Unmistakable Voice of Steeler's Passes Away

Myron Cope passed away today at the age of 79. See here

The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round...

We just got word that someone wants to donate a nice dial-a-ride bus to Overflow!!! The cool thing is, is that God has already brought the driver to our church! It just blows my mind to see just how God's hand is all over this thing and how as we pray things happen! We plan on shuttle kids and hopefully their families in from one of the local projects in Benton Harbor, where we have been doing outreach to once a month. God has been doing amazing things there and the team has been so blessed to be able to share the love of God with people. The kids really look forward to the church coming out and there is always great testimonies that come out of it. God is really working not only in the unchurched/dechurched people of Benton Harbor, but on all of us as well. Our hearts are longing more and more for this city and its an exciting thing!

Scripture of the Week

"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples"
-John 13:35

Leviticus 17:11

Well, I am reading through the book of Leviticus and I stumbled across this particular verse, which intrigued me. 17:11 "For the life of the flesh is in the blood and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement."
As I read that first part of the verse it struck me as simple yet profound. Our bodies need the blood to live, this is where the life comes from, our blood. Just like our blood allows us to continue living, and as the writer of the book of Hebrews reminds us, How much more is the blood of Christ than that of the bulls, heifers, goats... You see it is the precious blood of Christ that was shed on the cross that gives us true life, eternal life. And so, as I read this passage, I though to myself, how true it is. LIFE IS TRULY IN THE BLOOD! The blood of Christ that covers all my sins. Praise be to God and to Him be the glory. For who am I to deserve such amazing grace!

Scripture of the Week

I thought it would be fun to memorize one scripture a week. So here it goes....
II Peter 1:5 "Make every effort to add to your faith virtue"

The Other Side of The River

Just finished reading this one and man was it eye opening!! This was a book based on a death of a teenage Afican American boy here where we are living and planting Overflow, Benton Harbor. The book descibes the history and tensions between the "twin cities" St.Joe/BH and some other murders that happened around the time of Eric's death. Though never was the death of Eric ruled a murder, there is much speculation here. This was a great read to give me some understanding of the history and the diverse socio/racial/economical diversity that surrounds us here in this area everyday.

Just a long week and not much time to blog, working crazy hours...trying to keep things in balance. Been processing Christianity and Culture a lot and talking with a friend of mine who got me going on it. Do we over emphasize evangelism to the point that we are not making disciples? And when is to much technology/cultural relevance not good? or is there never to much? How do you find the balance between reaching culture and intimacy and awe of the Holy Spirit within God's people?
Just some questions I'm pondering...any thoughts.
Also reading a great book right now, Theirs Is The Kingdom: Celebrating the Gospel in Urban America. Great read!

Headline News

The local paper here in Benton Harbor did an article on Overflow.  Following the link to the Herald Palladium online newspaper, search under E-Edition on the top column, choose 2/9/08 for the date and then on the right had side select Section D: Religion to get to the article.

Click HERE 

Sobering

I arrived yesterday afternoon at Pittsburgh International airport after a short flight from South Bend, IN. to Detroit, MI and then onto the Burgh, just a couple of 35 min. flights and there I am. The viewing was from 7-9pm and man was it sobering! I have never been to such a sorrowful funeral in all my 29 years here on earth. My heart goes out to the family and the wife and 2 kids left behind. The funeral service was today and overall it went really well. I remembered one particular statement that the minister made that stuck with me, he stated that funerals were not for the deceased but for the living, I thought he was right on. Like I said early "sobering".

Mourning Times

I just got word the other day that an old friend of mine from my hometown comitted suicide the other day. Its just one of those things that takes everyone by suprise. Then you run the taunting gauntlet of the mind asking all the questions and pondering all the senarios. Probably the biggest question of WHY? Enters the mind most frequently. I suppose there are many factors that come into play with any suicide, and I've often wondered what happens to that persons soul? Is it like the unpardonable sin? I don't think so, but what happens or better yet what did happen that would cause a person to take his or her own life? Again many factors, I suppose.
I posted a book review about a month ago on Judas and Jesus which I think helped me and broaden my view and perspective on suicide.
With all this being said, my friend, JAY, will be greatly missed and my prayers go out to all the family during this tradgic time of grieving.

Church Planting Communications

In the world of church planting communication between staff and launch team is key! One of our values at Overflow is authentic community and in striving to create and maintain this there must be open communication. This is highly important especially when your about to launch your first service or preview. Public enemy #1 is always looking to break this thing up, its the last thing he would want to see happen, and so the spiritual warefare is very real and very heavy. We must keep the lines open and be honest enough with ourselves and others to speak up when needed and to shut our mouths when necessary :) Here are some key things to consider when keeping open lines of communication:

• Pray before you speak (seriously)
• Be honest with yourself and with others
• Remember, Timing and Tone are everything when approaching a hot issue
• Keep things out in the open, don't hold it in
• Agree to disagree and move on (this will need to happen from time to time)
• Conflict transformation is the key

Leadership is not a destination, but a journey. Where will you allow God to take you today?