unite august/september 2012
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One Region, One Church, One Mission
www.unitemagazine.us
Church on the Beach Of Pancakes & Praise Brothers McClurg
It’sRock Time the Lakes
This September PAGE 13
EDITOR’S NOTE CONTENTS The excitement is in the air. You can feel it, it’s almost tangible. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has the credibility, the resources and the mobilizing impact to get hundreds of churches together around one mission, the only mission of the Church of Jesus Christ, the proclamation and saturation of the Gospel. It’s not that believers in the area aren’t capable of sharing the gospel with their friends, family and co-workers themselves. It is just that the Billy Graham organization brings in the man power or shall we say Spirit’s power and the anticipation of God doing something big. The desire of churches and ministries to reach out and make an impact is a burden every believer feels. Sometimes it takes a larger organization to get things moving again, one that mobilizes churches and believers out of their apathy into action, at least for the months leading up to the event. Our prayer is that this kind of missional behavior that we are seeing and hearing about at churches continues indefinitely. I think we all share a common desire to see the Spirit of the Lord touch our region in a way we have never seen. The truth is the gospel is the power of God to the salvation of everyone who believes. On September 22-23 Coca-Cola Stadium will be filled with thousands of people for the purpose of making Jesus known to the city of Buffalo and surrounding suburbs. This really is something The Church in our region can and needs to get behind so we can see God move again in this region.
4 Partners
unite august/september 2012 www.unitemagazine.us PUBLISHER
5 Events Rock the Lakes
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6 News Prayer Collective, Crisis Response, more.
Beach Church
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9 Cover Story
Kyle Patterson kyle@thrivebuffalo.org Editor-in-Chief....…...……………………Kyle Patterson kyle@thrivebuffalo.org Operations Director…………………...Julianna Patterson Contributors………………………………….. Lou Perez Stephen Jenks Nurline Lawrence Photographers… …………….....Matt and Angela Brown Troy Teague Bob Caple
It’s Time, Rock the Lakes unite is published bi-monthly, December/January, February/March, April/May, June/July, August/September, October/November. The entire contents of unite is copyrighted by THRiVE! Media Group and may not be reproduced in any manner, either whole or part without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. Advertising Of Pancakes & Praise...Stephen Jenks rates may be obtained by emailing info@thrivebuffalo.org or by calling Who Is Your Child’s Teacher?….Nurline Lawrence (716)809-0496.
14 Columns Kyle R. Patterson
AUG/SEPT 2012
Jim Cymbala
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PARTNERS GOLD PARTNERS ZION DOMINION GLOBAL MINISTRIES Pastor Roderick L. Hennings 716-250-7040 www.ziondominion.org ELIM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Bishop Troy Bronner 716-832-7698 www.elim-world.org THE TABERNACLE Bishop Tommy Reid 716-675-2888 www.thetab.org
BRONZE PARTNERS CLARENCE CENTER UMC Pastors Chuck and Kim Smith 716-741-2410 www.thewayonline.net THE CHAPEL AT CROSSPOINT Pastor Jerry Gillis 716-631-2636 www.thechapel.com BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. Kevin L. Wright 716-688-8668 www.bethel-nab.org
SILVER PARTNERS
NORTHGATE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY Pastor Jon Hasselbeck 716-912-5477 www.northgatebuffalo.com
LOVE JOY GOSPEL CHURCH Pastor Ron and Judy Burgio 716-651-0400 www.lovejoy.org
EAGLES’ WINGS Dr. Robert Stearns 716-759-1058 www.eagleswings.to
PENTECOSTAL TEMPLE Pastor Matthew L. Brown 716-852-5502 www.pentecostaltemplechurch.com
GRACE IN COMMUNITY CHURCH Pastor Mark Sterlace 716-655-4145 www.graceincommunity.com
NEW BETHEL COMMUNITY CHURCH Pastors William and Toni Clark 716-835-8300 www.newbethelonline.com DESTINY CHRISTIAN CHURCH Pastors Lou and Louisa Perez 716-297-2656 www.destinychristianniagara.com NORTHEASTERN SEMINARY JP Anderson-Director of Admissions 1-800-777-4RWC www.nes.edu GLOBAL DOMINION INT’L ALLIANCES Dr. Melody Barclay 716-603-5436 drmelody2011@hotmail.com HOUSE OF WORSHIP Pastor Migdalia González 716-512-0794 www.cdaelshaddai.com
For more information or to become a partner email kyle@thrivebuffalo.org
EVENTS SEPTEMBER 2012 Sword of the Spirit Ministries announces School of the Prophets Fast Track, Saturdays from 9am-3pm. September 15 is Activating the Miraculous thru the Voice of God. October 27 is a teaching on The Power of Deliverance: Breaking the Jezebel Spirit. (See ad page 14)
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WUFO thanks you for listening! Stay tuned to the one and only WUFO Mix 1080 AM!
Rock the Lakes is this September 22-23 at Coca-Cola Field. The event brings together the best of Christian music for the two day festival including Skillet, Michael W. Smith, Rend Collective and many more. (See ad page 2)
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Don’t see your event? email kyle@thrivebuffalo.org to get listed. Small fee applies. Space is limited.
NEWS Brothers McClurg Release “Join in the Sound.”
Family Blessing Conference Spurs Family Restoration
By Kyle Patterson
By Shannon Walker
Brothers McClurg, a worship band hailing from Western New York, invites listeners to Join In The Sound with their first fulllength album released July 31. The new project follows the band’s 2011 introductory digital EP Alive, which was lauded by Worship Leader magazine for its ―tight harmonies‖ and ―creative rhythms.‖ For Join In The Sound, Brothers McClurg delivers more of those signature harmonies on 10 new songs plus three songs from the EP. Fronted by ―real life‖ brothers Anthony and Chris Hoisington, Brothers McClurg is a band of Christian brothers from various church traditions who share a desire to see lives changed through worship. The band took the name Brothers McClurg as a way to signify their bond of fellowship while honoring Pastor Bill McClurg, Anthony and Chris’ maternal grandfather and a stalwart ministry leader within their community. ―There are many different people who are part of Brothers McClurg,‖ explains Chris Hoisington, a worship leader who serves at both Brockport Free Methodist and Lafayette Presbyterian churches in that area. ―It’s really a community of our friends, a collaboration, which in a small way, is what Join In The Sound really means.‖ With an eclectic style that draws on rock, folk and country influences, Join In The Sound was produced by the Hoisingtons along with Joseph Secchiaroli and features 13 songs, most of which were written or co-written by Anthony and Chris. Guest writers and co-writers include Paul Baloche, Glenn Packiam, Don Poythress, Mark Harris, Anthony Skinner, Carl Cartee, Mia Fieldes, All Sons & Daughters and Rend Collective Experiment. The songs themselves range from the hymn-like ―From Every Stormy Wind That Blows‖ to the infectious praise of ―You Shine Through,‖ a co-write with Rend Collective and the band’s first iTunes single featuring lyrics, Through the cracks in all of us / Through the fractures and our dust You shine through, You shine through. ―When I think of Join In The Sound, I think of the invitation that God gives all of his creation to worship Him,‖ says Anthony Hoisington who also serves as the worship ministry director for Northgate Free Methodist Church in Batavia. ―It’s a calling that has been placed within all of us. We all have a sound to contribute to the overall conversation. And we need to let that sound out. We are called to be involved along with everything around us to join in the sound and worship our Lord.‖ Brothers McClurg will be sharing their new songs while on tour this summer and fall, including an appearance at this year’s Kingdom Bound music festival in Darien Lake, August 6-8. Additional information can be found at brothersmcclurg.com/and facebook.com/brothersmcclurg. To follow Brothers McClurg on Twitter, visit twitter.com/BrothersMcClurg.
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August/September 2012
Uta Milewski, left, Gale Chappel and Neil Armstrong brought the Family Blessing Conference to Lovejoy Gospel Church in Lancaster June 15 and 16. Families are in crisis and unfortunately the church is not exempt. In fact statistics suggest there are as many if not more divorces in the church than outside the church. Christian families are experiencing their children rebelling against Christ and frankly the church hasn’t been equipped to handle it. The book of Malachi however, says before the coming of the Lord, God will turn the hearts of the children to the fathers and the fathers to the children, lest he strike the earth with a curse. A unique opportunity to respond to that very promise presented itself at Lovejoy Church this past June as the Family Blessing Conference made its way to Lancaster June 15 and 16. The two day event featured speakers Craig Hill, Dr. Tony Wheeler and Neil Campbell who taught on imparting a father’s and mother’s blessing to the next generation. ―Blessing is an impartation that comes from God through a father or mother that changes something in the heart of a son or daughter and empowers them to prosper,‖ explained Craig Hill, keynote speaker at the conference, author of Ancient Paths and Senior Leader of Family Foundations International. ―When you bless your son or daughter you empower them to prosper in their future life and not just financially but in every area. In their future marriage, relationships, health, career and their ministry. In every area of their life.‖ In terms of practical steps, ―Start practicing blessing in your own family. The next step after that would be to come to a conference,‖ explains Pastor Neil Campbell who spoke at the event and also serves as the National Coordinator for Family Foundations International. Campbell encourages people to seek healing from their own hurts which will translate into blessing for future generations. According to Campbell it is about breaking off old negative generational habits and releasing the blessing over our children. ―We highly believe if you win the family mountain that is the highest peak. You start winning the families, getting this process of blessing started in families and then begin reaching out to other families.‖ Campbell cited as much as 90% fatherlessness in some urban areas, ―There is probably nothing more powerful than to find a way to build relationships with those men and boys and find a way to bless and empower them.‖ Campbell went on to explain that the process really starts with forgiveness. If you can start with forgiveness, the healing process can begin. The conference attracted hundreds of families and singles learning how to receive the Father’s blessing for themselves, and also how to bless others and create a culture of blessing in the Buffalo region. Worship was led by Love Joy Church and Robert Stearns with Eagles’ Wings Ministries. As Campbell explains, after attending a conference and learning the tools and education needed to release blessing to the next generation, ―It just rocks people’s world.‖
NEWS Business Men’s Fellowship USA is happy to announce the formation of the Buffalo Niagara Regional Chapter of the fellowship that seeks to reach men in the marketplace with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The formation of the Buffalo Niagara Chapter comes after months of hard work by Rochester Chapter Vice President John Frattare who helped network together the Buffalo chapter. The first meeting was held May 15 at Protocol Restaurant in Williamsville. The next meeting is set for September 18 at Protocol with special guest speaker Reverend Terry King.
Pastor and Evangelist Benny Hinn spoke at The Tabernacle in Orchard Park, Saturday August 11 and at Zion Dominion Global Ministries in Amherst, August 12 at 6pm. Hinn is known for his faith filled healing meetings seen on television all over the world. Hinn actually has a long history of ministering in WNY dating back to the early days of his ministry at the Tabernacle.
QUESTIONS
Kingdom Bound 2012 featured an impressive lineup of Christian musicians and speakers for the festival this past August 5-8 at Darien Lake. A few of the headliners included Casting Crowns, Kari Jobe, Jason Upton, Toby Mac, David Crowder and Switchfoot among many others. Speakers included Kevin Leman, Carol McLeod and Tommy Reid.
The Buffalo Christian Center has announced that funding has become available for the renovation and restoration of the facility’s pool. The 66,000 square foot facility includes the swimming pool, gym, Forbes Theater and much more. The pool is expected to be completed and back up and running by late summer. Prayer Collective (www.prayercollective.com), a regional collaborative of intercessors, musicians and worshippers seeking to worship Jesus on earth as he is in heaven has taken up new residence at the Buffalo Christian Center. Due to facility renovations at Lafayette Presbyterian Church the ministry sought to find a place of common ground in the Christian community. The natural place for that was the Christian Center. ―The Buffalo Christian Center has been the one place where for generations past Christians of all denominations have gathered together. We are happy to be able to do this once again and what better way to do it then through prayer and worship,‖ said founder Kyle Patterson. Churches and ministries wanting to be involved in the effort should contact the Collective through their website at www.prayercollective.com Crisis Response International has announced a Disaster Preparation training this coming September. The ministry released this statement, ―The generation alive today is seeing the greatest shakings the earth has ever seen, meanwhile God is raising up an army of end-time mercy missionaries who will release great demonstrations of His power and love. Crisis Response International will help prepare you to respond to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs that arise in the midst of crisis and disaster. Come get yourself, your family or your whole church trained to respond in times of disaster. Group rates available!‖
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INTERVIEW
Branches of Niagara is open for the camping season at the 70 acre site situated right on Grand Island. The camp was started by a group of Christians in 2010 and has seen excellent reviews of the facilities and camper experience.
Zion Dominion Global Ministries
presented Legacy 2012 August 3-5 at their Buffalo and Rochester locations featuring top musicians and speakers in the Christian gospel music scene. The theme for this year’s event wa0s out of 1 Peter 2:9, ―Called and Chosen.‖ Read more news at www.unitemagazine.us Have news to share? Email info@thrivebuffalo.org (space is limited)
WITH >> Jim Cymbala Author, Pastor Brooklyn Tabernacle Interview conducted at Eastern Hills Wesleyan Church by Kyle Patterson.
Tell me about the House of Prayer mentality? The burden that is in my heart is to encourage pastors. There are many areas where we all fail as James says and stumble and we aren't doing it exactly as we need to. As I talk to pastors one of the things that does come up a lot is pastors tell me, ―I am preaching the word, it’s doctrinally right, we’ve got good health, we’ve got good music but there isn’t a real spirit of prayer as we see in the New Testament so what do you think about that?‖ If I preach on prayer it seems to resonate. So it’s not like I am telling people make your model into a house of prayer because I don’t know what that looks like. I think it looks different in each church. I think we can all agree as Christian leaders that there has to be a real return to prayer and calling on God because look at all the promises that are connected. Is there a place for regional prayer gatherings? It seems in the Bible it is always right to be praying. Whether you pray within the church, minister all alone or cross denominationally, it’s all very good. You mentioned prayer as a outward symbol of people’s spiritually maturity, what do you mean by that? Usually it (prayer) can be linked to the spirituality of the people to practice prayer because we know it is probably the highest spiritual discipline. Pastors, I think need to preach more and more effectively on God’s promises about prayer so that the people through the Spirit and the Word get an appetite for it. Like, ―Yeah I’ve complained, I felt bad, I called my aunt, my uncle, I complained, I felt sorry for myself, hey, I didn’t pray about this.‖ It seems like it’s simple and basic but we know sometimes we do everything but pray. You mentioned your story about starting your church and your first week’s offering was $85, how did you persevere when ministry wasn’t easy? By the grace of God. What advice would you give someone today? Mark 3. He called them that they may be with him. You have to spend time with the Lord so your batteries can get recharged, that your faith can be built up. He is the God of all comfort the Bible says who comforts us in all our troubles. You have to be with him to let that comfort be effectual. You preach, you pray, you plod. At the beginning there was a lot of plodding and there still is. God gave me grace to do it one more day because you don’t see changes overnight, you have to keep at it and at it and at it. So he is the God who gives us perseverance so we just have to go to the throne of Grace and say, ―God we not only need mercy I need the grace of perseverance so I don’t quit.‖ I tried to quit twice and he blocked me. I got so discouraged. Really, there is no other formula that I know of.
August/September
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PICTURES
Corey Coogan and Elmwood Drives ministering at The Prayer Collective. Photo by Matt Brown
Hope’s Rising Children’s home opened this past spring in Sierra Leone, Africa by a group of Christians from WNY.
Brothers McClurg released Join In The Sound in August.
Buffalo is getting ready to experience the power and presence of God at Coca-Cola Field with Rock the Lakes.
Paul Baloche plays at CMS @ The Chapel in May. Photo by Matt Brown
Nik Wallenda, defies all doubters with a prayer filled walk across Niagara Falls. Wallenda is a born-again Christian who could be heard praying and praising God on national television. 10 www.unitemagazine.us
August/September 2012
Pastor Tommy Reid prays for young people at Eagles’ Wings River Conference. Photo by Matt Brown Submit your pictures by emailing info@thrivebuffalo.org
PEOPLE
S. Hein, a Buffalo businessman who spends his summers each year at Crystal Beach. Hein, during his early years, spent considerable time traveling to places like Florida and Hawaii and would often visit a local beach based church during his travels and was inspired. After looking for a church experience during his summers at Crystal Beach, Hein started talking to a couple of friends about organizing a beach service right at Crystal Beach. To Hein there is something special about enjoying the beauty of God’s Church on the Beach completed its second year of Sunday morning services creation and worshipping in throughout July and August in the open air and beautiful beach the midst of it. So, after of Crystal/Bay Beach, Canada. much prayer and planning Hein called on long time friend Neil Boron, the former host of NBL on WDCX 99.5 and Mike Failla, board member of Kingdom Bound Ministries and Associate Pastor of Evangel Church to organize something that would not only meet the desire for a strong worship experience for the community at Crystal Beach but a way to reach out to the many local residents and Mike Failla (left), Neil Boron and William S. Hein completed their second year of fellow vacationers enjoying Church on the Beach, a summer Sunday service on Crystal Beach. the opportunity summer time affords them. ―Living up in Canada during the summer I Many local musicians and speakers were at Church on the Beach this said why not have a church on the beach? So the first summer including Carol McLeod and Dr. Kevin Leman. person I contacted was Neil. Neil could locate speakers and we needed someone to find musicians. We had mentioned Mike (Failla) and as we were coming out of the restau―People found a place to help whether with set up or rant, there he was. So we felt that God was saying that was tear down. People wanted to serve and they found a place OK,‖ explained Hein who is careful to give Jesus all the glory to.‖ The neighbors even got involved including Ron and and credit for his work in business and ministry. Sharon Adimey who provided free electricity for the sound By Kyle Patterson Hein is Chairman of William S. Hein & Co., Inc. and gives system throughout the summer and on occasions provided a oversight to two foundations that assist Christian ministries Summer for many people means time at the beach, vacasecond tent. Dick and Mina Potts, also of the Crystal and good causes in the area both monetarily and with other tion and a little extra rest and relaxation. This year, thanks Beach Hill Association, provided the coffee and chairs resources, so ministry is nothing new for him. ―I have always to a pioneering team of business and ministry leaders, the throughout the whole summer. believed you have to give to receive. There are other minisbeach doesn’t have to mean you leave your faith at home. The speakers this year included Dr. Kevin Leman, Carol tries that I am involved with and have a separate foundation The ministry, Church on the Beach is an effort to give beMcLeod and Brett Larson among others. Donna Russo, that supports Christian organizations,‖ explained Hein. So for lievers from across the region an opportunity to enjoy felwho serves as Executive Director of Kingdom Bound MinHein this is a natural extension of his ministry that has for lowship, teaching and worship in the natural beauty of istries is excited about the outreach as well saying, ―Church many years been going on behind the scenes, undergirding God’s creation. The venue is the open air, beautiful lakeon the Beach is an innovative, creative approach to presentand supporting works like SonRays Ministries and others. front, sandy beaches of Crystal and Bay Beach located on ing the Gospel, which fit perfectly into our mission. Since For Failla, getting musicians in the community involved Lake Erie about 10 miles over the border into Canada. our inception, Kingdom Bound Ministries has endeavored was not a problem. ―It wasn’t a difficult task at all. There are Services this year were held each Sunday from July 1— to serve the community and church as a resource, linking a lot of musicians out there with great talent and that have a August 26 with the purpose of providing a non-traditional speakers and musicians to share their faith. Our prayer is heart for the Lord. When they heard about the outreach this opportunity for people to hear and see the gospel. The idea that this fresh approach will allow another generation to was and where it was, it wasn’t a problem getting people to is to bring a fresh church experience to locals while providhear the Gospel and respond.‖ contribute.‖ Failla credits Kingdom Bound for helping to ing an outlet for believers to meet with others from around Crystal Beach is located on Lake Erie about 10 miles connect many of the musicians and community together. the area. The open air setting on the beach creates an atafter crossing the Peace Bridge into Canada. With no comBoron explained that the services go on throughout the mosphere where families can come and enjoy some time mittees, no building and no trustees, a family friendly 45 summer and are geared at both Christians and those who may together, seek the Lord in worship, hear God’s word from minute services that welcome kids, pets, and walk ins as not yet believe. Last year there were at least a dozen decisions some distinguished speakers and enjoy fellowship with one well as a mix of pastors, authors, students and musicians, for Christ. Boron explained, ―It’s an open venue where people another. Church on the Beach is getting back to the core of Christiare walking down the beach and it just drew people with the The ministry, while not associated with a specific deanity and reminds all of us what following Jesus is really open worship. It’s just a blessing to whoever wants to come. nomination is part of the Kingdom Bound umbrella of minabout, worshipping God and enjoying Him (and fellowship It’s for believers but it is clearly designed with unbelievers in istries, a prelude if you will to their Summer Festival in with his people) forever. mind.‖ Boron explained it was a blessing to see people join August, taking takes place at Darien Lake each summer. August/September 2012 www.unitemagazine.us 11 them and begin to serve and build relationships. The idea for Church on the Beach came to William (Bill)
Summer Worship On The Beach
FEATURE
It’s Time
Rock the Lakes Set to Evangelize Buffalo
By Kyle Patterson
In a few weeks thousands of Western New Yorkers will descend on Coca-Cola Field in downtown Buffalo, not for a baseball game or any sporting event but for an encounter with the Risen Lord. As the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association rallies hundred of churches and thousands of believers to gather their friends, families and people they meet to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. It has been nearly 25 years since Billy Graham himself held a crusade in the same stadium (different name) in 1988, now son Franklin Graham and a host of talented Christian music artists return to the region to once again preach the uncompromising message of Jesus Christ. The hope, according to event organizers is a soul-saving crusade with at least 2,0003,000 decisions for Christ made over the two days. After the event churches and organizers will go to work to help the new believers plug into local churches for discipleship and further teaching.
Who? The Billy Graham Evangelical Association has been in the Buffalo area planning for nearly a year. Franklin Graham, son of BGEA founder and evangelist Billy Graham will be bringing the message of reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. Musicians include Michael W. Smith, Rend Collective Experiment, Building 429, Skillet and others.
What? Rock the Lakes is a two day evangelistic event meant to give unbelievers an opportunity to experience the gospel of Jesus Christ.
When?
Saturday and Sunday September 22-23,
2012.
Where?
Coca-Cola Field, 275 Washington
Street, Buffalo, NY.
Why? The evangelization of Buffalo, NY. How? Nearly 200 churches have partnered financially to make the event possible.
Be Involved. Bring your friends and family who need to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. Donate. Serve.
What to expect. Diverse Christian music ranging from Michael W. Smith to Skillet, pure salvation messages by Franklin throughout the two days and activities for kids. August/September 2012
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COLUMNS
Injured? Of Pancakes & Praise
Living Stone Fellowship “Be yourself, baggage included”
Sundays @ 11 - 12:30 675 Abbott Road, South Buffalo www.facebook.com/living.stone.1029
BY STEPHEN JENKS My wife is a great cook. Throughout our marriage I have watched her prepare (and joyfully partaken in) literally hundreds of unique dishes. She is more of an artist in the kitchen. Each time it is a little different. Recently we had some children over to make pancakes. My wife patiently helped them find each of the ingredients; they had a grand time cracking eggs, stirring flour, getting the ingredients ready, in anticipation of the delicious breakfast to come. For me, worship is a little like cooking. As I have had the privilege to minister in worship with the Eagles’ Wings team in nations around the world (from churches of 25 to stadiums of 25,000) I have tasted a lot of different flavors of worship, but have seen some common themes that seems to be ingredients that move worship from just singing songs, to a life-changing encounter with the Creator King. Lift Up – What are we focused on when we worship? Is it the great sound, the amazing skill, the flashing lights? If we only focus on the externals, we can inadvertently lead people into ―spectator mode.‖ As leaders, we have the opportunity to model a ―God-first‖ approach, inviting people to interact with the Living God. Beginning with prayer to God, not just about God, and reading portions of Scripture throughout the time can realign people’s focus on Who this is really all about. Listen Up – Developing sensitivity to the voice of the Spirit and being able to respond to what He is doing in the midst of His people is so important. One of the best ways to do this is to make space – to literally ―wait on the Lord.‖ This can mean a pause before worship begins, or it can be in the midst of worship where we don’t just go through our list of songs, but make space for our hearts to linger in a moment and truly listen. Train Up – I don’t know if we realize it, but every time we worship it is just a rehearsal. It’s just a warmup for the eternal worship service we’re going to be engaged in for all time. We shouldn’t be afraid to train people in worship. If you feel the need for an instrumental interlude, tell the people. ―Folks, we are going to take a moment and wait on the Lord. Don’t be distracted; just focus your hearts on Him.‖ You will be helping them grow in their worship life personally as well as corporately. Link Up – Another thing worship provides is the opportunity to love and encourage one another. Paul admonishes the Ephesians that they should encourage one another in ―psalms, hymns and spiritual songs,‖ (Eph. 5:19). As leaders there are times when we should facilitate this interaction. Maybe it’s breaking into prayer clusters of 2-3 people and speaking a 30-second blessing over one another, or it could be declaring God’s word that you are singing over one another. There is something powerful released when worship becomes about ―we‖ not ―me.‖ Just like my wife’s artistry in our Saturday morning pancake adventure, the Holy Spirit knows how to take our simple offering and make something amazing out of it. As we enter the Presence of God each time in worship, perhaps we should think of ourselves more as kids in the kitchen. We have been invited to bring the ingredients and follow His direction, but ultimately the end result is something only He can make happen. As we smell the aroma of heaven rising, we can only say, ―Oh taste and see that the Lord is good,‖ (Psalm 34:8).
Stephen Jenks is a member of the Eagles’ Wings team, a international ministry community focused on touching Israel and the nations, strengthening and empowering believers, and training up the next generation. A gifted worship leader and psalmist, Stephen has ministered with Eagles’ Wings for the last 15 years. Through conferences and services across the United States, in Latvia, Germany, Brazil, Mexico and Israel, Stephen has had the privilege of bringing tens of thousands of believers into a living encounter with the Presence and Person of Jesus Christ. Stephen and his wife Veronica live in Upstate New York.
Who Is Your Child’s Teacher? BY NURLINE A. LAWRENCE
Daily, we hear about and experience the challenges that face Christian schooling. We can choose discouragement and/or fear, or we can see the events as opportunities for growth. At CCA, we choose the latter because, at no time have we seen this endeavor called Christian Central Academy as anything other than a God-sized adventure. There are noticeable shifts in the culture that make private Christian education at CCA a more difficult option to consider. The cost to families gets more daunting; to other families, there is a preference for home schooling for a variety of reasons. Then there are numerous, competitive, well-established, high-quality private school’s within the Buffalo and surrounding area that offer college preparation. We seem to be competing for the same students, while their parents compete for the same jobs. CCA must, therefore, make a compelling case for those distinctives that will encourage any family to choose a Christ-centered education in the search for an excellent education for their children. With that in mind, let’s take another look at CCA!! 1. CCA believes that the principles of Kingdom education are set out in God’s Word, the Bible. The home, the church, and the school must be in agreement if our children are going to be trained in the ―nurture and admonition of the Lord.‖ 2. At CCA, we aim to develop a worldview consistent with all of life – not a man-centered part and a God-centered part. In short, a complete Christian worldview cannot exclude God from any part of a child’s life. 3. At CCA, the question, ―Who is your child’s teacher?‖ is a serious one. For almost seven hours each day, a child sits under the influence of the teacher. We take care that this instructor is one who completely believes God’s word. The teacher, whether in the secular or Christian school, also influences your child through the other curriculum – the hidden, wordless curriculum conveyed through the teacher’s life. It does make a difference what worldview the teacher espouses. 4. At CCA, diversity does not mean a compromise of God’s truth. Today society retreats on biblical standards, especially with regard to marriage and the family. The Bible is clear on marriage as being a holy union between one man and one woman. It also makes clear that single-sex unions are contrary to God’s divine purpose for mankind. The Bible also affirms God’s love by stating clearly in II Peter 3:9, The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. It is God’s will that no one should perish. The Bible wonderfully supports one unified worldview – a God-centered worldview – even though dualism suggests that there is a secular and a spiritual part to life – making the two parts as unrelated. Everything impacts the development of children. When we divide life into unrelated compartments, we encourage fragmented humans. We can only find true meaning and purpose in life through the unifying factor, Jesus Christ. CCA does not believe in compartmentalizing life, that is making God relevant in some areas but irrelevant in others. We do not separate beliefs and values from any area of knowledge. Walter Ediger puts it this way, ―It is impossible to separate God’s word from God. How then is it possible to teach about God’s word and leave him out?‖ The Christian teacher knows that ―all truth is God’s truth.‖ (Gaebelein). 5. The Christ-centered school is often at odds with popular culture. Choosing it can be both daunting and expensive. It is, however, a sacrifice that perhaps should not be reasoned away. The future of children’s lives and of our country will depend, to a large extent, on the kind of education that shapes their worldview. Such a sacrifice will, in the long run, be worth the expense and determine the people they become. Having said all of the above, the challenges facing CCA and all like-minded Christian schools are great. We see the roadblocks as opportunities to train students to experience a life of wholeness in God. We are in a fight to the death for the hearts and minds of children. Do not allow the culture to swallow them up. CCA invites you to choose an educational experience for your children that will help them understand God’s plan for their future.
Nurline A. Lawrence is the Head of School at Christian Central Academy in Williamsville, NY. She was born in Jamaica, married 38 years to Alphonse Leslie Lawrence (deceased). She is the mother of 4 children and enjoys Christian education administration, 17th and 20th century literature, walking, reading, friends and traveling. Mrs. Lawrence previously served at The Stony Brook School (Stony Brook, NY) and The Covenant School (Charlottesville, VA). Mrs. Lawrence holds a B.A. from the University of London, International College of the Cayman Islands, B.S. ,SUNY at Stony Brook, M.A., Dowling College, SAS, Dowling College, SDA
“Toat all of toem may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am nn you.” John 17:21
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The Honorable Gregory W. Slayton, best-selling author and father of four, doesn't beat around the bush: "Being a good dad isn't only vital for the future of our families and our society . . . it is critical to our own development as men." "Be a Better Dad Today "is an inspirational and practical guidebook for every father who wants to become the best dad he can be--for his family's sake and his own. With humor, empathy, common sense, tough talk and engaging stories from his personal experience, Slayton reveals user-friendly, simple-but never- simplistic techniques that will help every dad fulfill his God-given responsibilities. Whether readers are parenting younger or older kids, boys or girls, they will find wise insights and practical, doable action steps for becoming the father God created them to be.
Are you a follower of Jesus? Don't answer too quickly. In fact, you may want to read this book before you answer at all. Consider it a 'Define the Relationship' conversation to determine exactly where you stand. You may indeed be a passionate, fully devoted follower of Jesus. Or, you may be just a fan who admires Jesus but isn't ready to let him cramp your style. Then again, maybe you're not into Jesus, period. In any case, don't take the question---Are you a follower of Jesus?---lightly. Some people don't know what they've said yes to and other people don't realize what they've said no to, says Pastor Kyle Idleman. But Jesus is ready to clearly define the relationship he wants with his followers. Not a Fan calls you to consider the demands and rewards of being a true disciple. With frankness sprinkled with humor, Idleman invites you to live the way Jesus lived, love the way he loved, pray the way he prayed, and never give up living for the One who gave his all for you.
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Hillsong Chapel is a newly created series of intimate and devotional arrangements of popular Hillsong songs led by the Hillsong worship team. Recorded live in the Hillsong Chapel, Yahweh, the first installment in the series, contains organic and contemplative versions of top CCLI songs including "Mighty To Save", "Hosanna", "From The Inside Out", and the title track "Yahweh". Comprised of 13 songs, Hillsong Chapel's Yahweh is perfect for smaller gatherings, personal devotional, and will help resource churches wanting more intimate worship expressions.
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DVD #1 New York Times bestselling author Joyce Meyer teaches readers how to create change in their lives and truly receive God's blessings. Includes powerful Scriptures covering over 50 topics, such as patience, loneliness, and wisdom.
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From bestselling and award-winning author Robin Jones Gunn--a poignant novel about a woman who must care for her ill and elderly father, hoping to mend both his health and their relationship. Erin's new business as a wedding planner is running at full speed and her empty nest years are full of promise when she receives a call that puts everything on hold: her estranged father has had a stroke. The twinkle is fading from Jack O'Riley's Irish eyes and his calloused second wife leaves, making it clear this is not what she signed up for. Suddenly Erin's visit to her father's cottage by the sea is extended indefinitely. At first the task before her is as daunting as the wild Oregon coast that has become her unwanted second home. Yet in the many hours she spends beside her ailing father, Erin finds a treasure hidden in the darkness. She reaches out and, at long last, receives the gift of healing.
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The Courageous Soundtrack is available at your favorite Christian store and wherever you buy or download music. Hear from some of your favorite bands while reliving the heart of the movie. The Soundtrack features music by Casting Crowns, Third Day, Sanctus Real and Building 429.
Orlando-based progressive worship collective, Bellarive, use every instrument at their disposal, whether it be organic or synthetic, to creatively build the grand style of worship found on debut The Heartbeat.
Johnny is an inspirational family story about loss and how one young boys mission, before he is called to heaven, makes a difference for a family struggling to find their way back after a tragedy devastates them. When Dr. Drew Carter (Mel Fair) tragically lost his ten year old son in a car accident while his wife Julia (Musetta Vander) was driving, he didn't expect to lose his whole family as well. Since the accident, Julia is emotionally absent from Drew and their daughter Kayla (Aubyn Cole). When Dr. Miller (Lee Majors) refers Johnny (Jerry Phillips), a foster child with leukemia, to Drew the wheels start to turn as he sees a chance to heal his family. Based on a true story and the book Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy by Donald B. Kraybill, Steven M. Nolt, and David L. Weaver-Zercher, Amish Grace chronicles the community of Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, forever changed when a gunman senselessly takes the lives of five girls in a schoolhouse shooting before taking his own life in October of 2006. What transpires takes the town by storm, as the media descend on the city and criticize its Amish leaders for their notion of unconditional forgiveness.
All Books, Bibles, Music, Gifts, and Stationery are available at: Bender’s Parable Christian Store, located at 8550 Sheridan Drive in Williamsville, NY. Open Monday-Friday from 10:00am-9:00pm; Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm. Shop online at: www.ShopBenders.com
FINAL THOUGHT
Mission:
By Lou Perez
Generation Flux Have you ever noticed that every time you use Google or Facebook something has changed? And more than often, irritatingly so because change implies abandoning the way you did it before. If there is one reason why modern phenomena like Facebook, Google, and Twitter have thrived is because they are committed to constant change. They are always cranking out new ways of doing it. At the helm of these modern movements are young twenty-somethings who have redefined their generation, leaving older generations to scratch their heads in reservation. Constant Change. They have been called the ―Google Generation‖, ―The Social Networking Generation‖, and even ―Generation Flux‖. They are today’s generation of twenty-somethings who are defined by constant change that is fueled by technological innovation. The ―Gen-Flux Generation‖ (as we will refer to them for this article) are like chameleons, always morphing into new things so that they become like constantly moving targets. Not only are they constantly changing, but they are doing so while they are on the move. While they are walking, watching TV or (we hope not) driving, they fire off emails, thumb out texts, and update their Facebook. Non-Nostalgic. ―Gen-Fluxers‖ prefer to adapt to new situations than to perfect the status quo. To them, there is no status quo; there is only a process of change. The new generation of young innovators has been described by technologist Peter Diamandus as in ―Permenant Beta‖ (works in progress). In other words, when it comes to new ideas, instead of remaining on shore, they continually launch out into the unknown. This young, elusive generation possesses a non-nostalgic focus on the future that resists being stuck in the past. Just ask a ―Gen-Fluxer‖ when is the last time they visited a post office or used a stamp and you will see what I mean. They would sooner send a text and on a rare occasion an email. Always plugged in. ―Gen-Fluxers‖ get their life perspective from multiple sources of media without even being there. Just when you think they miss a church event they will say, “I caught the podcast on my phone”. To ―GenFluxers‖, the conversation never ends because they are always connected through technology. There are, however, limits to getting all your interactions, and revelations from media. Media can be remixed and manipulated to service unique points of view. It also goes without saying that media can never compensate for the absence of face-toface connection. Too much is missed when you are not together within the same time and space. Uncertainty. Because of this type of culture, ―GenFluxers‖ must endure ambiguity with their lives going in many directions at once. They no longer rely on established business models that promise long careers up corporate ladders. So they become jacks of all trades with many spinning plates in the air. These can include more than one
job, career, or business venture. The uncertainty that comes in the wake of all the spinning plates is accompanied by instability, a vague sense of identity, and in many cases moral relativism. How did we get here? A question must be asked in all this. If this new generation is called Generation Flux, than what is the older generation called? Leonard Sweet, in his book Viral, calls them the ―Guttenberg Generation‖ because of Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press around the year 1440. Before the printing press, books were hand-written by scribes and very rare in the world, resulting in the slow progress of knowledge. With the printing press also came the multiplication of knowledge throughout the world. With that knowledge came the culture of getting our perspective from ―paper‖ or words on a page. The ―Gutenberg Generation‖ tends to enjoy holding a book in their hands versus reading on a device. They focus on knowledge and ideas while ―Gen-Fluxers‖ on relationships and connection. Interestingly, for some Gen-Fluxers, when it comes to spirituality, they gravitate away from the ever-changing evangelical culture that has been marked by heavy emphasis on evangelistic preaching, testimonies, extemporaneous prayer, and strong emotion, They do this in search of what they perceive as a deeper and richer worship experience. Their image-based customs attract them to the visual representation and the mystery in liturgical worship, the sacraments, the communal element of worship, the focus on Scripture and prayer. These produce beautiful, immutable visuals which appeal to a small segment of this generation. When things began to change. When the first personal computer came out in the late 1970’s, the way knowledge was distributed started making a quantum leap from paper to digital. Today, people read books on their tablets and reading devices as well as research information on the Web. Even some of us older ones have adapted using our Apple and Android devices for speaking.
How do we reach Generation Flux? Although much can be said about reaching them, we can only give some places to start. Celebrate their passion for finding spirituality through connecting with people. Remember this young generation is addicted to relationships through media and not necessarily attending a local church. I know this may sound strange to us Guttenhergers, but this is the way the Church in Acts began. After the proclamation of the gospel came establishing the believer through connecting with other believers. This happened when they went ―house to house‖. Making disciples does not simply mean classroom instruction, but living out life stories together. The older generation can also come along-side ―GenFluxers‖ by helping them see the difference between hating nostalgia (the past) and learning from it. Although the past is not a hitching post, it should be a guide post. Truth is relevant to every generation regardless of culture, philosophy, or innovation. The Ten Commandments come from our past and regardless of what age we live in, it is still wrong to kill, covet, and worship other gods. ―Gen-Fluxers‖ can be helped by the preceding generations if we stop trying to correct them before we connect with them. We older Christians love perfectly laid-out scriptural
“To them there is no
Status Quo; There is Only a process
OF CHANGE.” arguments and well-reasoned doctrine, but this young generation is more interested in questions like: Am I loved? Is there hope? Do you really care? These are not just lovely ideas but questions that invite encounter. God is not some abstract idea we put in a test tube, but a living Being who longs to touch humanity. “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Lou and Louisa Perez both grew up in New York City and met in the first Church Lou pastored in Schenectady, NY. In 1999 they started Destiny Christian Church in Niagara Falls with the vision of taking Church outside the four walls. Visit their website at www.destinychristianniagara.com.
August/September 2012
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