We have seen generosity rise this week in an incredible fashion! We set a goal to raise $10,000 toward the life and ministry of Center City Church in the final week of 2010. I'm so overwhelmed by the response. We have seen over $9,000 raised toward that goal as of today (New Year's Eve).
Click here to give via PayPal if you want to help us finish off this goal! Thanks to all for your generosity!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Totally Blown Away
I have been so overwhelmed by the generosity of so many - both local and across the country - over the past several days. We have a goal to raise $10,000 toward the life and ministry of Center City Church in the last week of 2010. And we are getting closer and closer to that goal. We have seen thousands of dollars given in just a matter of days as people give year end, tax-deductible contributions.
Finances will always be one of - if not THE - biggest challenges to a new church. The finances of a these fledgling organizations depend on the generosity - and Biblical obedience - of many people. We try to teach the principle of tithing (the first 10% of your income is given to the local church), but can't talk about it all the time because it's not the only topic. So faith is put fully in the provision of the Lord and the generosity of people.
If you would like to financially invest into Center City Church with a year end, tax-deductible contribution via PayPal, CLICK HERE.
Thanks to all that have given so far!
Finances will always be one of - if not THE - biggest challenges to a new church. The finances of a these fledgling organizations depend on the generosity - and Biblical obedience - of many people. We try to teach the principle of tithing (the first 10% of your income is given to the local church), but can't talk about it all the time because it's not the only topic. So faith is put fully in the provision of the Lord and the generosity of people.
If you would like to financially invest into Center City Church with a year end, tax-deductible contribution via PayPal, CLICK HERE.
Thanks to all that have given so far!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
End of Year Giving
We are trying to raise $10,000 in the final week of 2010.
I am asking that you would prayerfully consider giving an end of year offering toward the life and ministry of Center City Church. We have already seen over $3,000 miraculously given in the past three days. Would you help us reach our goal? No amount is too small and, of course, no amount is too big :-)
Over the past 9 months, we have seen God do amazing things. People's lives have been changed by the saving power of Jesus Christ. An incredible group of people have formed that call Center City home and faithfully serve this church and our community. Your one-time offering will help us continue to effectively spread the message of Jesus Christ to our community.
Your tax-deductible donation can be given online via PayPal (CLICK HERE) or mailed to:
CENTER CITY CHURCH
401 Hawthorne Lane
Suite 110-219
Charlotte, NC 28204
Thanks for your prayerful consideration of supporting this growing and life-giving ministry in Uptown Charlotte!
I am asking that you would prayerfully consider giving an end of year offering toward the life and ministry of Center City Church. We have already seen over $3,000 miraculously given in the past three days. Would you help us reach our goal? No amount is too small and, of course, no amount is too big :-)
Over the past 9 months, we have seen God do amazing things. People's lives have been changed by the saving power of Jesus Christ. An incredible group of people have formed that call Center City home and faithfully serve this church and our community. Your one-time offering will help us continue to effectively spread the message of Jesus Christ to our community.
Your tax-deductible donation can be given online via PayPal (CLICK HERE) or mailed to:
CENTER CITY CHURCH
401 Hawthorne Lane
Suite 110-219
Charlotte, NC 28204
Thanks for your prayerful consideration of supporting this growing and life-giving ministry in Uptown Charlotte!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Sermon in the Snow
We had to cancel today's service at Center City Church due to the Christmas Blizzard of 2010. So I preached the sermon outside in the snow (captured by my iPhone 4). I taught on John 20:19-21. My toes were freezing.
You can view it online, download it from iTunes, view it from your mobile device or simply click the video below.
If you are anywhere on the eastern seaboard, keep warm, stay safe and may God bless all of you!
You can view it online, download it from iTunes, view it from your mobile device or simply click the video below.
If you are anywhere on the eastern seaboard, keep warm, stay safe and may God bless all of you!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Church Planter's Big Screen HDTV
Christmas 2009 was really thin in the Docusen home. As we were in the preparation stages of opening Center City Church, there was not much money to go around. Dara and I decided that we would be extremely frugal and creative in giving presents. We made things for family members, decided on no presents for each other and used what little money we had to get gifts for our kids.
When we would go shopping for the kids at Target or Wal-Mart, we would always take a brief stroll down the aisle that had the flat screen TV's lining the walls. I told Dara one day, "I know that God provides all of our needs. He's proven that. But if I had one want for Christmas this year, it would be to replace our ancient, 19 inch, enormously heavy TV in our living room." While looking at the HDTV's adorned all around us, we would chuckle at the fact that the picture was so terrible on our television and then continue shopping for the kids.
Dara had gone to our room to take a well-deserved nap on December 23, 2009 (one year ago today). The kids had been especially exhausting that day. But I stayed up and was reading in the living room when I heard a knock on the door. It was the FedEx lady. And she had a 37" HDTV next to her. I was so confused.
Me: "Who is this for?"
FedEx Lady: "Are you David Docusen?"
Me: "Yes." (imagine my completely dumbfounded look on my face)
FedEx Lady: "Well then I guess this is for you. Are you sure your wife didn't order this for you as a surprise?"
Me: "I can guarantee my wife didn't surprise me with this."
I took the TV inside and sat there, without opening the box, staring at this blessing for 20 minutes. Not kidding.
Turns out that some of our out-of-state friends wanted to bless us for Christmas. They said that they wanted to show us how much they loved and believe in us. I was completely shocked.
I share this today to say one thing very clear:
If you take a step of faith, God will give you an big screen, HDTV. Just kidding.
This is not really about a TV, at all. It's about our God that loves us and wants to bless us. He has promised to take care of every need, but sometimes he even wants to give us a few wants. Be grateful today for the basic provision of life. Your daily bread. Health. All of the necessities. But also remember that God is a loving Father that longs to bless us. I felt the love of God one year ago today because of the generosity of our friends. And that is what I remember more than anything.
Thank you, Jesus, for your love for our family! And thank you (you know who) for our TV! God not only heard our prayers for provision, but even our silly prayers for a TV. That is the type of God we serve. And he lavishes his love on us in the most creative ways. One year ago today, it was in the form of our church planters big screen HDTV.
When we would go shopping for the kids at Target or Wal-Mart, we would always take a brief stroll down the aisle that had the flat screen TV's lining the walls. I told Dara one day, "I know that God provides all of our needs. He's proven that. But if I had one want for Christmas this year, it would be to replace our ancient, 19 inch, enormously heavy TV in our living room." While looking at the HDTV's adorned all around us, we would chuckle at the fact that the picture was so terrible on our television and then continue shopping for the kids.
Dara had gone to our room to take a well-deserved nap on December 23, 2009 (one year ago today). The kids had been especially exhausting that day. But I stayed up and was reading in the living room when I heard a knock on the door. It was the FedEx lady. And she had a 37" HDTV next to her. I was so confused.
Me: "Who is this for?"
FedEx Lady: "Are you David Docusen?"
Me: "Yes." (imagine my completely dumbfounded look on my face)
FedEx Lady: "Well then I guess this is for you. Are you sure your wife didn't order this for you as a surprise?"
Me: "I can guarantee my wife didn't surprise me with this."
I took the TV inside and sat there, without opening the box, staring at this blessing for 20 minutes. Not kidding.
Turns out that some of our out-of-state friends wanted to bless us for Christmas. They said that they wanted to show us how much they loved and believe in us. I was completely shocked.
I share this today to say one thing very clear:
If you take a step of faith, God will give you an big screen, HDTV. Just kidding.
This is not really about a TV, at all. It's about our God that loves us and wants to bless us. He has promised to take care of every need, but sometimes he even wants to give us a few wants. Be grateful today for the basic provision of life. Your daily bread. Health. All of the necessities. But also remember that God is a loving Father that longs to bless us. I felt the love of God one year ago today because of the generosity of our friends. And that is what I remember more than anything.
Thank you, Jesus, for your love for our family! And thank you (you know who) for our TV! God not only heard our prayers for provision, but even our silly prayers for a TV. That is the type of God we serve. And he lavishes his love on us in the most creative ways. One year ago today, it was in the form of our church planters big screen HDTV.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
The Vision of Ebenezers Coffeehouse (Charlotte)
The vision of Ebenezers Coffeehouse is to provide a first-class, fully operational coffeehouse and performing arts venue in Uptown Charlotte.
The street level of Ebenezers will offer a relaxing and engaging environment for people to work, connect with business partners or friends and enjoy a skillfully prepared beverage.
The second story of Ebenezers (or adjacent property) will act as a multiple-use performing arts venue for the Uptown Charlotte community. Throughout the week, this space will be available for fine arts performances, business meetings, dance and music lessons, after school tutoring, live music and other community functions. This will also serve as a venue for Center City Church to meet on Sunday mornings and other communities of faith to gather as the opportunities arise. This level will also include a first-class, 6-12 person executive boardroom available to rent for business meetings.
As a non-profit entity (in partnership with Ebenezers Coffeehouse in Washington DC), Ebenezers will be a substantial contributor to both the Uptown Charlotte and global community. Stay tuned for more information as we continue to take steps forward.
(Click here to follow @ebenezersCLT on Twitter)
The street level of Ebenezers will offer a relaxing and engaging environment for people to work, connect with business partners or friends and enjoy a skillfully prepared beverage.
The second story of Ebenezers (or adjacent property) will act as a multiple-use performing arts venue for the Uptown Charlotte community. Throughout the week, this space will be available for fine arts performances, business meetings, dance and music lessons, after school tutoring, live music and other community functions. This will also serve as a venue for Center City Church to meet on Sunday mornings and other communities of faith to gather as the opportunities arise. This level will also include a first-class, 6-12 person executive boardroom available to rent for business meetings.
As a non-profit entity (in partnership with Ebenezers Coffeehouse in Washington DC), Ebenezers will be a substantial contributor to both the Uptown Charlotte and global community. Stay tuned for more information as we continue to take steps forward.
(Click here to follow @ebenezersCLT on Twitter)
Thoughts on Miracles & Healing
I was at a local coffeeshop a couple of weeks ago and had an interesting conversation with a fellow patron. He asked me, "Why do you think that we don't see our culture responding to the Gospel message the way they used to?" It was a logical question. And I couldn't believe my answer.
I instantly blurted out, "I don't think it's culture's problem - I think it's ours." He looked at me astonished. I looked at me thinking to myself, "What did I just say?" I kept on talking. "I've been reading through the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and the book of Acts, and what I see is men that are no different than you and I that God used to perform miracles. The only difference is that they had incredible faith. I don't think it's culture's problem, I think it's ours. We need more faith. If we believe for miracles and see them happen, people will respond." He looked at me with a quizzical look on his face and we went on with our conversation.
The bottom line is that God has a long history of using miracles to set people free from sickness and infirmity. But the true purpose is much greater. Peter addresses this in Acts 2:22 as he is addressing a crowd of people that had gathered:
"People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know."
This one verse points to something incredibly important as we pray and believe for miracles. Miracles are not just for the benefit of the one receiving healing. Miracles point to the Miracle Worker. Jesus was publicly "endorsed" in Scripture by the ability to heal. This proved his deity. It proved his message of being our Savior.
If we have faith to believe for miracles, people will respond to the life, message and freedom found in Jesus Christ.
Let's put it this way: When your boss' wife is healed of cancer by our loving God, it will be very difficult for your boss to deny God's love. When your uncle gets out of his wheelchair and walks for the first time in fifteen years, it points to the love, compassion and power of God.
Just before raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11), Jesus responds to those who doubted by saying, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?”
Who do you know that is in need of a miracle today? Let's believe together for healing. And that healing will display the glory of God. Don't let fear hold you back from believing. God is all powerful and fully capable of healing. We can confidently ask God to heal along with confidently asking him for grace and strength to stand as we wait with faith and anticipation.
Let's believe together and see the power of God on display for all to see. If you are believing for a miracle, post it under the comments and let's rise up together and place our faith the Miracle Worker. What is there to lose?
I instantly blurted out, "I don't think it's culture's problem - I think it's ours." He looked at me astonished. I looked at me thinking to myself, "What did I just say?" I kept on talking. "I've been reading through the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and the book of Acts, and what I see is men that are no different than you and I that God used to perform miracles. The only difference is that they had incredible faith. I don't think it's culture's problem, I think it's ours. We need more faith. If we believe for miracles and see them happen, people will respond." He looked at me with a quizzical look on his face and we went on with our conversation.
The bottom line is that God has a long history of using miracles to set people free from sickness and infirmity. But the true purpose is much greater. Peter addresses this in Acts 2:22 as he is addressing a crowd of people that had gathered:
"People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know."
This one verse points to something incredibly important as we pray and believe for miracles. Miracles are not just for the benefit of the one receiving healing. Miracles point to the Miracle Worker. Jesus was publicly "endorsed" in Scripture by the ability to heal. This proved his deity. It proved his message of being our Savior.
If we have faith to believe for miracles, people will respond to the life, message and freedom found in Jesus Christ.
Let's put it this way: When your boss' wife is healed of cancer by our loving God, it will be very difficult for your boss to deny God's love. When your uncle gets out of his wheelchair and walks for the first time in fifteen years, it points to the love, compassion and power of God.
Just before raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11), Jesus responds to those who doubted by saying, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?”
Who do you know that is in need of a miracle today? Let's believe together for healing. And that healing will display the glory of God. Don't let fear hold you back from believing. God is all powerful and fully capable of healing. We can confidently ask God to heal along with confidently asking him for grace and strength to stand as we wait with faith and anticipation.
Let's believe together and see the power of God on display for all to see. If you are believing for a miracle, post it under the comments and let's rise up together and place our faith the Miracle Worker. What is there to lose?
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Three Letter Word
There is a three letter word in the Bible that screams for recognition and understanding. This one word, repeated three times in one sentence changes everything. Check this out...
**John 14:6 - Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
Jesus is not a way to salvation. He is THE way.
Jesus is not a truth. He is THE truth.
Jesus is not a life. He is THE life that is the source of all life.
I find confidence today in the fact that there is an absolute. Jesus Christ. In a culture that screams for equality and everyone standing on level ground, I am captivated by my Savior. I stand in awe of the One that stands above everyone and everything. He is the way, the truth and the life.
Find confidence in the fact that there is an answer to all of your questions and satisfaction to all of your desires. That answer is found in Jesus Christ.
**John 14:6 - Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
Jesus is not a way to salvation. He is THE way.
Jesus is not a truth. He is THE truth.
Jesus is not a life. He is THE life that is the source of all life.
I find confidence today in the fact that there is an absolute. Jesus Christ. In a culture that screams for equality and everyone standing on level ground, I am captivated by my Savior. I stand in awe of the One that stands above everyone and everything. He is the way, the truth and the life.
Find confidence in the fact that there is an answer to all of your questions and satisfaction to all of your desires. That answer is found in Jesus Christ.
Monday, December 20, 2010
The True Vine
Jesus painted a beautiful picture in John 15 of himself as the source of life (the vine) and his followers as extensions of him (the branches). This has long been one of my favorite passages of Scriptures. This visual of vines and branches helps us to remember how important it is to stay connected to the source of life: Jesus Christ.
The teaching from this Sunday at Center City Church is available to view online or via download at iTunes.
The teaching from this Sunday at Center City Church is available to view online or via download at iTunes.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Unconditional Love
I love my wife more than anything on this side of heaven. Think of the person that you love the most. And then try to comprehend that there is a love that exceeds all the love you have ever known. It's the love that Jesus Christ displayed for you and I. The Bible refers to this love by using the Greek word agape (ah-gop-ay). Check out this definition of agape love:
Unconditional love; cannot be broken.
When you start to dig deeper into understanding this love that God has for us, you see that this love has one chief ingredient: self sacrifice for the benefit of the one loved. This is the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for us when he came from heaven. During his life, he showed us how to truly live. Through his death on the cross he took all of our sins on his shoulders. By his resurrection, we serve a living Savior that loves us so much that he wants consistent relationship with us.
No matter how much I love Dara, I will disappoint her. That's because I am imperfect. You and I will both disappoint and be disappointed by those you love in our lifetime many times over. But the love that God has for us is perfect in every way. The scriptures speak to this type of love in John 15:13:
"There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
Jesus loves you. Those of us in ministry will always try to relate to you in ways that are intriguing and palatable to as many people as possible, but this is the simple, pure message that we are called to convey. Jesus loves you. Jesus loves you. Jesus loves you.
His love is unconditional and unbreakable. Enjoy that reality today. And if you have been searching for true love, I pray that your heart would be drawn to Jesus today, the greatest love I have ever known.
Unconditional love; cannot be broken.
When you start to dig deeper into understanding this love that God has for us, you see that this love has one chief ingredient: self sacrifice for the benefit of the one loved. This is the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for us when he came from heaven. During his life, he showed us how to truly live. Through his death on the cross he took all of our sins on his shoulders. By his resurrection, we serve a living Savior that loves us so much that he wants consistent relationship with us.
No matter how much I love Dara, I will disappoint her. That's because I am imperfect. You and I will both disappoint and be disappointed by those you love in our lifetime many times over. But the love that God has for us is perfect in every way. The scriptures speak to this type of love in John 15:13:
"There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
Jesus loves you. Those of us in ministry will always try to relate to you in ways that are intriguing and palatable to as many people as possible, but this is the simple, pure message that we are called to convey. Jesus loves you. Jesus loves you. Jesus loves you.
His love is unconditional and unbreakable. Enjoy that reality today. And if you have been searching for true love, I pray that your heart would be drawn to Jesus today, the greatest love I have ever known.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
EbenezersCLT on Twitter
We have just launched our new Twitter page for Ebenezers Coffeehouse (Charlotte). Click here to follow @ebenezersCLT and keep up to date with the latest developments as we move forward with bringing this non-profit coffeehouse/multiple-use venue to Uptown Charlotte!
Collaboration
I love creating new things. Dreaming of things that have yet to be accomplished and seeing them come to life. But I also love getting together with like-minded colleagues that have gone down the road before us and paved the way. No need to reinvent the wheel if it's already rolling.
I just got off the phone with another pastor that is about to start a new church in Houston, TX. We talked about our experience in Charlotte and how that can impact what they are doing in Texas. We talked for thirty minutes and fired ideas back and forth. Great conversation. Collaborating with other colleagues in your field makes us sharper.
Let me give another example...
Dara and I had a dream to start a coffeehouse/venue. It would be used by the community 7 days a week for anything one could imagine. And we would also use this facility to hold our church services there. We then found out that this idea was already happening in Washington, DC. Three years later, we are moving forward with a collaboration with Mark Batterson and Ebenezers Coffeehouse in DC to bring another Ebenezers Coffeehouse to Charlotte. Again, why reinvent the wheel if it's already rolling?
We can accomplish more together than we can on our own. That's a commonly accepted fact. Who can you collaborate with today to see your dreams accomplished?
I just got off the phone with another pastor that is about to start a new church in Houston, TX. We talked about our experience in Charlotte and how that can impact what they are doing in Texas. We talked for thirty minutes and fired ideas back and forth. Great conversation. Collaborating with other colleagues in your field makes us sharper.
Let me give another example...
Dara and I had a dream to start a coffeehouse/venue. It would be used by the community 7 days a week for anything one could imagine. And we would also use this facility to hold our church services there. We then found out that this idea was already happening in Washington, DC. Three years later, we are moving forward with a collaboration with Mark Batterson and Ebenezers Coffeehouse in DC to bring another Ebenezers Coffeehouse to Charlotte. Again, why reinvent the wheel if it's already rolling?
We can accomplish more together than we can on our own. That's a commonly accepted fact. Who can you collaborate with today to see your dreams accomplished?
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Steady, Consistent & Intentional
Dara and I had the privilege of sharing a meal today with Pastor Steve Byrd. He is a pastor in Charlotte that has faithfully served the church for over 40 years. I was brought to tears as he passed along stories of the powerful things that God has done in our city over the last several decades.
I was so encouraged by his excitement to share with us the things he has seen. His eyes lit up with passion as he recounted the miracles he has seen and experienced. And I was inspired to focus on being steady, consistent and intentional in my ministry.
I am so grateful for the men and women that have gone before us in ministry. They have paid a price to lay a foundation that we now stand upon in our city. I honor Pastor Steve and all those that have given their lives to ministry. I pray that God blesses Dara and I with the privilege of sitting with young pastors 40 years from now as we recount the amazing things that God has done in Charlotte.
I was so encouraged by his excitement to share with us the things he has seen. His eyes lit up with passion as he recounted the miracles he has seen and experienced. And I was inspired to focus on being steady, consistent and intentional in my ministry.
I am so grateful for the men and women that have gone before us in ministry. They have paid a price to lay a foundation that we now stand upon in our city. I honor Pastor Steve and all those that have given their lives to ministry. I pray that God blesses Dara and I with the privilege of sitting with young pastors 40 years from now as we recount the amazing things that God has done in Charlotte.
Monday, December 13, 2010
An Encouragement to Pastors
One of the great dangers of pastoring a church is the constant pressure to grow. Numbers have long been the definition of success for churches, which has led to a very slippery slope as we identify "successful" churches.
I am a firm believer that healthy things grow. It's a natural byproduct of health. John 15 even speaks to this when Jesus makes the analogy of vines and branches. If we remain in him (the true vine), we will grow (as his branches). If not, we will die. This is the promise of Jesus for our lives. And I believe it's a promise for our ministries.
Numbers are a sign of growth, but absolutely not the only sign of growth. Especially for church planters and pastors that are taking new ground in their ministries. The early days of a new work are filled with incredibly hard work. And much of the fruit will not be seen publicly for years to come. But take courage today in your greatest calling: to take care of the ones the Lord has already sent your way. Love your people well. Pastor them in every sense of the word. Continue to cast vision. Steward your finances well. Care for your leadership team. And make sure your church family knows that you, as their pastor, love them deeply.
I love and believe in you all and count it a privilege to stand alongside you as we proclaim the life, freedom and love found in Jesus Christ. Happy Monday!
I am a firm believer that healthy things grow. It's a natural byproduct of health. John 15 even speaks to this when Jesus makes the analogy of vines and branches. If we remain in him (the true vine), we will grow (as his branches). If not, we will die. This is the promise of Jesus for our lives. And I believe it's a promise for our ministries.
Numbers are a sign of growth, but absolutely not the only sign of growth. Especially for church planters and pastors that are taking new ground in their ministries. The early days of a new work are filled with incredibly hard work. And much of the fruit will not be seen publicly for years to come. But take courage today in your greatest calling: to take care of the ones the Lord has already sent your way. Love your people well. Pastor them in every sense of the word. Continue to cast vision. Steward your finances well. Care for your leadership team. And make sure your church family knows that you, as their pastor, love them deeply.
I love and believe in you all and count it a privilege to stand alongside you as we proclaim the life, freedom and love found in Jesus Christ. Happy Monday!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Having a Moment
After dreaming about starting a church for so long, it's been absolutely surreal to see it come to life. And one of the most incredible things that I have experienced is watching how many people have caught the vision and run with it. I am realizing that God's calling for so many is to be a part of the life and ministry of Center City Church. It's overwhelming. Let me explain...
I just got back from an absolutely amazing evening at Charlotte Emergency Housing. We threw a Christmas party for the families that are living in this amazing facility temporarily. We connected with families over dinner, sang Christmas carols, read the Christmas story from Luke 2 and handed out stockings full of gifts to all the kids. And I did none of preparation. It was all done by people in our group that have answered God's call to serve our community and show the love of Jesus.
Beyond that, I came home tonight and was sitting in my living room while two more leaders from our group were in my kitchen discussing the plan for kids ministry tomorrow. Again - nothing from my end. Just lots and lots of passion from an amazing group of people that have changed my life and shown me so much about following Jesus.
I'm blown away. It's strange at times to see that this dream that was in our heart for so long is now a reality and being carried out by so many. And it's another way for me to see that Center City was never my dream all along. It was - and always will be - God's dream and his plan. And we all get to play our part.
As you can tell...I'm having a moment. I love this.
I just got back from an absolutely amazing evening at Charlotte Emergency Housing. We threw a Christmas party for the families that are living in this amazing facility temporarily. We connected with families over dinner, sang Christmas carols, read the Christmas story from Luke 2 and handed out stockings full of gifts to all the kids. And I did none of preparation. It was all done by people in our group that have answered God's call to serve our community and show the love of Jesus.
Beyond that, I came home tonight and was sitting in my living room while two more leaders from our group were in my kitchen discussing the plan for kids ministry tomorrow. Again - nothing from my end. Just lots and lots of passion from an amazing group of people that have changed my life and shown me so much about following Jesus.
I'm blown away. It's strange at times to see that this dream that was in our heart for so long is now a reality and being carried out by so many. And it's another way for me to see that Center City was never my dream all along. It was - and always will be - God's dream and his plan. And we all get to play our part.
As you can tell...I'm having a moment. I love this.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Inside Center City #2
A simple message to my Center City family from a traffic mirror in Uptown Charlotte.
Inside Center City #2 from Center City Church on Vimeo.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Ebenezers Coffeehouse (Charlotte)
Dara and I were sitting in our living room in Orlando, FL over three years ago when God first put the idea into our heart to open a coffeehouse and multiple use venue instead of a traditional church building. Soon after seeing this dream so clearly in our hearts, we met a pastor named Mark Batterson. He had opened Ebenezers Coffeehouse in Washington DC. The very thing God had placed in our heart was already open for business. Ministry was happening at the intersection of faith and community. We flew to DC and saw it for ourselves, and it was absolutely beautiful.
Over the past three years, we have built a friendship with Mark. And that friendship has been nothing short of God's miraculous ability to connect people from very different places to accomplish things much bigger than ourselves. We started kicking around the idea of an affiliation between Ebenezers DC and the coffeehouse we were planning on opening in Charlotte, NC. After walking very slowly through this process and praying for God's direction, we have decided to move forward with this affiliation and open Ebenezers Coffeehouse in Uptown Charlotte.
Mark has a saying that is so true here: "everything is an experiment." We're going to see if this affiliation provides an opportunity for us to stay connected in purpose, heart and spirit. We are excited to launch into the unknown and try something new.
Along with this partnership has been an amazing opportunity to take this vision to a completely new level. We are looking at a property in Uptown Charlotte that would allow us to renovate an existing performing arts theater along with the construction of the coffeehouse and multiple-use venue. The coffeehouse and the theater would be non-profit entities that would generate revenue that is then invested back into local and overseas missions projects
God is opening some incredible doors for us to see this dream become a reality. We are taking measured steps forward as we continue to place our trust in Him. These are exciting times. More to come!
Over the past three years, we have built a friendship with Mark. And that friendship has been nothing short of God's miraculous ability to connect people from very different places to accomplish things much bigger than ourselves. We started kicking around the idea of an affiliation between Ebenezers DC and the coffeehouse we were planning on opening in Charlotte, NC. After walking very slowly through this process and praying for God's direction, we have decided to move forward with this affiliation and open Ebenezers Coffeehouse in Uptown Charlotte.
Mark has a saying that is so true here: "everything is an experiment." We're going to see if this affiliation provides an opportunity for us to stay connected in purpose, heart and spirit. We are excited to launch into the unknown and try something new.
Along with this partnership has been an amazing opportunity to take this vision to a completely new level. We are looking at a property in Uptown Charlotte that would allow us to renovate an existing performing arts theater along with the construction of the coffeehouse and multiple-use venue. The coffeehouse and the theater would be non-profit entities that would generate revenue that is then invested back into local and overseas missions projects
God is opening some incredible doors for us to see this dream become a reality. We are taking measured steps forward as we continue to place our trust in Him. These are exciting times. More to come!
Monday, December 6, 2010
The Gospel of John - The Temple
We continued our series, The Gospel of John, this week at Center City. John 2:13-22 tells the account of Jesus causing an incredible scene of holy and righteous anger. And this story is absolutely vital to understand in proper context as Jesus points to himself as the one true Messiah.
This week's sermon is now available to view online or via download at iTunes.
This week's sermon is now available to view online or via download at iTunes.
Friday, December 3, 2010
But They Who Wait...
These past two months have been some of the most fulfilling and exciting times in my life. So much happening and God's blessings are all around. But it has also been one of the most exhausting and challenging seasons I've ever experienced. I hit the wall this week. Totally spent.
I spent the entire afternoon at the Charlotte 24-7 prayer room. Absolutely amazing time spent with the Lord today. And I figured I would pass on a Scripture that God put on my heart as I was leaving.
**Isaiah 40:28-31 - 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Never underestimate God's ability to speak to you when you are weak. He is the author of life and all strength is found in him. I feel alive, recharged and excited about the days to come. And the only difference between this morning and this afternoon is the fact that I broke away to simply spend time with God. His promises are true and sure.
But they who wait on the Lord...yet another absolutely beautiful truth found in Scriptures.
I spent the entire afternoon at the Charlotte 24-7 prayer room. Absolutely amazing time spent with the Lord today. And I figured I would pass on a Scripture that God put on my heart as I was leaving.
**Isaiah 40:28-31 - 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Never underestimate God's ability to speak to you when you are weak. He is the author of life and all strength is found in him. I feel alive, recharged and excited about the days to come. And the only difference between this morning and this afternoon is the fact that I broke away to simply spend time with God. His promises are true and sure.
But they who wait on the Lord...yet another absolutely beautiful truth found in Scriptures.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Feed Your Soul
I am a huge believer that we must consistently do the things that feed our soul. For me, one of those things is writing. For you it may be playing the guitar. Or sitting in a tree stand all day with the hopes of outsmarting an animal and hanging it's head on your wall. That last comment might give away that hunting is not a personal passion of mine. But it may be for you.
We all can make time for the things that are important to us. And I'm simply stating that we need to make time to feed our soul, energize us and keep our creative synapses firing on all cylinders.
What do you love to do that may have been placed on the back burner? How can you start to consistently incorporate that back into your life?
We all can make time for the things that are important to us. And I'm simply stating that we need to make time to feed our soul, energize us and keep our creative synapses firing on all cylinders.
What do you love to do that may have been placed on the back burner? How can you start to consistently incorporate that back into your life?
Inside Center City #1
Take a look inside Center City Church. Featuring a leaf blower, coffee and the random joys of church planting...
Inside Center City #1 from Center City Church on Vimeo.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Skype Phone
I love the need for creativity that church planting requires. Keeps us on our toes. There are so many different challenges that come up along the way both logistically (we meet in rented space) and financially.
One of the creative solutions that we came up with was our church phone number. I had purchased a "Go" phone from AT&T (the pay-as you go type of cell phone). Let's just say that didn't work. I hated carrying two phones.
When the new iPhone 4 released, we realized that the multi-tasking option on the phone allowed us to purchase a Skype phone line. All I have to do is keep the Skype app running in the background and the independent number rings directly to my personal phone (this can be accomplished on any multi-tasking cell phone that offers Skype).
After hours, I close the app and it goes directly to voicemail. Another added bonus is that Skype emails me a notification every time I get a voice message. Brilliant.
Props to my brother, Brandon Docusen, for the idea. It was less than $100 for the entire year. Creative and cost effective :-)
One of the creative solutions that we came up with was our church phone number. I had purchased a "Go" phone from AT&T (the pay-as you go type of cell phone). Let's just say that didn't work. I hated carrying two phones.
When the new iPhone 4 released, we realized that the multi-tasking option on the phone allowed us to purchase a Skype phone line. All I have to do is keep the Skype app running in the background and the independent number rings directly to my personal phone (this can be accomplished on any multi-tasking cell phone that offers Skype).
After hours, I close the app and it goes directly to voicemail. Another added bonus is that Skype emails me a notification every time I get a voice message. Brilliant.
Props to my brother, Brandon Docusen, for the idea. It was less than $100 for the entire year. Creative and cost effective :-)
Back on Track
We got a bit behind on our podcast the past couple of weeks, but we're back on track. My official stance is that the delay was a direct effect of tryptophan.
We are teaching on the Gospel of John over the next two months. I love this book because of it's depth and simplicity. Easy enough for someone trying to learn about Jesus and challenging enough for theologians. Absolutely beautiful.
You can view the sermons online or via download at iTunes.
We are teaching on the Gospel of John over the next two months. I love this book because of it's depth and simplicity. Easy enough for someone trying to learn about Jesus and challenging enough for theologians. Absolutely beautiful.
You can view the sermons online or via download at iTunes.
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