chazzdaddy

Archive for June, 2008|Monthly archive page

Underdogs, God and Golf.

In Devotional, golf on June 16, 2008 at 8:33 pm

OK…simple analogy.

I am ticked that Rocco Mediate didn’t pull it out in the US Open. It was GOLF HISTORY in the making if you are a GOLF fan like me. And having Monday’s off was a BLESSING for ONCE!

Anyway, TIGER WOODS was up big, then down, then tied, and in the 19th playoff hole, he came through with the win…just like everyone EXPECTED.

I have to sit here and think…what if we trusted GOD that much. That no matter who, what, where, when or WHAT we are going through, that we just KNOW that HE will COME THROUGH?

“…And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20–esv)

Anyway…I’m still ticked. I like TIGER, but I love the UNDERDOG. Glad my GOD does too.

Blessings and peace.

How We Go All Out to Reach Men.

In manfest, New Hope News on June 12, 2008 at 11:39 am

Today I have to figure out how to communicate an AMAZING BIBLICAL TRUTH in 15 minutes! Why? It’s our annual MANFEST services. (And I know you are thinking…no way can Charles do that.) Probably right, but I will keep trying.

We blow it out for MEN and DAD’S. Off the hook music, a service that resembles a Junior High locker room, way too many laughs and surprises, a HOG ROAST, stations set up after the service outside so you can spend time with your KIDS, a car and motorcycle show, and of coarse, AMAZING TALKS with some MEN who love JESUS at NEW HOPE in all phases of their journey. From beginners to not-so, from happily married for forever, to those who have suffered through divorce. AND SO MUCH MORE! There will be a ton of cool stuff this year…

MANFEST is your chance to bring every MAN and BOY you know to hear the DANGEROUS message of CHRIST in one of our SAFEST formats ever. WE DO THIS FOR THOSE WHO NEED CHRIST…so if you show up alone…well, you might get water hosed.

I promise that this years MANFEST is going to be OFF THE CHAIN…after our planning meeting finalized, I felt a HUGE SENSE of what will be an AMAZING MANFEST! Don’t forget, SATURDAY ONLY @ all campuses. See times HERE.

Will you step up and INVITE? It will change people’s ETERNITIES! PRAY for us all. And PRAY that PEOPLE will come to the SAVIOR…that’s why we do this stuff.

p.s. Women, you will love it too…and you will roll your eyes a few times like you know you do when MEN are being MEN…I mean BOYS.

p.s.s.: You will HAVE TO PARK IN OVERFLOW as our LOTS will ALL BE FULL with EVENTS…yes, we have a SHUTTLE every week! Start in the KETTERING BUILDING PLEASE!

your voice will help…

In one service, your voice on June 11, 2008 at 3:53 pm

So…what are your thoughts so far about the ONE PRAYER SERIES we are doing now and the ONE SERVICE event coming up?

We have lots of people coming to the blog here…let’s hear YOUR VOICE! (Click on COMMENTS tab below) Please…

“Saul recognized David’s voice and said, ‘Is this YOUR VOICE, my son David?’ And David said, ‘It is MY VOICE, my lord, O king.’” (1 Samuel 26.17–esv)

Blessings and peace.

http://flickr.com/photos/trans-formation/254159995/

campus pastor?

In campus pastors, multi-sites on June 10, 2008 at 3:32 pm

So…we are heading toward our 5 campuses by the end of this year, and possibly looking at launching into the Millersburg and Mt. Vernon areas next year or beyond as our 5 “hub campuses” along with Loudonville/Wooster/Ashland.

We are in need RIGHT NOW and BEYOND of CAMPUS PASTORS.

Do you need a degree in THEOLOGY? No.
Do you need a degree in BIBLE? No.
Will we TRAIN YOU? YES!

Click HERE for more details of what we are looking for in a CAMPUS PASTOR. If this is YOU, please e-mail me. We could use 2 of you NOW…and 3-4 more later.

Is God CALLING YOU or someone you know to something like this?

blessings and peace.

pic:http://flickr.com/photos/20939975@N04/2147047890/

you haven’t heard much like this ever.

In New Hope News, one prayer, one service on June 9, 2008 at 2:08 pm

OK…over 1,300 churches took part in a historical series that kicked off yesterday. See all the details and join the conversation HERE. Go read some of the amazing things and post your comments. Craig Groeschel knocked it out of the park. What a Word from GOD.

At NEW HOPE the spirit and feedback were AMAZING! What a joy and Biblical response to a world in DIVISION (especially in the church), than to show them the CHURCH UNIFIED through the GOSPEL of CHRIST and HIS MISSION.

Next weekend I will be bringing the ONE PRAYER message live at ALL CAMPUSES (Saturday Night only…spend Sunday with your Dad’s!…L-Ville: 2, 4, 6pm//Wooster 5pm). Too many things to post about the amazing day…see the WEBSITE for details. My ONE PRAYER for MEN is…Lord Make Us (like I would give it away). God will rock your world this weekend.

Here’s a story like you haven’t heard before…and PLEASE PASS THE WORD TO THE WORLD about what God has laid on our hearts so that there might be more moves of GOD like thisas well.

Before ONE PRAYER even was announced, God spoke clearly to my heart. We as the BODY are divided 52 weeks a year. What if this year during our OUTDOOR WORSHIP SERVICE (we hold one in the park every year, 1 service combined for our church). What if this year, we invite ALL CHURCHES who preach and live out the GOSPEL to join with us and partner together?

I was scared a bit, but I was obedient.

I sent out letters to every pastor in ASHLAND county, and what do you know? PASTORS were BOLD and shared the vision.

SO…on SUNDAY, July 27th, @ 11am both in Loudonville (on the square downtown Lord-willing) and in Ashland (at Community Stadium) we will join with SEVERAL other churches to hold the first ONE SERVICE combined worship service. Why is this unique?

We will be coming together not on an “off-time” but during PRIME TIME and will WORSHIP AS ONE this SUMMER together. There will be a FREE MEAL provided afterwards for fellowship and getting to know others across the BODY of CHRIST. (And Lord-willing, those who do not know CHRIST or have a church home!)

All I can say is WOW. Please PRAY for our informational meetings this THURSDAY night.

Is YOUR CHURCH coming if you are in ASHLAND COUNTY? Start the buzz.

God’s Spirit is truly up to something through ONE PRAYER and ONE SERVICE. Father…May they be ONE!

One last thing: please PRAY for my hometown of Columbus, Indiana, and other towns in Indiana. It was devastated by floods like no other. Some of my friends were impacted.

blessings and peace.

one.

In New Hope News, one prayer on June 5, 2008 at 4:01 am

Prayer. one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism. God calls us to unity and ONENESS.

This weekend we are part of history. We will be joining over 1,200 other churches in the ONE PRAYER series. It will be amazing. Teaching will be some of the biggest names in the church today, and they will be joining us via video as well as live teaching mixed into the series by yours truly.

Week 2 and MANFEST 2008 of course will be a HUGE highlight of the year. Just finished the programming meeting on this, and it will again be OFF THE HOOK. Who will you be bringing with you?

Week 3 I will be leading worship with some special twists at the Loudonville Campus…

And Week 5 will feature ED YOUNG JR…um, yes, preaching for our church.

Enjoy the pics from the set design team…they are hard at work and I can tell you that you have NEVER seen anything like what Allison, Dan and their crew have cooked up for this series. Thanks to all of them for what they are doing and to all of our crews at each campus for making this series a reality.

This week we will be hearing from one of the most innovative, creative and pioneering Pastor’s out there. Craig Groshel from LIFECHURCH.TV has helped launch multi-sites throughout the US and the WORLD through Life Church, and he will be kicking us off. This was their brainchild, and I can’t imagine the giddiness they feel right now as 1,200 (think about that) churches JOIN TOGETHER in the name of JESUS to proclaim…we are ONE in the GOSPEL of CHRIST!

Can’t wait…who ya bringing?

important news.

In New Hope News, purpose driven training on June 4, 2008 at 2:02 pm

It’s funny that I have to keep clarifying this, but that just means you all must LOVE ME:) Thanks!

By handing off to an Executive Pastor so I can focus on teaching, leading, ministry of the Word, prayer, and training leaders nationally and internationally, I am not going anywhere. I am the Lead/Sr. Pastor at NEW HOPE, one church, many locations.

My role has changed to where I cannot be the primary details and operational Pastor, nor the main Pastoral Care provider as the church has grown (to 5 campuses this year!)

We have been doing this for a few months, and nothing has changed on the surface, but internally it is very different. Some thought that my talking about 2-3 international trips per year (with many of YOU who will feel led) was saying I was going somewhere else to work. NO…my passion if right HERE!

We are making ripples about small to medium sized towns all over the country and now, we will be impacting those around the world in ways we could have never thought or imagined. WHY?

THE POWER OF ALL OF US living out the GREAT COMMISSION and investing our TIME, TALENTS and TREASURE!

So, with all of us playing huge roles (yes YOUR role is HUGE…without YOU, the BODY suffers!), we are helping to take the gospel to our church, community and the WORLD. Only God.

Keep dreaming, praying and laying your life down for the MISSION. There will be much more to come about our international Purpose Driven Training Conferences we will do next year. Watch here and the bulletin for details.

You all are amazing. And thanks for being concerned…but PLEASE, no more RUMORS! (Though we are happy to know we are loved). The pic is proof I am alive and well in my office…and isn’t that painting behind me AMAZING? Allison Haggerty gave it to me…it is sweet…needs a frame so I can not have to scoth tape it to the wall…but anyway…

blessings and peace!

the most important post i have posted in awhile.

In Church Leadership, prayer on June 3, 2008 at 7:14 pm

As the title implies…I like to re:gurge from time to time. I ran across a post today from PERRY NOBLE…I have to share it. Please do what it says. Whether for me or for YOUR PASTOR. This will change eternity!

Here ye be:

This Sunday NewSpring Church (along with nearly 1,000 other churches across the world) will begin our One Prayer series…and so, in recognition of this I would love to ask for everyone to commit to pray for their pastor every single day for the rest of this month.

I know, I know…seems a little self serving doesn’t it? Well…I make no apologies for that–we need your prayers. And yes, I know that every staff member needs prayer…but I will go ahead and say it…no one in the church–NO ONE–feels the spiritual, emotional and physical highs and lows like the senior pastor. Trust me!

With that in mind…let me share five things that I think all pastors need in regards to being prayed for…

#1 – Our Connection With God

Nothing is more important in a senior pastors life than his personal walk with God–nothing. This is where vision takes place–there is where God sets our hearts on fire like in Jeremiah 20:9. This is where PERSONAL conviction, correction and encouragement takes place…and the thing EVERYONE OF US NEED more than anything is to REMAIN IN HIM so that our ministry will be fruitful. (John 15:5)

#2 – Our Family

Going to be honest here…the pastors family goes through things that most pastors will not talk about in front of their church. There is usually constant pressure on the children. People expect his wife to be perfect. AND…what the family goes through spiritually is INTENSE. My wife usually has nightmares five or six nights a week. Charisse has often woke us up at night screaming. I could go on and on…but trust me on this one…if you want to BLESS your pastor–COVER his family in prayer!

#3 – His Relationship With The Staff

The elephant that exists in many churches is that the pastor and the staff don’t really like each other…or there are some serious jealousy issues in regards to the senior pastor, staff will think, “I do as much as he does…so why does he…” You get the picture.

Pray for the staff that he serves with to be loyal to the vision. Pray for the relationships he has…trust me, it is AWESOME to work in an environment where everyone loves each other. (By the way…I have that!) Pray for the staff to help lift up the pastors arms so the enemy can be defeated. (Exodus 17:8-16) Pray for there never to be any unresolved conflict so that ministry does not turn into a war zone.

#4 – His Battle With Spiritual Warfare

I alluded to this earlier…but let me say it again, you would not believe what a pastor faces in regards to spiritual warfare. There are things that have happened to me that I have never preached about (or blogged about) because, well, they are intense.

Most preachers I know have serious bouts with depression (especially on Sunday night and Monday morning.) Every time a critic attacks it takes a chunk out of his soul…whether he admits it or not. Preachers have SERIOUS struggles WHILE preaching messages…I have literally had thoughts like, “Hey idiot, these people hate you are aren’t listening to you–they all wish you were dead.” NO–I’m NOT making that up.

I could literally develop an entire post on this one area…trust me, the pastor goes through INTENSE spiritual warfare…so pray he would walk in victory, resist temptation, hear the voice of Jesus…and so on!

#5 – Rest

Most of us pastors are AWESOME hypocrites! We teach our churches to follow God’s Word–but then we often violate one of the top ten commandments by not taking a day of rest. (See Exodus 20:8-11, I wonder why God took more time to explain this command than the rest…maybe because it is IMPORTANT!)

It’s tough for some pastors because, well, they serve a lazy bunch of people who expect him to do it all while they sit on their butt and have meetings about how inefficient he is. (This is why the average stay for a pastor in America today is less than two years–churches KILL pastors!)

But, for others where the church does not expect him to do it all–he still can never truly disengage from what God has called him to do. Personally, I am always thinking about what’s next. I usually can’t shake the upcoming sermon from my thought pattern…and…I always feel like that I should be doing something.

Pray for us to get rest–the last thing the world needs is ONE MORE burned out pastor. Pray that he could have at least one day a week where he completely disengages from the ministry. And pray that he would have about four or five times a year where he can get away for at least three or four days to chill and relax.

(For the church member somewhere out there that just thought, “I don’t get that.” True…but you also don’t have to go to bed at night with the reality of Hebrews 13:17 hanging over you…so shut up and pray for your pastor!!!) :-)

By the way…I do this, take time to get away…and because of that my walk is stronger, my marriage is better, I am able to connect with my daughter more…and God ALWAYS fills me up with HUGE vision.

So there you have it. Please pray for your pastor. I know there are lots of people who visit this site from other churches…and I pray that you will use this as a means to get started praying for him. If you want to know how to pray for him more specifically–ASK HIM, seriously, I am sure he will let you know.

Thanks PERRY…for the awesome challenge…

and to all of you who read this: thanks for praying!

blessings and peace.

ps. I will be writing something tomorrow that you will NOT want to MISS.

pic:http://flickr.com/photos/bjurman/1846181877/

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