Awakening The Sleeping Giant

  Outside Influences: Are We Building God's Church or Our Own? The way our local churches operate has a huge impact on how effectively they connect with their communities. It's hard to deny that most North American churches follow a centralized, institutional model. But as Francis Chan so pointedly states, "God gave us his 'order' for the church. He told us precisely what He wanted through His commandments in the Bible. In our arrogance, we created something we think works better." Ouch. That stings, but it also makes you think. Are we truly following God's blueprint, or have we allowed outside influences to shape our churches into something He never intended? Think about it: businesses, government, social media, the whole media landscape, even other non-profits, income, status, family, and friends – they all play a role in how we "do church" today. Could it be that the very things we think are essential for church – budgets, programs, locat...

  Reimagining Church: Lessons from Monastic Communities and the Book of Acts Although seemingly disparate, the principles of monastic communities and the early church described in the Book of Acts share surprising similarities. While monastic communities pursued a life of contemplation and prayer, often withdrawing from society, the early church, though active in its community, also demonstrated a deep commitment to shared living, learning, and worship. This post explores how we might glean wisdom from both to revitalize the church today. St. Anthony, considered the father of monasticism, exemplified this dedication by forsaking wealth and social status to pursue a life of prayer and contemplation, drawing a group of disciples around him. This intense lifestyle, though not directly comparable to the early church, echoes the devotion and communal focus found in the Book of Acts. My experience serving at youth camps has brought this connection into sharp focus. These week-long re...

  And the Grammy Goes To...Beyonce? How Beyonce's Win is Related to the Church Okay, folks, let's talk about the Grammys. Did anyone else do a double-take when Beyonce won Best Country Album? I mean, come on. Beyonce. Country. Those two words just don't belong together. It's like putting ketchup on ice cream – you can do it, but should you? And is it really a good idea? Now, before all the Beyhive members swarm me, let me be clear: I'm not saying Beyonce isn't talented. She's a powerhouse performer. But country music? That's a whole different genre, with its own history, traditions, and sounds. Just because someone throws on some cowboy boots and sings a song with a twang doesn't magically make them a country artist. This whole situation got me thinking about something else entirely: the church. Stick with me here, I promise it's connected. Think about it. So many businesses these days slap the word "church" on their name. ...

Has the North American Church Gotten It Wrong?  A Story of Awakening. For centuries, the North American church has largely followed a familiar pattern. Sunday services, Sunday school, midweek programs… the routine is deeply ingrained. But what if this well-worn path isn't the one we're meant to be on? What if, in our adherence to tradition, we've missed something vital? For many, the word "church" now evokes images of stuffiness, boredom, and stale religiosity. But the New Testament church was anything but! It was a vibrant, dynamic community of believers, deeply connected and actively living out their faith. So how do we bridge the gap? How do we recapture that original spark? I want to share a story about a church in New Jersey that's actively seeking to answer those very questions – and they're already seeing incredible results. For the past three weeks, this church has embarked on a journey of rediscovery, using Awakening The Sleeping Giant: A Guide to...

The Ten Commandments: Are They Still Relevant? The question of the Ten Commandments' relevance is more nuanced than it might initially appear. For years, Christians have championed their presence in public spaces like courthouses, schools, and even churches, often citing their moral significance. But have we ever stopped to ask why ? Is it simply about right and wrong, or is there something more to it? While the Ten Commandments certainly offer moral guidance, I want to challenge the idea that our primary focus as Christians should be on publicly displaying them or even reading them as a central tenet of our faith. This isn't about dismissing their value, but about understanding their proper place in light of what Jesus has done for us. Like many, I grew up learning the Ten Commandments in church. They were presented as a cornerstone of Christian living, a set of laws to adhere to. But this raises some important questions. Does this emphasis on the law truly align with the...

A secret gnaws, a truth I must confess, A spirit burdened, heavy with distress. The Word neglected, prayer a fading call, Where God would speak, I turn away from all.   A shock, perhaps, to those who know my name, Yet truth it is, in this deserted space. Not that I shun communion with the Lord, Nor fail to live as Christ implored, Nor shrink from sharing faith when chance arise, I strive, though flawed, to walk the path of Christ.   Then why this void, this desolate neglect? A fear resides, a message I expect. I weary of obedience, voice unheard, A lonely echo, every whispered word. Not from the world, but from the hallowed halls, The Church itself ignores the urgent calls. A truth revealed, of vast and vital weight, Unheeded, lost, a devastating fate. This very thought churns within my soul, A heavy burden taking its cruel toll.   My studies, teachings, feel like wasted breath, I seek no pity, but a plea for apathy's death.  Is this the bride? The love of Christ, fo...

What Makes a True Christian Community?   It's More Than Just a Name "Community church." The name itself sounds warm and inviting, suggesting a close-knit group of people connected by faith. But in a world where "community" churches seem to pop up on every corner, it begs the question: are they truly living up to their name? The dictionary defines a community church as "an interdenominational or nondenominational church for community use..." But simply being in a community doesn't automatically make a church part of it, or foster a genuine sense of belonging. The sheer number of "community" churches in some areas suggests a different reality. Can a large church, where attendees can easily slip in and out unnoticed, truly be considered a community? The Oxford Dictionary offers a more insightful definition of community: "A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common," and "A...

  The Sleeping Giant: Is It Time to Wake Up? The Sleeping Giant is more than just a catchy phrase; it's a powerful idea, and it's about  you .  It's about the potential within each of us, and within the Church as a whole, to rise up from a state of apathy and embrace a life of purpose and power. The Sleeping Giant is... the Church! But not in the way you might be thinking. It's not about buildings or rituals. Those things can actually contribute to the "sleep." When we talk about the Church, we're talking about Ecclēsia – the people called out from the world and to God. It's the community of believers, the body of Christ. And right now, too much of that body is slumbering. The truth is, many Christians agree that the Church needs to wake up, but they're unsure of how, or worse, unwilling to do what it takes. I've seen two major roadblocks hindering this awakening: religion and cost. Religion: We've inherited a certain idea of what ...