Missouri Annual Conference 2015- Tough Conversations

June 7, 2015 Pastor Jeremy

We are halfway through with #MOAC15.

Discipleship: Growing in Grace

We’ve heard some amazing and inspirational speeches/sermons this weekend.

Rev. David Gilmore, Rev Willis Johnson, Rev Karen Hayden, Rev. Bob Farr, Bishop Schnase, Brian Hammons, Rev Sue Nilson Kibbey, Rev. Jeff Brinkman and Rev. Alice Fowler and many other voices.

To summarize

We Need to Reach All

We Need to Be A Presence In New Places

We Need to Pray More

Discipleship Means Being Uncomfortable

Discipleship Drives us to Focus on Others

We have some very tough conversations at General Conference. We are bracing for those tough conversations. And, we were bracing for a tough conversation about camping in Missouri.

We also sang “Are We Yet Alive”, as we do every year. Are we? Our tribe is shrinking. Our tribe seems to be divided.

If we focus on the negative, we find negative. If we focus on the positive, we see the positive.

and the Camping Board spoke…

Then a few others spoke.

Then we prayed and voted

The house was divided over the future of camping in the Missouri Conference.

61% 39%

Are we dysfunctional? Or maybe, we are just a holy blessed mess.

We don’t normally vote on resolutions, because they are usually ruled out of order.

In talking with others, it feels as if there is something amiss. It does not feel like previous AC’s. We are walking into unchartered territory. It is difficult to name. But, many of us feel it.

Almost every person on the earth avoids pain. We don’t like pain. We don’t like to be uncomfortable. The Body of Christ does not thrive when we are divided. Do we trade unity for health? Rev. Bob Farr said vision, not relationship, should be in the driver seat of the church. Our natural inclination as the Body drives us to keep everyone happy and at peace. That means more often than not that we will avoid tough conversations for the sake of the relationship.

I feel like some of us are experiencing the video below.

Remain calm, all is well.

REMAIN CALM, ALL IS WELL!!!

I don’t like going to the doctor. I will only go if it is absolutely necessary. I have to be in severe pain before I recognize something is wrong. I assume others are the As I’ve aged, it’s easier to tell when there is something majorly wrong. I listen to cues.

Going to the doctor is often a strange circumstance. They do a bunch of tests that seem unnecessary or not related to the issue at hand. But, usually, we get to the main problem. And there is a diagnosis and a prescription. May work, may not. Twelve million Americans are misdiagnosed every year. That is around 4%, which seems low, unless you are one of the 4%.

To seek health and vitality is not a bad thing. Pastors are encouraged by our health care provider to stay healthy by utilizing tests and preventative care to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Some of us are more diligent than others.

Tonight, we face continued elections for General Conference and Jurisdictional Conference. We pray for

We also face the continued camping conversation. May God season our words with grace, mercy and love. And even though we may disagree, we can seek to love each other as Christ loves us.

And remember-

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:13-14

Remain calm, All is well. God is with us.

Go in peace and go with God.

Church Blog, Grace Church, Methodist

We Can No Longer Agree to Disagree

May 5, 2015 Pastor Jeremy 2 Comments

I recently heard someone say, “We can no longer agree to disagree”. Does this mean that we now have to become disagreeable to each other? I’m not sure. Or are we just not going to talk about the issue we disagree on? For the sake of relationship, something must be decided or worked out, correct?

Personal opinions dressed up with facts, figures and polls does not mean someone is “more right” that someone else. It just means that people know how to use numbers to their advantage. And watching the current political scene, anyone can dress up numbers. In an age where the truth is relative to the language used and those hearing, it’s tough to find a place of agreement.

I would like to say that John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, had a phase that applies to moments of stark disagreement, but as far as I know, he did not. If he did though, it would probably look something like this:

“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, charity.”

I might say it this way:

In essentials, clarity, in non-essentials, charity.

I often feel like an essentialist, focusing on a few things and leaving the rest up to those with stronger opinions or louder voices. The current political views in this country seem to be split 40/60 or 55/45 or whatever other configuration pollsters can put together. I assume (and hope) the church would reflect the same diverse views, instead of standing in a silo away from that of those far from Jesus, yet embedded in the culture.

I truly believe we can value diversity, provide a place at the table for all and still have civil, well mannered and lively conversation. Sadly, as my friend stated, there are some who are ready to be disagreeable. They might take shelter under the banner of justice, righteousness or whichever moniker people might choose today. That does not devalue the view, but sadly, relationships can be harmed.

Strident divisive discourse does little for the Body of Christ. I often turn to Ephesians for advice on how to proceed in unsure waters.

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-13

None of us are perfect. We are still striving for unity. We are still building. Whether at home, work or school, remember to value the relationship over opinions. It’s better to be in right relationship than to be right. And just because you disagree with someone, no matter how dearly you hold those views, does not mean you need to be disagreeable. Try listening first and you might find more in common with others than originally perceived.

Think of the last time you had a disagreement with someone. Friend? Spouse? Family? How was the relationships damaged or repaired? It’s tough to put aside differences, especially when there are hard dividing lines between each other. Don’t be so quick to judge those with different views than you. Conversation matters. It’s up to each and every one of us to choose what we truly care about, and hopefully, we can make a healthy and holy decision.

There is no way I could continue to serve at Grace without some mercy and love showered upon me by the massive amount of Tiger fans. Your candor is deeply appreciated, as is your silence during football season. We can agree to disagree, because we both think we are right! As long it does not move to assumptions of righteousness, then we are all good.

So, I choose to value the relationship. I value conversation. I value the language shared. All are invited to the table, none should ever be turned away. That does not mean we are perfect, on the contrary, it means we are not. As a busy season readies, seek wisdom and counsel in the God who shines unconditional love on the righteous and unrighteous.

Go in peace and go with God.

Church Blog, Grace Church, Methodist

Hoping for the Best, but Expecting the Worst

April 28, 2015 Pastor Jeremy

I am not a cynic or a pessimist. My faith in Jesus Christ gives me abundant hope, even in the face of what are insurmountable odds. Are we called to be bold, courageous and faithful? Or do we give up and give in to fear when we are uncertain about the future? Fear is a funny thing. It can drive us to change everything we believe. It can cause us to abandon our principles and choose the easy and safe path, so we think. Whether it be the church or a family, fear can seem like a mountain, keeping us from making bold, faith filled decisions. We end up taking the easy way out.

The implications of such decisions are truly sad. We give up trying to be faithful and end up making the situation worse. Even trying to just pause and wait things out can be a bad decision as well. So then, of bold or fear, which do we choose?

There is no third option, because choosing to stay the same is a choice of fear. At least trying to go for it offers some consolation, even if we fail. Giving into fear means we truly gave up. We let fear win. When fear wins, we are paralyzed to try new things, to offer ourselves to new opportunities and the world finds out that we gave up. Not that we care what the world thinks, but who follows those who peddle fear?

Friends, we are called to be bold. We are warned by the early church to stay away from safe and timid decisions. 2 Timothy 1:7 says “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” Fear should not guide us. The Holy Spirit should be our guide. Do not let worry and fear keep you from faithfulness.

In Tribes, Seth Godin explains three areas of fear we all carry with us. They are:

1- Fear of failure

2- Fear of criticism

3- Fear of pain

They have us in their grip, if we let them. Remember, Steve Jobs was fired from the company he built. People were constantly criticizing Winston Churchill. And friends, pain is temporary. It does not last forever. Wounds heal, only the scars remain.

So, stop playing it safe. Stop living in fear. Be bold in your faith. Be a light in the darkness for those suffer. We are only here for a little while, so let’s make it count!

Go in peace and go with God.

Grace Church, Methodist

Is God done with Camp Galilee?

March 30, 2015 Pastor Jeremy 2 Comments

I’ve recently had occasion to spend some time at our new South Campus for Grace United Methodist Church. It’s located in El Dorado Springs Missouri. As many of you know, Camp Galilee is located there as well. The El Dorado Springs UMC closed in 2014, and Galilee has been placed in limbo since 2014.

I stood outside the gates of Galilee dreaming and wondering what will become of our beloved campsite? So much good was done on that site, it’s tough to see it sit silent for the near future. No sounds of children and youth enjoying the faith filled and Christian atmosphere built by faithful followers and leaders for Jesus.

Sadly, similar to the church, the camp struggled to reach out and had dwindled to just a few churches supporting the summer camp program at Galilee. In 2014, the number of campers had dropped by half from just a few short years ago. The writing was on the wall for many of us. Galilee would not make it much longer.

Our History At Galilee

Grace has been camping at Galilee for many years. Since we started as a church, children and youth have been frequenting Camp Galilee in the summer, fall and spring. We’ve held men’s retreats, workdays, confirmation events and our summer camps at Galilee. In 2009, our leadership from Grace led the largest gathering of campers in the history of Galilee, and possibly, Missouri United Methodist Camping. With only 220 beds in cabins, we pushed the limits of the facilities by putting up army tents to increase our capacity and had 247 on site!!!

We overwhelmed the staff and the campsite. We outgrew the capabilities of Galilee, and so we reseeded our leadership and camps into other weeks, attempting to expand the camping program. For a time we continued to grow and reach out. But, over the past few years, despite Grace sending more and more campers, other churches started to fade away. Less campers, less camps and less leadership. In the end, it was Wesley in Springfield and Grace in Lee’s Summit accounting for 60-70% of all campers. Two churches alone cannot support one campsite.

The Tidal Wave of Culture

Traditional camping is down throughout the United States. Children and youth are filling their summers with sports camps, mission trips and vacations. For many students, June is “summer school”, which leaves barely one month before sports and bands start back up for the fall.

In a recent conversation with Youth Ministry Institute, one of their leaders remarked that “the day of big youth ministries is over”. If that is so, it might account for the dwindling numbers of campers to our four camps in Missouri. In general, over the past 12 years, we have less churches and less campers involved in our summer camp programs.

So, we are faced with the stark reality of consolidation of resources to maximize our efforts to impact the most campers possible. Some would like to see us stay the same and protect what we’ve known and loved. I do not fault anyone for wanting to keep the camps open. However, I’ve been fairly disappointed with some of the negative language surrounding camping.

The Camping Board, Trustees and Mission Council were faced with some terrible choices. They took the bold and courageous path to try and restart the camping program under a new model. It might succeed or it might fail. At least they tried something. We could have poured more money to serve less campers, but is that really being a good steward of God’s resources? I know and trust many of the leaders who made these decisions, and even though I do not agree with the “how”, I see why they made these decisions. I want Galilee to stay open, as do many others. If Grace was able to obtain the site, upgrade and restart the camp, I think we would, maybe.

The Local Church

If we chose to chase after Galilee and attempt to utilize the campsite for camping, how would our efforts be any more successful than the past 12 years of statewide camping? Could we throw in with another church to give it a go? Is the passion and will to make it happen out there? And, would it take our focus from our local church ministries, ending up causing us to shift focus from our true purpose and greatest gifts?

Grace has seen extraordinary growth over the past ten years, and especially since we opened our new sanctuary in 2012. We’ve gone from 175 to 525 in worship. Our online worship service averages 165 views/300-400 worshippers. We opened our south campus in El Dorado Springs this January and have seen lows of 5 people and as high as 52 in worship. Our intention is this fall to launch a full contemporary worship down there and really reach the non-churched, once-churched and badly churched!

Again, I turn my attention to Galilee. Could the site be repurposed to enhance our efforts in the local church and community? We possibly could envision extraordinary children’s minstries, weddings, community events all hosted and led by our El Dorado Springs campus. We could be a blessing to the community in utilizing the property for the greater glory of God and truly reaching out.

Questions abound as many wonder why this was not going on before and if it was, why the dwindling numbers? Why the deferred maintenance? And if we choose to keep Galilee or other camps open, are we just swimming against the current, and wasting precious and valuable resources, squandering them instead of building the kingdom?

Too many questions to ponder, and yet, I still wonder if we are done with Galilee. Is God done with Galilee? I pray daily He is not. But I remember the words of John Wesley-

“Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee”

Is it time to lay the camp aside? I ask the people of Grace to pray and dream about what is possible. Maybe God has bigger plans than we can fathom. I encourage Grace to open our hearts and souls to the will of God, and see where He leads us. I’m a big dreamer! And I believe that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Go in peace and go with God.

Church Blog, Methodist

Change, Focus and the Local Church

March 25, 2015 Pastor Jeremy

This week the Heartland District of the Missouri Conference learned that our District Superintendent of 2 years was being appointed back into the local church. Needless to say, many of us are disappointed. It came as a big surprise as we recently developed some big initiatives that I referenced here.

Is the Local Church more important than the District? Or the Conference? Are they mutually exclusive in importance? Are the instrumentalists more important than the overall orchestra? Is it a both/and?

I’ve heard some say that if we give preference to local church that we are not far from congregationalism. Perish the thought!!! That is laughable. Just because we have chosen to redirect the resources and accountability to the local church is a far cry from congregationalism.

Definition- system of church governance in which every local church congregation is independent, ecclesiastically sovereign, or “autonomous”.

We are far from that, but when tough decisions are made it’s easy to cast blame and accusations. The mission of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Where are disciples made? Churched? Discipled? Everywhere, but mainly, in the local church.

Even though it is not convenient or even easy, it’s nice to see the local church and the mission field given a high priority in the United Methodist Church here in Missouri.

Go in peace and go with God.

Church Blog, Methodist

Counting or Measuring Fruitfulness

March 19, 2015 Pastor Jeremy

Our District Superintendent, Kendall Waller, recently asked the pastors of the Heartland District to enter into conversation about Gil Rendle’s new book. In his book, “Doing the Math of Mission“, Gil Rendle proposes radically changing the way in which we count/measure ministry in the United Methodist Church. Up to now, much of our focus for defining fruitfulness and effectiveness of churches has been based on the ABC’s of ministry (attendance, buildings, cash). These numbers as they all increase are lifted up as a standard of vitality. Meaning, that when a United Methodist attends Annual Conference, the featured speakers are either Mega-Church pastors or “fast growing” church pastors. This is not the norm for all, other speakers are invited as well (Professors, Authors, Bishops). Just because a church is big doesn’t mean it’s healthy or impactful.

The formula for determining a new way of counting/measuring is as follows:

Inputs– attendance, buildings, cash, assets, resources, numbers

Activities– what we do

Output/Outcome– Goals achieved, Desired Change, Vision realized

The differences between counting/measuring are not easily defined unless you read the book.

“Counting is giving attention to numbers.”

“Measuring is giving attention to change.”

We are asked to report our inputs/resources/numbers on our year end reports, and weekly. Those are things we can count. Moving from counting to measuring means walking into uncharted territory because measuring is not easy. If you we look at the membership vows of the United Methodist Church-

Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service, Witness

We can count presence and gifts, possibly service if you track such things. But how do we count prayers or witness? Yes, it can be self reported, but again, the focus is on counting, not measuring.

If we give attention to numbers, we are focusing on getting more numbers, which many know, just showing up in a movie theater does not make you a movie star. Hanging out in a garage will not make you a mechanic unless you actually take up the trade. More does not always mean better, as Willow Creek realized in their Reveal study.

So then, what would it look like if we attempted to shift from an asset based focus to life transformation focus?

Yes, many churches and pastors will honestly state that we focus on life change and transformation, but again, what are we counting and what are we focused on?

A few questions arise in conversing with the book-

1. Do all of the ministry in our local church make a significant difference in the lives of those served?

2. Does the church impact the people and culture in the name of Jesus?

3. Are we seeking to fill the building or fill the Kingdom?

4. Do people know us for what we are against or what we are for?

5. As the Body of Christ and individual followers of Christ, what are we giving away?

Personally, it has caused me to reassess how and why we are doing some things in the church. Even though our ABC’s are extraordinary right now, are we focused on the right things? Do all our ministries align to achieve our stated purpose and goals?

If our stated goal is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, how are we doing? Do people know and experience the transformational power of Jesus Christ in their lives? What role does the UMC play?

Here’s the thing, I do not have many answers or brilliant ideas from the book. As of now, praying and pondering how we might live our faith out differently if we changed our metrics. It’s an interesting and thought provoking tectonic shift for the UMC, and other churches.

Our district is working on a few “big” impact projects for all the churches to participate in. These are going to be seismic transformational projects that will deeply impact the Kansas City population. As we shift our focus in the local church and district, I am hopeful other districts, churches and conferences will follow. No matter what some say, it’s an exciting and fruitful time to be serving in the United Methodist Church, especially in the Missouri Conference.

Go in peace and go with God.

Church Blog, Grace Church

40 Day Lenten Challenge- March 2015

March 2, 2015 Pastor Jeremy

Grace Church,

I hope and pray you were able to take the Lenten 40 Day Challenge. Personally, I have deeply enjoyed seeing the likes and shares on Facebook. Keep it up! Now for my own personal joy with the challenge. The challenge on Feb 26th was “Sit Down and Look at Old Pictures/Albums with Someone You Love”. So, we don’t have albums. I was inspired to put all of our family vacation photos into IDVD’s slideshows with presentations. Some of them ended up being over an hour of video, but it was relatively easy, just time consuming. The result was almost all our family trips are preserved on DVD’s and in the cloud ;0) And we were able to put Jill’s parents 50th Wedding Anniversary Video onto DVD for the whole family. If you have not taken the challenge, I encourage you to take it up now. It is designed to help us better connect to God and each other. Go for it!

Here are the Daily Scriptures and Daily Challenges

Mar 1
Rom 10:9: That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Do Something Nice For a Neighbor

Mar 2
Isa 41:10: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Share the Joy of the Lord today

Mar 3
Matt 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Do A Good Deed For Someone (anonymously)

Mar 4
Matt 11:29: Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Offer Kindness to Someone Who Does Not Deserve It

Mar 5
John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Pray For Grace United Methodist Church (Lee’s Summit Campus)

Mar 6
Acts 1:8: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Conquer A Fear Today

Mar 7
2 Tim 1:7: For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Be A Peacemaker Today

Mar 8
Isa 53:4: Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.
Pray For Grace United Methodist Church (El Dorado Springs Campus)

Mar 9
2 Cor 5:21: God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Contact A Teacher or Mentor and Tell Them Thank You

Mar 10
Rom 15:13: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Do Not Say One Bad Word About Anyone Else Today

Mar 11
John 11:25: Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;
Cover Your Fridge With Positive Sticky Notes (leave them up for 7 days) Post pics on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter

Mar 12
Heb 11:6: And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Speak Well Of Someone In Front of Other People

Mar 13
John 5:24: “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.
Smile All Day

Mar 14
James 1:2: Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
Say Thank You To Those Rarely Thanked

Mar 15
Isa 53:6: We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Worship- In Person or Online

Mar 16
Acts 2:38: Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
If You Are Not Baptized- Contact Pastor Jeremy or Pastor Hubert to set up a time to talk about Baptism
If You Are Baptized- Remember your Baptism and Be Thankful

Mar 17
Eph 3:20: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
Pray For Our Praise Team and Choir

Mar 18
Matt 11:30: For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Invite Someone To Church

Mar 19
John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Ponder the Image of God In Us

Mar 20
Col 3:12: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Make a Donation to a Charity

Mar 21
Heb 12:1: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Let Go Of Something Holding You Back

Mar 22
James 5:16: Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Pray For Children and Families at Ronald McDonald House

Mar 23
Acts 17:11: Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
Be Open to Where God Leads You Today

Mar 24
Phil 4:19: And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
See A Need, Meet the Need Today

Mar 25
John 1:1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Share the Word of God Today (in person or on social media)

Mar 26
1 Cor 6:19: Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
Eat Only Healthy Food Today

Mar 27
1 John 3:16: This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
Reach Out To a Relative or Friend

Mar 28
Ps 133:1: How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!
Seek Peace and Unity Today

Mar 29
John 14:27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Make a Donation to the Church Capital Campaign

Mar 30
Heb 4:12: For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Offer Mercy and Tenderness to the Hearts of Others

Mar 31
John 15:13: Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
Reach Out to Old Friends Today

Grace Church

Heaven, Hell and Everything Else…

February 20, 2015 Pastor Jeremy

We begin a new sermon series this weekend called “Heaven, Hell and Everything Else…” Over the next six weeks, we will discuss:

Feb 22- What Jesus Said About Hell
Mar 1 – What The Bible Says About Heaven
Mar 8- What The Followers of Jesus said…
Mar 15- Changing Views of Hell
Mar 22- Who Goes to Heaven?
Mar 29 – Paving the Road to Heaven
April 3- (Good Friday) Suffering For Heaven and Sinners
April 5- (Easter) The Rented Tomb

Over the past few years, two major Christian theological schools of thought have emerged on Heaven and Hell. One is championed by Rob Bell, popular author and former mega church pastor. The other is lifted up by Francis Chan, popular author and former mega church pastor.

Rob Bell

In his book Love Wins, he lifts up the metaphorical view of Hell. He takes hold of Hell not being some after life event, but Hell on earth now. He believes when Jesus spoke of Hell, using the Ghenna, he was talking about a garbage dump outside of Jerusalem. Hell is now and hell is in the future. And ultimately, a God who allowed His Son to be sacrificed would not punish anyone because “love wins”. I would place Bell in the pluralistic or universal salvation camp. Everyone eventually is with God.

Francis Chan

In his book Erasing Hell, he lifts up the traditional Judeo- Christian view of hell, as a place of punishment and judgment, it’s described with images of fire and darkness and a place of misery and annihilation. He believes hell is a real place people go in the afterlife if they have rejected God. I would place Chan in the Christian Inclusivist camp. Those who believe in Jesus go to Heaven, and anyone who God chooses can be saved as well, mainly based on how they have lived.

Three Theological Camps on Salvation:

Pluralism/Universalism – Everyone will ultimately go to Heaven.

Christian Inclusivism -Those who follow Christ and whomever God chooses end up in Heaven.

Exclusivism or Particularism – Only people whom have personally accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior go to Heaven.

After reading “Love Wins” and “Erasing Hell”, I believe both authors offer substantial scriptural evidence as to their views. One feels more proof texted, but both views are compelling. Ultimately, as we walk together through this sermon series, we will each choose where we locate ourselves. That then will hopefully lead you (no matter which theological tribe you subscribe too) to specific and measurable actions in the name of Jesus. Join us as we wrestle with Scripture, Tradition and our own personal views of Heaven, Hell and Salvation.

Grace Church

40 Day Lenten Challenge Scriptures and Daily Personal Challenge

February 19, 2015 Pastor Jeremy

40 Day Lenten Challenge Scriptures and Daily Personal Challenge

Feb 19
Matt 6:33: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Do Something Holy

Feb 20
Heb 12:2: Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Count the Crosses You See and Post The Number on Social Media (unless you are fasting social media)

Feb 21
1 Pet 5:7: Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Reach Out To Someone Struggling

Feb 22
Eph 2:10: For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Do Something Nice For Someone Else

Feb 23
1 Cor 10:13: No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Reject Temptation Today

Feb 24
Matt 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Offer Words of Comfort and Hope To Someone In Need

Feb 25
Heb 11:1: Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Invite Someone To Church

Feb 26
2 Cor 5:17: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Sit Down and Look at Old Pictures/Albums with Someone You Love

Feb 27
Heb 13:5: Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Tithe Your Salary From Today

Feb 28
2 Cor 12:9: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Be Patient

Grace Church

40 Day Lenten Challenge

February 18, 2015 Pastor Jeremy

We are taking our 25 day Challenge Up a Bit For Lent

40 Days (not counting Sundays)
1- Read the Scriptures – Every day we will post daily scripture readings on Facebook and Twitter. They will also be posted on the Grace News Page HERE

2- Pray the Lord’s Prayer daily

3- Fast (give up something)

4- Serve (go serve somewhere)
Lee’s Summit Social Services
Langsford Boys Home
ReStart
Pro-Deo At Risk Teen Ministry
Ronald McDonald House

5- And the toughest one yet—
Every day Pastor Jeremy will post a daily challenge. So some of them will be
“Reach Out To Someone Struggling”
“Do Something Nice For a Neighbor”
It will not be easy, as some of the daily challenges will take us out of our comfort zones. Are you ready to grow deep during Lent?
Take the Challenge!!!!

We are called to be a light in the darkness. We shine the light of Christ in our families, communities and world. Join us on this amazing journey of faith in conversation, mission and ministry.