Raised Amish but when he was 16-17 he began to question why people did not get saved? He disagreed with his church and began going to another church (Pentecostal). He was mentored and says that he was changed and learned a lot while being mentored maybe even more so then actually in class. His mentor then left to go into missions in Russia.
Transitioned from a church in Lancaster to begin a church plant. They were looking for a growing community, those praying for a church and a conceivable way to provide for his family. He was originally looking to go to Philly but ended up in Gettysburg. He went to a meeting of a group of churches wanting to plant a church. He went in with the expectation that he was still going to Philly but after talking with them. He found that he liked them and found them honest and genuine. After leaving, on the way home his wife told him that they were going to move into a house she saw in New Oxford, Pa. After a crazy series of events, they moved there and started a church called Freedom Valley Worship Center. Their church slogan is "Church for those who have given up on church."
He also feels that we need to start treating kids (at age 13) like adults. He feels that we look at kids as less when they have an incredible amount of potential. I think that this is an interesting concept.
States he did everything wrong in the church plant but it grew with the grace of God. They started with 42 but have now grown to four campuses with 1250-1300 people.
"New churches reach people like nothing else does."
They do many different things to help reach the lost. If you come to their church and you are from another church, they will welcome you and are glad you are there, but they are there for the lost. THey are there for the new converts only. I feel this is an awesome concept to follow. Church should be to help feed those that are there but primarily should be for reaching those that do not know Jesus.
Jerry was on a Nightline Special on speaking in tongues. A researcher at the University of Pennsylvania says that he has medical research to show that speaking in tongues is really what we say it is. According to the researcher, during tests when those that are praying are speaking in tongues the parts of the brain that controls language is actually not as active. In others
He also got publicity because he refused to take out the name of Jesus in a prayer at the House of Representatives. However he prayed at the Senate, where he was able to say the name of Jesus.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Steve Trader
Steve grew up in a born again Christian home with both parents involved in church planting. He was a teenager who accepted Christ as his Savior at 21 and went to Widner University. He spent 23 years in the pharmaceutical field as a draftsman and also went to school at night in order to get his business management degree so he could move up within the company as a supervisor.
When it comes to leadership in the church, you need to surround yourself with people that are smarter than you and better than you in areas that you are not good at.
In church at Wilmington First Assembly, he did everything but missionettes. He went through Berean to take pastors classes because he had felt that he was called to plant churches.
"The difference between what you like doing or really good at and doing what you are called to do is big."
A few other couples along with Steve Trader and his wife prayed and fasted for three months and after three months he left his job at the pharmaceutical company to start a church in Hockessin, Delaware. 7 families went with them from Wilmington, but states that these were "high caliber" people that
"You cannot train your core team enough before the actual start."
"Be Our Guest" was also used in the training materials that they used.
They had to use outreach to gain attention. They mostly relied on people to be very intentional to bringing people to church. The also had luncheons twice a month for those that were new or visitors to the church.
He explained that hospitality was a huge part of a launch as well.
The last thing you need to do when people are coming from a Catholic background or leaving the Catholic church is guilt them. They feel enough guilt as it is.
They also have bought an old produce market that is turned into a church market and coffee house that even on Sunday their second service is broadcast live there for those that do not want to or are leery about coming to a church.
Steve says that ministering is far harder than working in the pharmaceutical field.
Steve Trader's story and journey is not like other stories. He was a supervisor in a pharmaceutical company who left that and started a church. I actually really like his story in that he was able to reach people because he knew how they lived because he lived where they lived and knew them personally already. This way all those around him could see the change in his life and knew that he was a trustworthy and true person that was genuine. I really enjoyed listening to Steve and hearing the words of wisdom that he had to offer.
When it comes to leadership in the church, you need to surround yourself with people that are smarter than you and better than you in areas that you are not good at.
In church at Wilmington First Assembly, he did everything but missionettes. He went through Berean to take pastors classes because he had felt that he was called to plant churches.
"The difference between what you like doing or really good at and doing what you are called to do is big."
A few other couples along with Steve Trader and his wife prayed and fasted for three months and after three months he left his job at the pharmaceutical company to start a church in Hockessin, Delaware. 7 families went with them from Wilmington, but states that these were "high caliber" people that
"You cannot train your core team enough before the actual start."
"Be Our Guest" was also used in the training materials that they used.
They had to use outreach to gain attention. They mostly relied on people to be very intentional to bringing people to church. The also had luncheons twice a month for those that were new or visitors to the church.
He explained that hospitality was a huge part of a launch as well.
The last thing you need to do when people are coming from a Catholic background or leaving the Catholic church is guilt them. They feel enough guilt as it is.
They also have bought an old produce market that is turned into a church market and coffee house that even on Sunday their second service is broadcast live there for those that do not want to or are leery about coming to a church.
Steve says that ministering is far harder than working in the pharmaceutical field.
Steve Trader's story and journey is not like other stories. He was a supervisor in a pharmaceutical company who left that and started a church. I actually really like his story in that he was able to reach people because he knew how they lived because he lived where they lived and knew them personally already. This way all those around him could see the change in his life and knew that he was a trustworthy and true person that was genuine. I really enjoyed listening to Steve and hearing the words of wisdom that he had to offer.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Curt Seaburg
<---- (Pastor Curt and his wife Pam)
He married Pam in 1985 at Zion Bible College. He graduated and took a youth pastor position full time in Ephrata, Pa. His first time in ministry was interesting and found that most of what he has learned came from being in ministry and not Bible college. His first lesson was that he "was not as smart as I think I am."
He states that he had a lot to learn and was also very cocky. He does say that he was very grateful for the experience and that who he worked with gave him a chance.
How do you cope in a ministry where the style's, ages, and other things clash?
He states that he was naive and that it was probably good because he did not come in with preconceived notions. This helped him cope as well as a great relationship with his wife.
He also tried to look for what he could learn in any situation.
He felt like it was time to move on after a time and moved to Dover, Delaware. He was there for three years then moved to Canada for 6 months and then got fried from ministry and then took a break form ministry.
He states that he got so busy that he was working and doing some many things that his relationship with his wife began to be stressed. After reconnecting and a break form ministry, they moved to Lancaster, Pa to work with New Life.
He says to set boundaries and set aside time for the family apart from ministry.
They used to set up the life-sized scenes of the life of Christ during Easter called the "Easter Drive Through"
"DO NOT BURN BRIDGES!!!! No matter what."
Whatever season you are in, is the best, once you move on, the last season is behind you and always look to what you have at hand.
They moved to Florida for 7 years to a church of 1200 people. He worked with the youth group and helped with worship. He states it was a very good time and a time of growing. The youth ministry really grew. They also built a "dream center" to reach out to the community by mentoring, and giving them chances to better themselves. When they left the church, it was at 5000 with 700 in the youth group.
While they are down there they had hired a worship, middle school and high school specific pastor to help out.
They moved back to Pennsylvania and out of the split of the New Life church came Victory church. Their friend was the lead pastor and asked them to come up and be executive pastor with him. So they moved up and worked with them and help with worship in 2004.
Curt is a very dynamic man of God and very honest. I really liked listening and taking in everything that he had to say. I pray that his ministry and everything he does is blessed!!!
Craig Groeschel
So I thought that blogged about Craig, and come to find I did not. So here it goes:
Craig Groeschel is the lead and senior pastor of LifeChurch.tv, a church that has 13 locations in 6 states as well as broadcasting through their website to countless others. His style is non-traditional but seems to be working since his church is now the second biggest in the United States. That is if you measure success by the number of people. Regardless, Craig's approach is influential in a age where it seems everyday computers are evermore becoming more and more used.
One can asked that an online church could just be adding more to an already hectic schedule. But this seems to be though out well since there is a dedicated online pastor and a chat room that is open while the service is being broadcast, which by the way is broadcast throughout the day in regular intervals throughout the week. The chat room is open had has hots that help to answer questions and provide a welcome experience. There is a live prayer room as well as resources for those that make a decision to follow Jesus.
Some may not readily like or agree with this model but no one can doubt the success and influence it has on those that are very computer savvy, not able to leave their home because of health, and various other reasons. Many watch, respond and yes, give online to the church.
I think that this model of church is different but in an age and culture where information, computers, and constant noise we need a model like this to reach those that are very much involved with computers and also those that are so on the move that they cannot get to a church.
I went online and actually watched a service and participated in the chat. I think that this is a very good thing and that God is moving in this model to reach those that do not know Jesus.
Craig Groeschel is the lead and senior pastor of LifeChurch.tv, a church that has 13 locations in 6 states as well as broadcasting through their website to countless others. His style is non-traditional but seems to be working since his church is now the second biggest in the United States. That is if you measure success by the number of people. Regardless, Craig's approach is influential in a age where it seems everyday computers are evermore becoming more and more used.
One can asked that an online church could just be adding more to an already hectic schedule. But this seems to be though out well since there is a dedicated online pastor and a chat room that is open while the service is being broadcast, which by the way is broadcast throughout the day in regular intervals throughout the week. The chat room is open had has hots that help to answer questions and provide a welcome experience. There is a live prayer room as well as resources for those that make a decision to follow Jesus.
Some may not readily like or agree with this model but no one can doubt the success and influence it has on those that are very computer savvy, not able to leave their home because of health, and various other reasons. Many watch, respond and yes, give online to the church.
I think that this model of church is different but in an age and culture where information, computers, and constant noise we need a model like this to reach those that are very much involved with computers and also those that are so on the move that they cannot get to a church.
I went online and actually watched a service and participated in the chat. I think that this is a very good thing and that God is moving in this model to reach those that do not know Jesus.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
David Kennard
They left James River when he heard the voice of God and even others told him, "Time is up and it is time to leave James River." They had a hard time finding somewhere to go next. He prayed to God, "Whatever it is you have to teach me, please teach me." He realized that he needed to be praying for the person that would be leaving the position he would soon take.
He says that he needed to learn to wait well. Thankful for others to have wisdom to help speak into him during times that he questioned his worth and value.
Embrace the growth in a time where you are waiting.
He ended up at Riverside from a mutual friend.
He says that the lead pastor and him are total opposites but they compliment each other well.
People will follow you deeper and longer when you lead from a position of weakness.
They are a very missional church as opposed to an attraction based. They also record the message and play it at later services as well. It seems to work well for them, says David.
Free Market Small Groups: People get together intentionally to build relationships and have intentional spiritual relationships.
D=R+I
Discipleship= Relationships + Intentionality
Intentionality uses James Engel's scale of salvation. The goal of the groups is to move people closer to "zero" or salvation. They also are trained to listen to needs to be met and meet them with intent. Anyone can lead a small group but there is a screening process and classes that need to be completed and attended in order for them to be cleared.
They have 80-90% of their people are involved in small groups.
When We Get It Wrong by Dominic Smart
They say to read and read and read. A lot. Once out of college, you will learn and grow in knowledge through reading.
Direction not intention will not determine your destination.
Pay attention to what you give your attention too. One wrong decision can lead you to the totally wrong destination.
Not just David Kennard came but an entire group from Dave's church and some from others. It was really great to hear and see how they all relate and communicate. They all had amazing things to say and I really paid attention to every word and story they had. I almost forgot to write some it down. I love to see how God is authentic, genuine and real to them and see how they are trying to relate that to others. I hope and pray God continues to move and bless all of them.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Steve DeFrain and Donnie
Steve DeFrain grew up in the Schwenksville area. Went to college at Southwestern University and was a children's pastor out in Oklahoma for a time.
"The church didn't do me any favors.", he says. The people in the church turned him off about the church. "Church people can be mean. Don't get me wrong, there are those that are nice though." His dad was a pastor so he saw all sides of ministry and was sometimes turned off.
His parents paid for his college but never really got into a church until he was 21. There he got involved and began helping out there. It was then that Jesus really got in his life and changed it drastically.
Did not really know what to do with ministry he said, but knew he was called to it.
Likes the ministry but not the church or the people in the church. Started to go to Life church (now a massive online church; Craig Groetchel). He loved it all there. He said everything was professional and also not done the norm, but people were still responding.
He was about to write church off until his dad called him and asked him if he wanted to get involved with a young adult church they were thinking of starting. It was a Sunday night service for young adults and it first went horrible. After 6 months they changed to a Sunday morning and were there for a year and almost closed. But then, a Mennonite church was closing and wanted to sell the building. After a year of negotiations, their building was given to Steve and the young church plus 7 acres of land. It grew slowly a first but has since blown up and now has a satellite site of it's own in downtown Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.
"We exist for those not yet here." <-- What church is suppose to be about.
Donnie got saved 2 months after Journey started. He called himself a town drunk and dead-beat dad but it all fell apart and he challenged God to show him He is real. He got saved on a highway in Virginia and entered a recovery group. Steve's brother asked him to come to Journey. He says he felt like it fit. He even went back to his wife he divorced 2 years ago. God restored their marriage. He says that it wasn't a slow progression but a drastic move of God!
Donnie is the campus pastor of the Phoenixville satellite church. He oversees everything, minus preaching, which Steve does.
Phoenixville church started this past December on Christmas Eve at The Colonial in downtown Phoenixville.
Steve DeFrain and Donnie, truly seem to be running, not walking, after God. Jesus is real, authentic, transformational and they want all to know it!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
New Christian Interview
I had the privilege of interviewing someone that had accepted Jesus Christ into their life just a few months ago. We'll call him Nate. They are in high school and attend the same high school, church, and youth group that I grew up in. It was really nice talking to this young man because he was really genuine in his answers and seems to be a very authentic individual.
His journey of faith started when a good friend of Nate's invited him to come to youth group. He really liked it there and began to come to youth group and Sunday morning services after a while. Nate states that he grew up Catholic and had received sacraments as well and felt he was close to God. But after he kept coming to youth group he realized he was not as close as he hoped. It was through the encouragement of his friends and the youth staff that helped him take the step and accept Christ.
Nate states that the best part of becoming a Christ follower was the feeling of now having a purpose and of being here for a reason. However, he does state that he still sometimes has doubts and doesn't like that he gets into arguments or get's put down because he is a Christian. What helps him grow in his faith with Christ is the personal experiences that he has and also reading the Bible and the stories it contains.
I asked Nate how to give me advice on how I could help others grow in their faith and he told me to be real and authentic with them. Acting like it is fake or scripted is not a good thing because people can pick up on it. He sites that living your like like a Christian should (at least as best as you can) is probably the best way to encourage someone. As well as, telling them what God has done in your life.
Nate is unashamedly a Christian. Everyone at his school knows he is and that the kids he hangs with mostly are. They are sometimes put down for it or made fun off. He also states that they sometimes get into arguments with kids. For the most part he doesn't give them too much attention because he knows they just want to pick on them or argue to make the upset or try to trip them up. He knows that their will be struggles but he plans on trusting in God and relying on friends and family to help him.
His journey of faith started when a good friend of Nate's invited him to come to youth group. He really liked it there and began to come to youth group and Sunday morning services after a while. Nate states that he grew up Catholic and had received sacraments as well and felt he was close to God. But after he kept coming to youth group he realized he was not as close as he hoped. It was through the encouragement of his friends and the youth staff that helped him take the step and accept Christ.
Nate states that the best part of becoming a Christ follower was the feeling of now having a purpose and of being here for a reason. However, he does state that he still sometimes has doubts and doesn't like that he gets into arguments or get's put down because he is a Christian. What helps him grow in his faith with Christ is the personal experiences that he has and also reading the Bible and the stories it contains.
I asked Nate how to give me advice on how I could help others grow in their faith and he told me to be real and authentic with them. Acting like it is fake or scripted is not a good thing because people can pick up on it. He sites that living your like like a Christian should (at least as best as you can) is probably the best way to encourage someone. As well as, telling them what God has done in your life.
Nate is unashamedly a Christian. Everyone at his school knows he is and that the kids he hangs with mostly are. They are sometimes put down for it or made fun off. He also states that they sometimes get into arguments with kids. For the most part he doesn't give them too much attention because he knows they just want to pick on them or argue to make the upset or try to trip them up. He knows that their will be struggles but he plans on trusting in God and relying on friends and family to help him.
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