I enjoy swimming. Although I am not as sleek of a swimmer as I used to be, there is something noble for a slightly overweight 41 year old man being able to cut through the warm water of a July swimming pool. Some of my most memorable moments as a young boy took place in the water.
Here’s a few: the summers on the Cahaba River swimming with dangerous copperhead snakes-that was awesome. Spending the summer at Lake Martin fishing and swimming-that was the life. Getting swimming lessons as a small kid from an older high school maiden I had admired for awhile-have mercy. There was the time I almost drowned in the Decatur wave pool-apart from nearly losing my life, it was a fun time. There was also the time where my friends and I went to a nearby apartment complex’s swimming pool and played the old favorite “Marco Polo” when suddenly out of nowhere, a young woman, who was extremely intoxicated, completely undressed herself and asked us boys if she could, “join the game.”
There was one event I remember above the rest. Our youth group had taken a day trip to a water park in north Alabama. As we arrived at the park, I saw it. It was the most hideous yet intimidating figure I had beheld in some time- the HIGH DIVE. Its imposing figure seemed to stretch beyond the heavens. All my friends were bragging about how they were going to “take the dive”.
Not me. As skinny as I was, I was partial to my body being in one piece. I had heard horror stories of kids just like me “taking the dive” and wind up hitting the concrete instead of the water. I was going to play it safe. One by one I saw my friends “take the dive”. Sure their ascent up the high dive staircase must have been ominous but it paled in compassion to the thrill of accomplishment after they hit the water and swam to the safe side.
Life is full of “high dives”. We all at some level face those imposing figures that try our instincts and test the very core of our faith. Yet the Christian faith is just that; “faith”. I am fearful that there are many instances where my Christian experience is just the opposite of faith. Like the kid who stood afar off and watched from where it was safe, I believe there are times I tend to do the same. I want to believe God. I know intellectually what His word says but when I stand at the base of the “high dives”, do I trust and obey His beckoning to “Come out to the deep part” or am I ok with saying, “Thanks Jesus for the invite but I’m ok here where it’s safe.”
Safe is not bad. It’s just….just…safe. Nothing extraordinary, nothing spectacular, nothing radical…it’s just safe. Am I ok with that?
Steve Jobs, Co-founder and CEO of Apple, has no doubt revolutionized the world of technology. In the early stages of Apple, Jobs was looking for someone to assist in the leadership and marketing of the company. Jobs turned to John Sculley, vice president of Pepsi. Jobs approached Sculley on numerous occasions to assist him in revolutionizing the computer world. Each time he was met with indifference and steep demands by Sculley. Jobs, being persistent, approached Sculley with one more appeal. Listen to the account Sculley gives of that meeting: “And then he (Jobs) looked up at me (Sculley) and just stared at me with the stare that only Steve Jobs has and he said, ‘Do you want to sell sugar water for the rest of your life or do you want to come with me and change the world?’ I just gulped because I knew I would wonder for the rest of my life what I would have missed.”
So what are the “high dives” that stand before you? Are you going to stand off to the side where it’s safe or are you going to trust our God with every fiber of your soul and dive in head first in the deep end of faith? Don’t wonder for the rest of your life what you would have missed. Dive in!
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
If God Had a Blackberry
I love my Blackberry. It is a powerful piece of technology. I only use it for phone calls and texting but I have heard there are other really cool things it can do. One of the neat features I recently discovered about my phone is the “Calendar” feature. This has revolutionized my world! Gone are the days of my lugging the obligatory leather day timer stuffed full of phone numbers, contact information, and upcoming appointments. Now, I simply carry this really cool phone in my pocket and it contains all pertinent information including appoint reminders. You may have guessed that I am not the most technologically inclined individual but my wife is working with me.
With Christmas just a few days away, I’m drawn to a phrase in the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke. Look at chapter 2:4-7
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Did you catch verse six? The time came. These are three simple words that are often read but rarely pondered. But if we compare this verse with what Paul writes in Galatians 4:4-5, these three words take on a more powerful depth. Look at Galatians 4:4-5:
4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.
Suppose God did have a Blackberry. If He did, then maybe somewhere in eternity past, God used the calendar application, foresaw the Incarnation of His Son, and on that day, God entered on the subject line “The Assault”.
And when the big day arrived, the phone buzzed reminding the halls of heaven this was the day (let me pause for a moment and reassure all those who might be reading this that in NO way would God needed to be reminded of this; this is simply a way of expressing idea).
It is hard to believe that this infinitely holy God would want to capture the hearts of such a infinitely broken humanity that He would exchange the life of His only Son to arrest our affections and rescue are eternally damned souls. This expression of sacrifice was truly the most impressive “assault” of love this sinful world has witnessed.
All of heaven’s hosts must have in awe beheld the moment when the Son in complete compliance with this insanely divine plan of redemption, left aside His glory, stood up from His throne to stoop down to earth and put on flesh.
Why? Because it was time. Timing is everything. Merry Christmas.
With Christmas just a few days away, I’m drawn to a phrase in the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke. Look at chapter 2:4-7
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Did you catch verse six? The time came. These are three simple words that are often read but rarely pondered. But if we compare this verse with what Paul writes in Galatians 4:4-5, these three words take on a more powerful depth. Look at Galatians 4:4-5:
4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.
Suppose God did have a Blackberry. If He did, then maybe somewhere in eternity past, God used the calendar application, foresaw the Incarnation of His Son, and on that day, God entered on the subject line “The Assault”.
And when the big day arrived, the phone buzzed reminding the halls of heaven this was the day (let me pause for a moment and reassure all those who might be reading this that in NO way would God needed to be reminded of this; this is simply a way of expressing idea).
It is hard to believe that this infinitely holy God would want to capture the hearts of such a infinitely broken humanity that He would exchange the life of His only Son to arrest our affections and rescue are eternally damned souls. This expression of sacrifice was truly the most impressive “assault” of love this sinful world has witnessed.
All of heaven’s hosts must have in awe beheld the moment when the Son in complete compliance with this insanely divine plan of redemption, left aside His glory, stood up from His throne to stoop down to earth and put on flesh.
Why? Because it was time. Timing is everything. Merry Christmas.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
The Great Iron Bowl Protest
For those who may not know me well, I am a rabid Alabama football fan. Saturdays are sacred at our house. Our family usually spends time together in the morning and early afternoon then when the Tide starts, our world “stands still” for 3.5 hours…or 4 if the game is on CBS.
This seems to be a tradition since my early childhood. I have vivid memories of family and friends crowding around our LD TV to watch the big game. And, God forbid should the Tide go down in defeat, the house became eerily silent...almost like mourning a death. Sure there were the screams, the outbursts, the conniptions during the game, but when the game was over and the sting of loss was a reality, we became these Crimson Tide Zombies wandering around cloaked in stunned disbelief.
During our championship run last year, these emotions were few and far between. However, after suffering two difficult defeats this year, those emotions from long ago reared their ugly head again.
I have discovered something about myself- I get way too emotionally involved and frustrated over football. So, this coming Friday, I’m going to do something I’ve never done-NOT watch Alabama football.
You heard me correctly, I am not going to watch the biggest game of the year. I will not watch the Alabama/ Auburn game because I know if I do, I will go NUTS pulling for a team to win a simple game. So instead, I and my two boys will spend the afternoon together, maybe go to a movie, maybe do a little Christmas shopping, maybe catch The Andy Griffith Show Marathon, who knows. But I know this- I am tired of being convicted about my overwhelming lack of patience when it comes to Crimson Tide Football.
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:19-20
This seems to be a tradition since my early childhood. I have vivid memories of family and friends crowding around our LD TV to watch the big game. And, God forbid should the Tide go down in defeat, the house became eerily silent...almost like mourning a death. Sure there were the screams, the outbursts, the conniptions during the game, but when the game was over and the sting of loss was a reality, we became these Crimson Tide Zombies wandering around cloaked in stunned disbelief.
During our championship run last year, these emotions were few and far between. However, after suffering two difficult defeats this year, those emotions from long ago reared their ugly head again.
I have discovered something about myself- I get way too emotionally involved and frustrated over football. So, this coming Friday, I’m going to do something I’ve never done-NOT watch Alabama football.
You heard me correctly, I am not going to watch the biggest game of the year. I will not watch the Alabama/ Auburn game because I know if I do, I will go NUTS pulling for a team to win a simple game. So instead, I and my two boys will spend the afternoon together, maybe go to a movie, maybe do a little Christmas shopping, maybe catch The Andy Griffith Show Marathon, who knows. But I know this- I am tired of being convicted about my overwhelming lack of patience when it comes to Crimson Tide Football.
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:19-20
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Substitute Saviors
Life today is consumed with idols; substitute saviors. Sometimes these substitutes are hard to recognize, but if we look long and hard in our hearts, they are there. Probably not miniature graven images sitting on our mantles, but we have them. Stuff, status, sports (insert college football here if you wish) self, sanctimonious religion - these substitute saviors that bid for my love; these are the idols with which I struggle.
At the heart of idolatry is substituting the devotion and affection that rightly belongs to the One who is jealous for us. In a sense, idolatry is a worship issue. What you worship is what you idolize.
There is a sobering reminder of this in Exodus 32. Moses has been with God for sometime on the mountaintop while the people in the valley waited…and waited…and waited. Finally, in their impatience, they approach Aaron and demand new gods (idols) be made and thus the descent into destruction began.
Idolatry happens when God is reduced :1. In His apparent “delay”, the people forgot who God was. Their view of God changed. It is easy for us to condemn these poor people but we aren’t much different. Think about it - we casually approach a holy, transcendent God that we worship on our terms and when He doesn’t respond on our timetable, we spiritually whore ourselves out to any substitute that takes us. In effect, we reduce God to the same level as the other gods in our life.
Idolatry happens when God is reformed :2-4. Since God wasn’t behaving like they thought He should, the people took it upon themselves to form something they could control. After all, it’s easy to control something when it has been reduced to a containable level.
I am convicted by this for I see myself and the American Christian in this. I, like the people in Exodus 32, like a convenient and comfortable faith. I want to worship the One, true God and live in His light and love, yet how often I conform Him in my image to fit my life and my demands. Instead of God reforming me, it is I who feebly attempts to reform Him.
Idolatry happens when God is replaced :5-6. The final step of this progression is that God is replaced. He is put on the shelf. When God doesn’t fit our terms, doesn’t fit our timetable and doesn’t meet our demands, two things will happen. We will either break and return to Him in a love relationship or we will find a substitute savior that will act according to our demands. Inevitably, He becomes our mascot and when, or if we ever need Him, we return to the shelf where we’ve placed Him along our other substitute saviors.
Thankfully Moses, after been made aware of his people’s arrogance, pleads to God for their salvation. If the shelves of your heart is riddled with substitute saviors, practice what Moses did as he interceded for his people.
He appealed to God’s Greatness :11. Moses reminded and confessed to God how He had acted in the past and how He had shown Himself mighty before. One of the first steps in renouncing idols is having the right view of Who God is - He is GREAT! He appealed to His Goodness :12. God is good. Though He has the right and power to wipe us out, He is good. We also need to appeal to that characteristic. He appealed to His Grace :13. Finally, Moses reminded God how gracious He was in choosing these stiff necked people to be His own. It is His grace that takes us back, cleans us up and restores us to right relationship. Don’t cheapen that grace by cheating on Him; bask in His overwhelming and relentless love He has lavished on you - you won’t find anyone or anything else that will take His place.
At the heart of idolatry is substituting the devotion and affection that rightly belongs to the One who is jealous for us. In a sense, idolatry is a worship issue. What you worship is what you idolize.
There is a sobering reminder of this in Exodus 32. Moses has been with God for sometime on the mountaintop while the people in the valley waited…and waited…and waited. Finally, in their impatience, they approach Aaron and demand new gods (idols) be made and thus the descent into destruction began.
Idolatry happens when God is reduced :1. In His apparent “delay”, the people forgot who God was. Their view of God changed. It is easy for us to condemn these poor people but we aren’t much different. Think about it - we casually approach a holy, transcendent God that we worship on our terms and when He doesn’t respond on our timetable, we spiritually whore ourselves out to any substitute that takes us. In effect, we reduce God to the same level as the other gods in our life.
Idolatry happens when God is reformed :2-4. Since God wasn’t behaving like they thought He should, the people took it upon themselves to form something they could control. After all, it’s easy to control something when it has been reduced to a containable level.
I am convicted by this for I see myself and the American Christian in this. I, like the people in Exodus 32, like a convenient and comfortable faith. I want to worship the One, true God and live in His light and love, yet how often I conform Him in my image to fit my life and my demands. Instead of God reforming me, it is I who feebly attempts to reform Him.
Idolatry happens when God is replaced :5-6. The final step of this progression is that God is replaced. He is put on the shelf. When God doesn’t fit our terms, doesn’t fit our timetable and doesn’t meet our demands, two things will happen. We will either break and return to Him in a love relationship or we will find a substitute savior that will act according to our demands. Inevitably, He becomes our mascot and when, or if we ever need Him, we return to the shelf where we’ve placed Him along our other substitute saviors.
Thankfully Moses, after been made aware of his people’s arrogance, pleads to God for their salvation. If the shelves of your heart is riddled with substitute saviors, practice what Moses did as he interceded for his people.
He appealed to God’s Greatness :11. Moses reminded and confessed to God how He had acted in the past and how He had shown Himself mighty before. One of the first steps in renouncing idols is having the right view of Who God is - He is GREAT! He appealed to His Goodness :12. God is good. Though He has the right and power to wipe us out, He is good. We also need to appeal to that characteristic. He appealed to His Grace :13. Finally, Moses reminded God how gracious He was in choosing these stiff necked people to be His own. It is His grace that takes us back, cleans us up and restores us to right relationship. Don’t cheapen that grace by cheating on Him; bask in His overwhelming and relentless love He has lavished on you - you won’t find anyone or anything else that will take His place.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Familiarity Breeds Contentment
A fear of mine over the years has been that familiarity with Scripture will lead me to a place where I am ambivalent…routine…robotic. Let me explain: “Familiar” Scripture are those places we know and know well. We’ve heard it, read it, preached it, memorized it. Yet, because we (I) know it so well, we (I) skim through the greatness of the passage missing what “freshness” God may have in store for me.
Today that reality hit me hard.
I have the opportunity of being a part time hospital chaplain for a local health system in the Birmingham area. Throughout my day I encounter a number of people with various needs. Some of my patients are recovering from simple procedures. Some of my patients are under medical observation to determine their sickness. And some of them are there because they are dying.
As I made my rounds today, I met an elderly lady. She was very sick. Her time on this earth is not long. I entered her room and sat down beside her bed. We spoke for awhile about our families. Her eyes, though dimmed with age, seemed to beam as she recalled memories with her children and grandchildren. Through her pain, she expressed her love for her Lord. As I listened to her speak about her confidence in Him, tears slowly made their way down her cheek.
I asked her why she way she crying. Was her pain too intense? Could I go get the nurse to give her something to give comfort? There were a few seconds of silence after I asked why she was crying. Then she grabbed my hand and placed her small Bible in my palms.
“What passage do you like most?” was my question to her. Without hesitation, she smiled and whispered, “Psalm 91”. I too smiled. I know that passage. I love that passage. I have preached that passage countless times at funeral services. I am familiar with that passage.
As I read the Psalm, she began to quietly speak the words of the Psalm. She too was familiar with the passage but her familiarity was much different than mine. She lives it…I’ve simply preached it. By the time I finished reading verse two, she and I were both emotional. Her tears were from her strong confidence in who God says He is. My tears were from not completely believing who He says He is. My familiarity with the passage exposed my contentment with my view of God. Let these two verses overwhelm and overtake you.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
Take some time and become familiar once again with Psalm 91.
Today that reality hit me hard.
I have the opportunity of being a part time hospital chaplain for a local health system in the Birmingham area. Throughout my day I encounter a number of people with various needs. Some of my patients are recovering from simple procedures. Some of my patients are under medical observation to determine their sickness. And some of them are there because they are dying.
As I made my rounds today, I met an elderly lady. She was very sick. Her time on this earth is not long. I entered her room and sat down beside her bed. We spoke for awhile about our families. Her eyes, though dimmed with age, seemed to beam as she recalled memories with her children and grandchildren. Through her pain, she expressed her love for her Lord. As I listened to her speak about her confidence in Him, tears slowly made their way down her cheek.
I asked her why she way she crying. Was her pain too intense? Could I go get the nurse to give her something to give comfort? There were a few seconds of silence after I asked why she was crying. Then she grabbed my hand and placed her small Bible in my palms.
“What passage do you like most?” was my question to her. Without hesitation, she smiled and whispered, “Psalm 91”. I too smiled. I know that passage. I love that passage. I have preached that passage countless times at funeral services. I am familiar with that passage.
As I read the Psalm, she began to quietly speak the words of the Psalm. She too was familiar with the passage but her familiarity was much different than mine. She lives it…I’ve simply preached it. By the time I finished reading verse two, she and I were both emotional. Her tears were from her strong confidence in who God says He is. My tears were from not completely believing who He says He is. My familiarity with the passage exposed my contentment with my view of God. Let these two verses overwhelm and overtake you.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
Take some time and become familiar once again with Psalm 91.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Big Changes in the Willis House...Part 2
Nearly 10 years ago Michele and I had a number of meetings with the Alabama State Board of Missions discussing, seeking, and praying to see whether or not God might be calling us to plant a church. As you might imagine, these were anxious yet exciting times for us praying over this new venture. However, at the end of the day, we felt it best to continue in the ministry where we were serving at the time. I was on staff at an awesome fellowship that was allowing me to finish seminary and frankly, neither Michele nor I felt a complete “release” from God to pursue new ministry options.
Since those meetings a decade ago, there have been times God has rekindled within us that vision of church planning. I have had the privilege to pastor 2 congregations since that time yet deep within my soul there has been a yearning…a stirring of what if. What if my family took this leap of faith? What if God all along has been orchestrating all things in my life to accomplish something AMAZING for His glory (by the way, He has a habit of doing that you know)? What if I literally took God at His Word and BELIEVED HIM that He IS Who He says He is and WILL DO what He says He will do?
I’m tired of what ifs. I shudder to think what my life will be one day, sitting on the front porch of my life, reflecting on the “what ifs”. Today is the day. No more what ifs.
After months (yea, even years) of prayer with my wife and a number of our close friends, Michele and I are sensing God calling us to plant a congregation.
This decision was difficult to make- difficult in the sense that we wrestled with our own lack of faith, our own confidence, and our own deficiencies. Yet we are drawn to the Scriptures and are clearly reminded that our confidence is in Christ, our abilities rest in His power, and our faith arises out of His promises.
So you may be asking what are the details about this new congregation? Here is what we feel like we know at this time.
• OUR PRAYER - We have assembled an intercessory prayer team that is committed to pray for us through this journey. In fact, we would love to add you on our email prayer team. If you can commit to pray for us on a regular basis, let me know and we’ll place you on our PT. Shoot me an email at ernwillis@yahoo.com and we’ll take care of the rest!
• OUR PROCESS – So how will all this go down? I am currently working through the steps of this congregation becoming a 501C-3. Please pray for this as it is a lengthy and time consuming venture! I have also gone through a number of training sessions with Association of Related Churches. These sessions have proven to be vitally helpful in equipping us for the journey ahead. Additionally, we will be finalizing our Board of Directors over the next 2 months so we covet your prayers for wisdom and discernment. Starting in January of 2011, we will be hosting monthly “gathering” times of worship and vision casting. Then, in April of 2011, our monthly gatherings will culminate with a public Good Friday service with our first launch service being Easter Sunday of 2011!
• OUR PURPOSE – So what will this congregation be about? I strongly believe that church should be simple and not complex; life giving and not life constricting; relevant, and relational. It will be a congregation that is driven for God’s glory, enabled by God’s Spirit, centered on God’s word, and sent by God’s Son to accomplish the greatest mission ever committed to mankind- fulfilling the great commission. With that said, our church will focus on three areas:
Worship & Celebration - The local body comes together in a public setting and celebrates the greatness of God. We will participate together in worship by remembering and rejoicing what God is doing in their private lives. People express their value of God in spirit and truth. Christ is exalted where He draws all men unto Himself.
But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24
Connect & Grow- For the church to get bigger it most become smaller. People are driven by relationships. Small groups are vital to the lifeblood of any church. These groups are not exclusive; meaning that the groups are designed for both believers and non-believers. In fact, these groups serve as a key component in bringing lost people to Christ.
Additionally, these groups provide opportunities for people to mature in their journey with one another and with God. In these groups they discover their giftedness. This results in people “plugging into” the ministry where they are equipped to go serve people with the gospel.
“I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:13-14
Go & Serve- The goal in mind is for every person, after they have been won to Christ, discipled in their faith, and discover their place in ministry, are challenged to serve people locally and globally with the life giving message of Jesus.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
• OUR PROMISE – I am compelled by Scripture that the New Testament church’s most significant calling is taking the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth. This will be the centrifuge of this church-people being brought to Christ by us intentionally focusing our efforts and resources on the world. To assist in accomplishing this, 20% of the income that is given to this congregation will be given away to help directly support local, national, and international life giving missions. In other words, this congregation will budget itself based on 80% operations/ministry and 20% intentional missions.
Additionally, I am committed to not receive any income from this congregation for at least the first 24-36 months. To help meet the needs in my home, God has graciously opened the door for me to work at a local hospital system as one of their PRN Chaplains.
• OUR PLACE – The area which we feel God leading us to plant a church is the Springville, Al area. Why Springville? This community has seen unprecedented growth over the last 5 -10 years. Couple that with the fact that the state of Alabama has over 2 million lost people (according to ASBOM) we sense this is a large mission field.
• OUR PETITIONS – As stated before, if you would like to commit to being a part of a team of people that will pray for us, let me know. In the meantime, here are some of the requests that we ask you even now to pray for:
-Transition for our family as we are going through the adoption of our daughter from China.
-Approval for the 5013-C status to go smoothly and even granted by the end of the year.
-Launch Team to be assembled. We can’t do this alone so we are asking, seeking, and begging God to bring people and families into our lives that share this vision and will commit to joining our team in launching this ministry.
-Location-Though the church is not a place but rather a people, we still would like a physical place for our people to gather!
-We will need a Worship Leader! A major component of what we will do is corporate worship. Please pray God raises someone up to join us in this vision.
We love you all deeply and desire your prayers in the months to come! Keep watching our blogs for updates! Michele's blog is http://southerncheesehead.blogspot.com
Ernie and Michele
Since those meetings a decade ago, there have been times God has rekindled within us that vision of church planning. I have had the privilege to pastor 2 congregations since that time yet deep within my soul there has been a yearning…a stirring of what if. What if my family took this leap of faith? What if God all along has been orchestrating all things in my life to accomplish something AMAZING for His glory (by the way, He has a habit of doing that you know)? What if I literally took God at His Word and BELIEVED HIM that He IS Who He says He is and WILL DO what He says He will do?
I’m tired of what ifs. I shudder to think what my life will be one day, sitting on the front porch of my life, reflecting on the “what ifs”. Today is the day. No more what ifs.
After months (yea, even years) of prayer with my wife and a number of our close friends, Michele and I are sensing God calling us to plant a congregation.
This decision was difficult to make- difficult in the sense that we wrestled with our own lack of faith, our own confidence, and our own deficiencies. Yet we are drawn to the Scriptures and are clearly reminded that our confidence is in Christ, our abilities rest in His power, and our faith arises out of His promises.
So you may be asking what are the details about this new congregation? Here is what we feel like we know at this time.
• OUR PRAYER - We have assembled an intercessory prayer team that is committed to pray for us through this journey. In fact, we would love to add you on our email prayer team. If you can commit to pray for us on a regular basis, let me know and we’ll place you on our PT. Shoot me an email at ernwillis@yahoo.com and we’ll take care of the rest!
• OUR PROCESS – So how will all this go down? I am currently working through the steps of this congregation becoming a 501C-3. Please pray for this as it is a lengthy and time consuming venture! I have also gone through a number of training sessions with Association of Related Churches. These sessions have proven to be vitally helpful in equipping us for the journey ahead. Additionally, we will be finalizing our Board of Directors over the next 2 months so we covet your prayers for wisdom and discernment. Starting in January of 2011, we will be hosting monthly “gathering” times of worship and vision casting. Then, in April of 2011, our monthly gatherings will culminate with a public Good Friday service with our first launch service being Easter Sunday of 2011!
• OUR PURPOSE – So what will this congregation be about? I strongly believe that church should be simple and not complex; life giving and not life constricting; relevant, and relational. It will be a congregation that is driven for God’s glory, enabled by God’s Spirit, centered on God’s word, and sent by God’s Son to accomplish the greatest mission ever committed to mankind- fulfilling the great commission. With that said, our church will focus on three areas:
Worship & Celebration - The local body comes together in a public setting and celebrates the greatness of God. We will participate together in worship by remembering and rejoicing what God is doing in their private lives. People express their value of God in spirit and truth. Christ is exalted where He draws all men unto Himself.
But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24
Connect & Grow- For the church to get bigger it most become smaller. People are driven by relationships. Small groups are vital to the lifeblood of any church. These groups are not exclusive; meaning that the groups are designed for both believers and non-believers. In fact, these groups serve as a key component in bringing lost people to Christ.
Additionally, these groups provide opportunities for people to mature in their journey with one another and with God. In these groups they discover their giftedness. This results in people “plugging into” the ministry where they are equipped to go serve people with the gospel.
“I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:13-14
Go & Serve- The goal in mind is for every person, after they have been won to Christ, discipled in their faith, and discover their place in ministry, are challenged to serve people locally and globally with the life giving message of Jesus.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
• OUR PROMISE – I am compelled by Scripture that the New Testament church’s most significant calling is taking the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth. This will be the centrifuge of this church-people being brought to Christ by us intentionally focusing our efforts and resources on the world. To assist in accomplishing this, 20% of the income that is given to this congregation will be given away to help directly support local, national, and international life giving missions. In other words, this congregation will budget itself based on 80% operations/ministry and 20% intentional missions.
Additionally, I am committed to not receive any income from this congregation for at least the first 24-36 months. To help meet the needs in my home, God has graciously opened the door for me to work at a local hospital system as one of their PRN Chaplains.
• OUR PLACE – The area which we feel God leading us to plant a church is the Springville, Al area. Why Springville? This community has seen unprecedented growth over the last 5 -10 years. Couple that with the fact that the state of Alabama has over 2 million lost people (according to ASBOM) we sense this is a large mission field.
• OUR PETITIONS – As stated before, if you would like to commit to being a part of a team of people that will pray for us, let me know. In the meantime, here are some of the requests that we ask you even now to pray for:
-Transition for our family as we are going through the adoption of our daughter from China.
-Approval for the 5013-C status to go smoothly and even granted by the end of the year.
-Launch Team to be assembled. We can’t do this alone so we are asking, seeking, and begging God to bring people and families into our lives that share this vision and will commit to joining our team in launching this ministry.
-Location-Though the church is not a place but rather a people, we still would like a physical place for our people to gather!
-We will need a Worship Leader! A major component of what we will do is corporate worship. Please pray God raises someone up to join us in this vision.
We love you all deeply and desire your prayers in the months to come! Keep watching our blogs for updates! Michele's blog is http://southerncheesehead.blogspot.com
Ernie and Michele
Monday, October 4, 2010
BIG Changes in The Willis house...Part One
Over the last decade my wife and I have been a part of numerous missions into the county of Mexico. We have seen our Lord there in many ways; especially in the children. Our hearts have been moved by the plight of the orphans. To the point when we came back from our most recent mission from LaQupia, Mexico, we felt called to adopt.
At the beginning of the year, Michele and I began the process of bringing our daughter from Mexico. We have been diligently praying, working hard to raise funds, and managing our expectations.
We have discovered over the last several months that it is virtually impossible at this time to adopt from Mexico. Our agency who we chose to help us adopt from Mexico did a wonderful job fighting for us but ultimately it was to no avail. The central authority of Mexico has refused to allow people outside the country to be connected to the orphans within their country.
It has been a difficult few weeks for our family trying to cope as we grieve this decision.
However, God's ways are not ours. My wife and I have to believe His word that He is who He says He is-Sovereign, Just, Merciful. As much as our hearts are for adoption, our Heavenly Father loves adoption much more-we have been brought near to Him by His choosing of us. His kindness and pity rescued us out of the death rooms of sin and given us a forever home with Him.
I believe He guides our steps and redirect our desires. Our desire to bring our daughter home hasn't changed. Knowing God has called us to this, we have prayed.
Now, His path for us is becoming more clear; His voice is becoming more pronounced; "Go, rescue my orphans." So, in a spirit of obedience and new direction we go.
We now are going to China to bring home our daughter. Our "Operation La Chica" has now become "Operation 女儿 'Nuer' ".
That is one of the BIG changes headed our way! Yahoo!
However, the changes are still coming. I'll let you know about "BIG Changes Part Two" at the end of the week!
Keep Praying...
At the beginning of the year, Michele and I began the process of bringing our daughter from Mexico. We have been diligently praying, working hard to raise funds, and managing our expectations.
We have discovered over the last several months that it is virtually impossible at this time to adopt from Mexico. Our agency who we chose to help us adopt from Mexico did a wonderful job fighting for us but ultimately it was to no avail. The central authority of Mexico has refused to allow people outside the country to be connected to the orphans within their country.
It has been a difficult few weeks for our family trying to cope as we grieve this decision.
However, God's ways are not ours. My wife and I have to believe His word that He is who He says He is-Sovereign, Just, Merciful. As much as our hearts are for adoption, our Heavenly Father loves adoption much more-we have been brought near to Him by His choosing of us. His kindness and pity rescued us out of the death rooms of sin and given us a forever home with Him.
I believe He guides our steps and redirect our desires. Our desire to bring our daughter home hasn't changed. Knowing God has called us to this, we have prayed.
Now, His path for us is becoming more clear; His voice is becoming more pronounced; "Go, rescue my orphans." So, in a spirit of obedience and new direction we go.
We now are going to China to bring home our daughter. Our "Operation La Chica" has now become "Operation 女儿 'Nuer' ".
That is one of the BIG changes headed our way! Yahoo!
However, the changes are still coming. I'll let you know about "BIG Changes Part Two" at the end of the week!
Keep Praying...
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