

I am reminded right now that Jesus said to his disciples in John 14:1, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me."

Who Do We Think We Are? - Part 3

2010-06-28T18:25:00.000-04:00

Look at Scott's face in the Vimeo still! HA!

Who Do We Think We Are Part 3 from North Way Christian Community on Vimeo.

getting away...

2010-06-24T07:39:00.003-04:00

For the first time in 8+ years, Erica and I are going on vacation without our beautiful daughters. We are so excited to spend some quality time together. Thank you...to our friends for the gracious gift of your Florida home...we could not have done this without you!

We're leaving Sunday, and I'm expecting an incredible week in the sun!

follow along with Ephesians...

2010-06-22T11:23:00.001-04:00

Who Do We Think We Are Part 1 from North Way Christian Community on Vimeo.

Who Do We Think We Are Part 2 from North Way Christian Community on Vimeo.

Dead or Alive?

2010-06-17T15:31:00.002-04:00

I'm preaching this weekend on Ephesians 2:1-10. This covers a ton of theological ground, but I'm eventually landing on this basic question - Are you dead or alive? Spiritually speaking, what life do you want to define you? A life controlled by sin or a life controlled by God's grace? The first one leads to the wrath of God, and the second leads to the worship of God.

Preaching this makes me incredibly thankful for God's grace today! I don't deserve my life...in so many aspects of the word.

UnPlug - Week 4

2010-06-12T10:16:00.000-04:00

Unplug Part 4 from North Way Christian Community on Vimeo.

Celebrating the SMALL things...

2010-06-09T08:57:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was Madalyn's last day of 2nd grade and Kalea's last day of Kindergarten. This was a big day for them, so Erica and I tried to celebrate accordingly. Erica made each of the girls their favorite meal, and then we topped it off with ice cream!

I don’t even remember my last day of high school or college...let alone 2nd grade or Kindergarten. It may be that I have a terrible memory, but I doubt that many people remember these dates. However, I’m trying to teach myself and my girls that it’s important to celebrate the small things and the big things of life. It’s a discipline to celebrate. I’m trying to remember to slow down enough and plan ahead enough for these celebrations. When we do, it makes us appreciate life.

Who Do We Think We Are?

2010-06-05T18:19:00.000-04:00

June 12 - August 8 at any North Way Campus.

UnPlug - Week 3

2010-06-05T15:36:00.000-04:00

Unplug Part 3 from North Way Christian Community on Vimeo.

UnPlug - Week 2

2010-06-05T15:35:00.000-04:00

Unplug Part 2 from North Way Christian Community on Vimeo.

newest facebook

2010-06-02T18:53:00.000-04:00

Check out the new Worship Cafe facebook page.

Next Series @ North Way...

2010-06-01T16:16:00.005-04:00

Who Do We Think We Are?
(Understanding Christianity Through Ephesians)
June 12 - August 8

Have you ever tried to go back and explore your family history? You cannot discover who you are until you know where you come from; your family history reveals truths which can shape your identity.

In this series, we will walk with Paul through his letter to the church of Ephesus where he reminds them to establish their history in Jesus Christ alone. Over these eight weeks, we will unravel the truths which shape our identity in Jesus Christ and discover what it really means to be a Christian.

11 years...

2010-05-28T08:25:00.003-04:00

This Sunday (May 30th), I will celebrate 11 years of marriage with Erica. She is an amazing woman, and I've become such a better man by simply being with her. She's an incredible wife to me, and she's an excellent mother to our three daughters. I'm blessed to be married to her.

I remember when I knew 100% that I was going to be married to her. She and I were sitting on the porch of house on Geneva College's campus. We had taken some time to pray about where our relationship was going. It was a time where either we were going to the next level (engagement) or we were going to call it quits. We came back together after this time of prayer, and we both shared that we felt God was leading us to each other. And that was it! We were engaged shortly after I could purchase her ring. 2 weeks after our college graduation, we were married! The rest is amazing history...

Acts 2:47 question...

2010-05-27T10:00:00.000-04:00

routine interrupted...

2010-05-25T07:11:00.002-04:00

My routine has been interrupted today. I'm usually in a meeting right now with the staff of North Way Christian Community, but I took the day off to go to Kennywood with my family. We're getting ready to leave, and I'm so excited to spend the day riding roller coasters with my daughters!

Like I said before, I believe that days like these are connected to rest. I'm UnPlugging from my normal routine, but I'm not laying around just chillin'. In fact, I'll probably be more exhausted tonight because we've run hard all day long. I can pretty much guarantee that I will be carrying in 3 sleeping daughters after an incredible day of fun! This is going to be a great day!

taking a rest from blogging...

2010-05-23T06:08:00.002-04:00

I follow several people's blogs on North Way's staff. I have a lot of people from the Pittsburgh area on my RSS feed, and not too many people are blogging lately. I wonder what's going on that so many people are taking a break from blogging. I haven't been keeping up like I want to. There are several reasons for that, but I want to get back to what God is teaching me in this journey.

One thing God is teaching me is this: His timing is and always will be perfect...even when I get frustrated. If I'm trying to force something in my strength and my time, then I will have to sustain it in my strength and my time. I don't want that, so I'm waiting on God on several levels to do what He wants...in His time.

interupt the routine...

2010-05-18T12:03:00.003-04:00

This morning, I interrupted my routine. I was actually supposed to be in California this week, but due to unforeseen circumstances, I'm still in sunny Pittsburgh! All my meetings were canceled for this week because of the trip I didn't go on, so I had the opportunity to "unplug" this morning by not following my typical Tuesday routine. I came early to my office (7am) to read the Scriptures and just sit in God's presence. He met me there.

I need to interrupt my routine more often.

UnPlug - Week 1

2010-05-17T12:12:00.000-04:00

5-16-10 Unplug Part 1 from North Way Christian Community on Vimeo.

upcoming dates...

2010-05-14T08:56:00.002-04:00

get these dates on your calender:

May 15 - Compassion Day
June 6 - North Park Picnic (Willows Shelter)
July 17 - Pirates Game (Zambelli Fireworks Night)

more to come...

upcoming series...

2010-05-10T13:28:00.004-04:00

Sorry, I've been off for a while attending to some family stuff. This might be a good time to plug our new series "unplug - the gift of margin and rest" coming to North Way this weekend.

My pace and rhythm has been thrown off as of late, and I'm looking forward to rediscovering margin.

A Place Called Obedience...

2010-05-03T11:24:00.000-04:00

Oh The Places You'll Go - Part 4 from North Way Christian Community on Vimeo.

capturing wisdom - Part 3

2010-05-02T16:42:00.003-04:00

John Perkins shared a thought for Pastors that went a little something like this from 2 Timothy 2:1-2. He said, "Commit your deep time to those who are faithful." He went on to explain that we really need to invest our time into those that are faithful members of our church...those that are hungry to learn and pass it on. As we invest our time there, God will use our influence to the 3rd and 4th generations.

I hope I'm leading like that.

A Place Called Influence...

2010-05-01T11:57:00.000-04:00

Oh The Places You'll Go - Part 3 from North Way Christian Community on Vimeo.

capturing wisdom - Part 2

2010-05-01T09:27:00.002-04:00

One of the larger discussions at the Fathers of the Faith event surrounded "the fear of the Lord." Henry Blackaby said, "Too many of us have lost the fear of the Lord. When you lose the fear of God, you lose the fear of sin." He then turned us to look at Jeremiah 6. This is not a pretty passage!

Dave Buehring defined "the fear of the Lord" as reverencing and referencing God in all you do. He closed the session out by praying a prayer that included something that I am giving my attention to today. He prayed, "May Pittsburgh be marked by the fear of the Lord and the word of God."

What would Pittsburgh look like if all followers of Jesus prayed that prayer for our daily lives? God, I pray that I be marked by the fear of the Lord and word of God. Amen.