shawnlovejoy.com

Sunday Reflex 8-30-09

There was so much going on yesterday at Mountain Lake, it will be hard to put in one blog post! I’ll do my best to be succinct. Here are my reflections on the events of yesterday:

• Week 4 of our current series. “If you really knew me…you’d know I still feel empty.”
• Reasons we fell empty sometimes? Lack of purpose; lack of passion; lack of progress; lack of God’s presence.”
• “Our emptiness can be a catalyst for change.”
• “NOTHING most of us are chasing will fill the void and emptiness many of us feel.  Not even church! There’s only one thing…no, one person that can fill the void in our lives:  Jesus Christ!”
• God was here! It WAS one of those weeks where I felt like it wasn’t MY best msg ever, but several people let me know God spoke to them through it!
• We baptized AGAIN! We have baptisms scheduled 3 of the next 4 weeks!
• Closed the service with the song “Stained Glass Masquerade.” Wow.
• Had a new church planter, Benji Rowland and  his wife hang out with us some yesterday.  Planting Journey church in Tifton, GA!   Know disconnected people near Tifton? Send them to www.journeytifton.org
• Unveiled our new message series that starts in 2 wks: “Relationship Rehab.”
• I’m told that we now we have over 200 new adults ready to be connected to Growth Groups through our upcoming Group Launch!  That’s a whole new church of  people getting connected around here! WOW!
• Our first newcomer’s Lunch in the new auditorium yesterday.  The entire floor was covered with people! We probably had close to 100 adults there! At the end of our time together, 7  people   indicated they wanted to go public with their faith through baptism! Dozens joined. Many more got connected!
• Autumn Ward, who’s worked in our children’s ministry since DAY ONE told me that Sunday was probably the BEST DAY in the history of our Children’s Ministry! That’s saying a TON!
• Last night, we held our first Leadership Community since our Grand Opening and celebrated all that God has done and is doing in our church these days! We meditated on this verse:  “Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the LORD.” Psalm 107:43 (NLT)

Christians, Shut up!

For years I have heard Pastors say that “we need to be more BOLD in our faith.”  I actually don’t agree. Let me explain. Romans 14-15 gives us some GREAT instructions from God about how we are relate to other people when it comes to our faith. As I read these chapters, I couldn’t help but think that the entire passage could be summed up by the phrase: “Christians, shut up!” Here are a few reasons why:

• “Accept Christians who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.” (14:1 NLT). In other words, STOP having these theological arguments with people at work, school, and on facebook! I don’t know of one person who’s ever said to me: “The day I lost that theological argument at work was the day I gave my life to Christ.” In general, Jesus emphasized the fact that talk is cheap; but love wins.
• “So why do you condemn another Christian? Why do you look down on another Christian? Remember, each of us will stand personally before the judgment seat of God.” (14:10 NLT) In other words, stop gossiping  about what “they’re doing” Stop beginning your sentences with “Have you heard?” Stop looking DOWN on other Christians for THIS or THAT. You’re no better. You’re a sinner just like they are in need of God’s grace!  You COULD be judged MORE because you looked DOWN on THEIR sin!
• So don’t condemn each other anymore. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not put an obstacle in another Christian’s path.” (14:13 NLT) IN other words, don’t condemn anyone. But don’t be a stumbling block to anyone, either. Just because we’re Christians, and live under grace, it doesn’t mean we can go live and SPEAK like we wan to! We need to consider if our actions or our speech could cause anyone to stumble in their faith, or think less of Christians in general.  We need to ask ourselves more often: “Would I be acting or speaking like this is Jesus were in the circle?” Usually, no!
• “…We must be considerate of the doubts and fears of those who think these things are wrong.” (15:1 NLT)  In other words, when someone doubts, or has questions, the LAST thing we need to do is POUNCE on them and try to ANSWER all of their questions; and certainly not try to FIX  their beliefs!! I find it interesting that Jesus often taught in parables, which left people with more questions than answers. Jesus didn’t try to answer all of their questions. He wanted them to dig a little and search for the Truth themselves! We should follow His example!  Ask more questions. Give less answers.  be honest about our doubts more. People are attracted to authentic faith, not spiritual pride that claims to have all the answers!

These are just a few examples in Scriptures where

I believe God says:

“Christians, shut up!”

What do you think?

Sunday Reflex 8-23-09

I can’t even begin to put into words what God is doing right now at Mountain Lake Church.  Here are a few specific reflections on yesterday:

• For the first time in our new building we had demons in our Audio and Video systems. It was bound to happen. Amazing, God intervened and kept it all together during the services! Did YOU notice anything?
• Our parking wait time to get on and off campus was cut in HALF this Sunday.  We’re not done working on this yet. Thanks to John Shepherd, David Putman, and Russ Sorrells, and our Parking Team who have worked so much on this!
• At some point, though, isn’t a 15 minute traffic delay worth  it, to be in the middle of a movement of God?
• We actually had one of our Growth Groups tailgate in the parking lot AFTER the 11 AM service, in an effort to allow people to exit the campus before them! the brought grills, and BBQ’d, and  stayed until 2 PM! I saw you guys and you’re just one of the reasons we have the best church in eth world!
• I had several friends I know from the community, that I had invited to our church, show up yesterday! Love it when that happens! Hope you guys come back.
• U2 made a cameo during “Blessed Assurance”. At least the lyrics. Grandma turned over in her grave! Love it!
• The message: “If you really knew me, you;d know I have doubts.”
• Quote: Why is it that everywhere else in our culture doubts and questioning is viewed as a positive thing, at least viewed as a natural part of life; but when it comes to Christianity and the church questioning is such a negative thing?”
• “Let’s face it, if 100% blind faith with no doubts was required to follow Jesus we’d all be in a boat load of trouble!”
• Main points: “We can come out about our doubts.” “We can follow Jesus and have doubts.” “Even when we struggle believing in Him, He believes in us.”
• Closed with simple song: “God believes in you.” He does, you know.
• God liberated a lot of people yesterday.
• Had a woman tell me yesterday that her husband who had not been to church in 35 years and had come with her the last three weeks, and LOVED IT!
• In ways like I’ve never felt, God is here.  He is present. He is moving. He is speaking. He is bringing people. He is grabbing people’s hearts. He is changing people! I’m honored  to be right in the middle of it. Are you?

An apology from your pastor…

Don’t worry, this is an apology for a good problem!  I have to apologize for the crowding these past two Sundays at Mountain Lake! Specifically  the parking, entering, and exiting issues we’ve been working out the last two weeks on our campus!  I DO want to apologize for any inconveniences you may have experienced with all of this and assure you we are working all of this out.

Here are a few things to know and keep in mind this week:

• We’ve NEVER had these sizes of crowds on our campus at one time. We planned for MONTHS on all of this, but there’s no way to know EXACTLY how it’s going to flow until REAL PEOPLE with REAL CARS are in the flow!
• We hope to have the State Patrol working the red light at Hwy 369 & 9,      THIS SUNDAY,  in addition to the Sheriffs that have been working our Exits. This should help tremendously!
• Getting here a few minutes earlier helps!
• If you are open to turning south out of our campus, then left on Hwy 306, then North on GA 400, it can help.  3 minute detour.  Come on, you’ve got 3 minutes!
• Hanging out a few minutes AFTERWARDS in our cafe or lobby helps!
• Following the 11 AM service, we will open up both the ENTRANCE and the EXIT to leave the campus!
• Finally, if you ‘re looking for a church where there are few people and no traffic issues, they are relatively easy to find. However, if you’d rather find  a place where God is at work, people are experiencing life change, and people love inviting their friends ; a church that has a vision for its community and world, and is a safe place for disconnected people, this church is for you! Even worth a little hassle! You agree?

“If you really knew me” confessions pt. 2

"IF you really knew me" confessions, part 2 from shawn lovejoy on Vimeo.

“If you really knew me” confessions, pt. 1

"If you really knew me" Confessions pt. 1 from shawn lovejoy on Vimeo.

“If you really knew me” Pt. 2 Msg Video

If You Really Knew Me: You'd know I'm Hurting. AUG 16, 2009 from Mountain Lake Church on Vimeo.

Sunday Reflex: 9-16-09…

My Goodness! God has been at Mountain Lake the last two weeks!  I have felt His presence about as strongly as I ever have! He’s doing  a new work in our lives in every way! Here are a few reflex on the day yesterday.

• We still had pretty packed out house! Attendance was down a little  from Grand Opening. We expected that. However, no doubt God has given our church influence with hundreds of new people as the dust shakes out! That’s what we’ve been praying for and working for! Praise God!
• All of our issues are crowding issues right now.  Sunday we addressed checking in children more efficiently, parking people faster,  and seating people more rapidly.
• Thanks to the volunteers who served at our Children’s First Time Visitor Check-In tents! It has really helped!
• Thanks to our Parking Team! You guys have risked your lives the last two weeks! Literally! God is using you!
• A lot of our problem with parking now is getting OFF campus! We’ll almost certainly need to put a Sherriff at the red light of Hwy 369, & Hwy 9. Should allow the crowds not to back up on to our campus waiting to get out!
• Question: Had you rather go to church where NO ONE else is going, or wait in line a little while after church? Just a reminder.
• Amp’d, our new Middle School service rocked again: great crowd and we hopped them up on sugar! You’re welcome parents!
• MY KIDS love the new children’s ministry environments! WOW, we’ve stepped it up here in the new environments!
• Wow. God was just in the service. 
• We baptized for the first time in our new building! Everything went off with out a hitch! The stories were powerful! We’re experimenting with making baptism a standard part of our services almost every week! What do you think?
• The worship was powerful! the video bumper highlighting the stories of real people has left people with their jaws dropped open as I’ve stood up to speak each Sunday.  I’ll try to upload these bumpers here so you can share with your friends.
• The message: “If you really knew me, you’d know I’m hurting.” I talked about the woman in Mk 5 who had an “issue of blood”. I also read from Leviticus 15, and said the word “period” from the stage 5 times!
• Most of us may not be bleeding physically. But we ARE bleeding emotionally; relationally; financially; or spiritually!
• Jesus would NOT allow the woman to slip into the crowd get healed and slip away anonymously! That’s what so many of us try to do every Sunday.
• "Healing often requires stepping out of the shadows.” Revealing the whole truth about ourselves, not just to Jesus but to His fellow followers!
• This woman’s healing began when she simply reached out in the direction of Jesus.  So can ours!
• This message hit a nerve. Tears were everywhere. LOTS of people acknowledging their “bleeding issues.” Lots of healing taking place!
• The band closed with “everybody’s Broken” by Bon Jovi. First time I cried during a Bon Jovi song. It was perfect. Thanks, Jesus! The lyrics say it all:

"Everybody's Broken"
Welcome to the party
Come on in and disappear
You're feeling like a stranger
But all your friends are here
Little lines and cracks
Around your eyes and mouth
Something's trying to get in
Something's trying to get out
It's ok, to be a little broken
Everybody's broken, in this life
It's ok, to feel a little broken
Everybody's broken, your alright
It's just life
Step into the deep end
Make yourself at home
When you wonder why your breathing
Know your not alone
It's so hard to believe
It's easier to doubt
You're trying to hold in
But your dying to scream out
It's ok to be a little broken
Everybody's broken
In this life
It's ok to feel a little broken
Everybody's broken, your alright
It's alright, it's just life
[Solo]
Take a look around
Tell me what you see
Is who you think you are
Who you want to be
It's ok, to be a little broken
Everybody's broken, in this life
It's ok, to feel a little broken
Everybody's broken, your alright
Just keep on going
Eyes wide open
Everybody's broken

If you really knew Shawn Lovejoy…

Here’s how I completed the statement this past Sunday from our stage:

If you really knew me you’d know that:

I got a paddling almost every week in 1^st Grade.

I  kissed my first girl  in the 2^nd grade.

I was ADD before ADD was cool.

I don’t sleep well a lot.

I’m a Bama fan.

I enjoy shopping.

I worry more than I should.

I get discouraged. A lot.

I lose my temper;

I don’t serve my wife at all like I should.

I feel alone at the top a lot of times; I actually don’t have many close friends.

I lie. I lust.

I doubt God; I don’t “feel saved” sometimes.

I don’t always love church.

I feel like a failure many Sundays when I leave church.

And if you really knew me, you’d know I’m not exaggerating!

And you still don’t really know me!

But that’s enough about me. Why won’t YOU drop the pose?

If we really knew YOU, what would WE not know about YOU?

Romans 3:23 (NLT) ²³For all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

Romans 8:1 (NLT) ¹So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

Pictures from our Grand Opening, pt. 2