The Gospel, Thanksgiving, and Family Grace

The Gospel, Thanksgiving, and Family Grace

Into the Wild

At Explore Church we started a new series last week titled "Into the Wild."  Here are a few shots of the set.

Another amazing job by the Creative Team!  I Love My Church!!!

Painting Steve Jobs in 6 Minutes

Artist Aaron Kizer paints a portrait of Steve Jobs in an intriguing performance piece put on at the 11th Hour Live Music and Arts Show in Owensboro, Kentucky.

A PLAN for Giving Generously

A PLAN for Giving Generously

3 Questions to Ask When Reading from the Bible

3 Questions to Ask When Reading from the Bible

Advice for Reading Theology Books Even Though You're Busy

Advice for Reading Theology Books Even Though You're Busy

Write to Understand

Write to Understand

Calvin & Hobbes on Creativity

"X"

2012 marks the 10th year of Explore Church.  January 1 marks the beginning in our living room.  Easter 2012 marks our move to Purfoy Road and the second Sunday in September will mark our launch to the public.  Over the years our vision and mission has become clearer.  When we started, we narrowed the focus by identifying several things we did not want to be known for as a church.  Here is a list of some of what we did not want to be known for:

1. We did not want to be known as a church on mission to reach churched people.  We wanted to go after folks not involved in church or connected to God.  To reach people that no one else was reaching meant doing things no one else was doing.
2. We did not want to be known for what we were "against."  (like--Halloween, Disney, War, or the Lottery).  We wanted to be known for what we were for--A BIG GOD...who has provided a way to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.
3. We did not want to be known as a church driven by religious rituals and traditions.
4. We did not want to be known as a church that was dull and boring.  
5. We did not want to be known as a church that was a functional club geared to members only.
6. We did not want to be known as a church that was a drain on the community.  We want to be a blessing to the community.
7. We did not want to be known as a program-driven church.  If other churches or ministries were doing a ministry well, like AWANA, we were not going to do it.  We were going to limit what we offered as a church so people will have time to be on mission in their neighborhood.
8. We did not want to be known as a church that tolerated sin and allowed folks to enjoy a marginal, mediocre Christian life.  We feel that it is our responsibility to equip, train, stretch, and challenge people toward their potential in Christ.  

More on this in the future as we approach 10 years of Explore Church!!!

Pause &

When it comes to making decisions...it is good to have a plan.  Decisions determine the course and trajectory of our lives.  Therefore, we must choose wisely.

Before making a decision:

1. PAUSE & REMEMBER:  Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
2. PAUSE & ASK:  Is this a wise thing for me to do?
3. PAUSE & DETERMINE:  What's best next?

Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms

I love this scene and this movie!