One more thing from the book, “Why Men Hate Going To Church.” This one is more in your face about the way we tend to want to go through life.

““Christianity based on risk-avoidance will never attract men. If our message is full of don’ts, be careful’s, and play it safe’s, men will turn their backs. Christianity is not an insurance policy; it’s abundant life!”

This goes hand in hand with Jesus’ words in John 10:10,

“I came so that they could have life—indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest.”

Does “life to the fullest” or “abundant life” really describe our lives? Maybe we’re settling for risk-free faith that only knows about prayers concerning our safety and comfort and getting more of what we think we need.

This isn’t just for us men. Who out there actually wants to live a life without meaning or significance? Well, to be difference makers, we’re going to have to get out there are really LIVE! We’re going to have to take a risk or two or ten!!

I just got blown away by a quote in a book I was speed-re-reading. It’s called, “Why Men Hate Going To Church.” It’s a very good book with much to chew on. This quote got me smiling right away:

“Fellowship is a term invented by Christians who fear the word fun.”

He goes on to say, “The fellowship committee is a grudging admission from the powers within the church that there is a time and a place for fun, just as long as it doesn’t break out spontaneously, especially during a worship service!”

Of course “fellowship” is a biblical word, but he’s making a pretty important point. 

One of the things I absolutely love about Community is we know how to have fun!

This weekend we sponsored more children for our work in the Mathare slums in Nairobi, Kenya. It was great to have Keith and Kathy Ham with us to share what’s going on there.

Here is the article from Christianity Today that I mentioned. It will take a few minutes, but it’s definitely worth the time.

Rick Warren says he is often asked the same question, “Is there any single common denominator that you can find in every growing church?”

Face it, people are different, leaders are different, and methods are as diverse as the people and their leaders. So, if there’s something found in every growing church, I’d love to know what it is. Here’s his answer:

“That common denominator is leadership that is not afraid to believe God. It’s the faith factor.”

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that the leadership team at Community has that kind of faith. We DO believe God is able to do abundantly MORE.

In the months to come you’ll hear more and more about what God is up to and what His vision is for us as we look into the future.

We’ve seen great growth, hundreds of decisions and we witness changed lives on a regular basis. 

You don’t need to know all the details yet, but would you please be praying for me and our leaders as we follow God into our future? 

More to come…

I came across an interesting Chinese proverb that really got me thinking. Check it out:

If your vision is for a year, plant wheat.

If your vision is for ten years, plant trees.

If your vision is for a lifetime, plant people.

How much more is that last line true than when we talk about a vision that is intended to last an eternal lifetime? That's what the church is all about! That's what WE are all about at Community.

Who are you investing in, loving, serving, inviting, helping, encouraging and showering with God’s amazing grace?