Now, it’s a fine line of striving for excellence and not worshiping excellence.
We all should desire to be the best we can be, but what happens when our best becomes the norm?
Do we strive to grow and be better? Is it an ever changing process?
God’s plan is to “continue to do a good work in/through us.” It’s constantly happening.

Read a great post on striving for our best. Here’s a snapshot below. Want to read the whole thing? Click here.

The reason is that “better” now will eventually become outdated and average later. When the first generation iPhone came out, it revolutionized the industry. But it was updated and replaced because it soon was no longer sufficient to meet the needs of those it was serving. Yesterday’s release of the iPhone 4 was just the latest update. A year or so from now, we will have the iPhone 5 because the needs of the consumer will constantly demand a better phone.

Your capacity as a leader, a spouse, a parent, or an employee might be adequate right now, but it will be inadequate momentarily. The needs of those around you will constantly demand you to produce at a higher level. For this reason, we must have a healthy obsession with improving everything we do every time we do it. Not for the sake of pride. But for the sake of those who need us to be at our best and continually improving on our best.  – S. Furtick

I always want to be moving towards the best version of me that God has in store. How are you making changes and allowing God to move in you, so you can grow and get better?

Jason *over and out*

Watched the Apple WWDC Keynote yesterday with Steve Jobs presenting the new iPhone 4, and he had some trouble. In the church production world, the guy running things behind the scenes would have been called out, asked why he let that happen, and then told when he messes up- there are souls at stake (I used to think this way, not so much anymore). Why is that? Jon Acuff wrote a funny post about how to get out of troubles like this when they happen at church. Check it out here.

I know we shoot for excellence on Sundays @ Forefront- But, what if something goes wrong? Is it really the end of the world? Some of the most impacting messages have been the ones I thought bombed. The times I talk about from things I thought were funny at church, are drum shields falling on drummers, feedback that sounded like a the space ship from Close Encounters landing, people tripping on cords on the stage and turning it into a silly dance, etc.

It’s those moments that many production teams and leaders cringe over, that I say we embrace. Things happen. We mess up. Things don’t always work out. 9 times out of 10, it’s an accident. From the stage I tell people “God’s got this.” The big stuff. The small stuff. The stuff you wreck. The stuff that’s a total accident.

I would contend that the church is simply an extension of our personal lives. We come together broken and wrecked, to worship a perfect God, and things will happen. Good or bad- God has the power over it in the end. For me it’s a trust issue. Do I trust that God can move in spite of a light failure or a botched transition? Can he break the hearts of people without smooth sermon slides or when someone messes up the words to a song? Yes. Yes He can, and He does.

I love the illustration Jon used in his post about the early followers of Jesus and if they held to this production debacle type of thinking:

“I can’t imagine Peter ever leaning over and telling one of the other disciples, ‘I’ve got to be honest with you, the acoustics of this particular hill Jesus is speaking from are lousy. And I don’t know how we’re going to feed everyone here. The production values of this event are horrible. Amateur hour.’”

I’m learning more and more to trust Jesus in the little things. I used to put a huge emphasis on the “production debacle.” Personally and professionally. I didn’t want to appear unprepared. I never wanted people to think excellence wasn’t important to me. But, in the process I started serving excellence instead of Jesus. I focused on being perfect instead of being His.

It’s a fine line, but I challenge you- don’t get so caught up in the details of life, having everything perfect and in line, that you miss the point of this…

We’re forgiven.
He loves us.
Let’s love others- even through our fumbles and screw ups.

Jason *over and out*

Great post by my friend Kevin.
I’ve thought about this before, but he lays it out plain and simple below.
Enjoy.

I’ve always tried to think about what my relationship with God IS.
How do I engage him?
How does he engage me?
How do we relate to each other?
And so on…

• Courtney & Ryan were baptized yesterday after service. Thanks goes to God
• Preached on worry… and I was worried briefly about the topic. Ironic.
• Elders, Dan, & I met about some possible big things in Forefront’s future over the next three years. Please pray. It’s exciting.
• We have 4 people getting baptized at a Gel Group this Wednesday Night. God is breaking people’s hearts for Him. Love it.
• Our band covered, “Coming Home” by New Found Glory and Jessica (vocalist) sang it 100x better than their lead singer (who makes a living off singing). He’s got a nasal vibe that drives me up a wall (sorry had to vent).
• We have a N.A. group meeting in our warehouse space weekly. I am so glad God allowed us a space to do ministry 24-7. If we aren’t doing ministry & loving people full-time (paid or not), we’re not truly living the life He’s called us to live.
• I really like the weekly announcement video during service. Big shout out to Justin Allen for dropping it like it’s hot.
• Watched the MTV Movie Awards last night. Who knew Tom Cruise had moves like that?!? Holy cow.
• Finished my second time through Wayne Cordeiro’s book “Leading on Empty.” Great reminders on how to stay full in who God made us.
• Biking everyday takes my mind off of the craziness. You should buy a bike. Today.
• It also saves a ton on gas. So, you should buy a bike. It pays for itself in a couple weeks.
• My daughter turned 2. She never got into anything before. In the last 72 hours she has painted herself head to toe in nail polish and also drank some hand sanitizer.
• Yes, we watch our child.
• Don’t call child protective services (alright, I’m done with that topic).
• The Mets should just take up another sport. I’m thinking turn the place into a regulation Cornhole Tournament Stadium. Hmmmmm.
• Have yet to see Avatar, Iron Man 2, or Robin Hood. I need a dudes night out ASAP. Who wants to go?
• Excited about this Sunday and preaching. I’m feeling in the zone lately. God is just pouring into me.
• Kind of like we talked about a couple of weeks ago… “You cannot pour out what you don’t have.” How are you connecting with God?

Love God. Love People. Turn The World Upside Down.

Jason *over and out*

On the ride into work this morning I encountered some very unique ducks.
Am I the only one who thinks these guys look like they survived nuclear fall out???

Well, they came at me this morning.
Like they were all jacked up on Mountain Dew. They both hissed and began hopping at my bike as I rode closer. It was crazy.
But, since I’m so brave (ha, yeah right) I stuck around long enough to snap their photo.
Mainly because if I’m ever riding and turn up missing, here are the mug shots for who to be on the lookout for.
Wanted: Two Ducks w/ Nuclear Fall Out Red Faces, Known To Hiss and Drink Large Amounts of Mountain Dew.

Seriously, it could happen.
Jason *over and out*

After church Sunday, Adrienne came up and asked to be baptized. Check it out…

Forefront Baptisms, 05-30-10 from Forefront Church on Vimeo.

Well, this Sunday we have another guy who is getting baptized after service (possibly two more people with him, well not at the same time, but… well, nevermind). Also, this Wednesday night at one of our Gel Groups, 3 people are getting baptized. Make plans to be there Sunday, 12:01 p.m. after service. Directions cards will be available at the Hub Table before & after service. I want to see that backyard packed out.

God is moving people’s hearts.
It’s nothing special we’re doing.
He’s got it on lock down and we are simply following His lead.

Jason *over and out*

“Surround yourself with people who love God and love you, but love God more than you. That way they can speak truth into your life- even if it hurts.”
- P. Noble @ WiBo 2010.

Right now Dan (our Executive Pastor) and I are meeting with our elders at Forefront Church.
Talking about God’s church, holding each other accountable, and praying for you, your family, and our community.
These 6 guys help make me a better leader and man before God.
Please pray for us as we meet and seek after God & His plan for His church at Forefront.

Jason *over and out*

One of the guys getting baptized this weekend had an extremely long, but good discourse on his Facebook page after posting he was getting baptized Sunday. I figured since Forefront has quite a few people coming from a Catholic background, it would be worth sharing the conversation. It’s long, I left out the names, but my name is “Me, Or At Least I Think It’s Me.” And let me just say, in light of this conversation, when your parents sprinkled you as a baby- they had your best interest at heart. They were doing what they thought was best. They are to be commended for wanting to commit your life to God. The conversation below and the message link help clear up some of the confusion on this.

You can read the convo below, that went into the wee hours of 12:38 a.m.
Also, if you want to hear a great message on baptism, click here and scroll all the way down to the “Pictures of Baptism” message. If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a shout at: jason(at)forefront(dot)org

FACEBOOK CONVO STARTS HERE:

Guy Getting Baptized:
gettin baptized on sunday….!!!! WHOOP WHOOP
11 hours ago · Comment · Like Unlike

Girl #1:
i should do that, when i’m like 60 and won’t be sinning any more hahaha
11 hours ago

4 Year Bible Study Guy:
Wait. What? How are getting Baptized!? I thought you were baptized as an infant? Where are you getting Baptized?
10 hours ago

Another Girl #2:
I’m with 4 Year Bible Study Guy on this one… weren’t you baptized as a baby? Or are you converting?
9 hours ago

Yet Another Girl #3:
yay!! ill be there
8 hours ago

Girlfriend of Guy Getting Baptized:
I can’t wait to dunk you! Thank you for letting me share and actually be involved in your new found (well re-found) journey!!
2 hours ago

Guy Getting Baptized:
I was baptized roman catholic, but having never really followed the faith of Catholicism or being confirmed a catholic, I have decided to follow a different path…I still love all my Catholics though!!!
about an hour ago

4 Year Bible Study Guy:
Uh.. You can only be baptized once… You can’t RE-wash away sins…

No Church, but the baptists, do multiple baptisms…
about an hour ago

Yet Another Girl #3:
you clearly dont know what youre talking about. he was a baby when he was baptized before, by his parents choice, not his. this is HIM committing HIMSELF to God.
about an hour ago

4 Year Bible Study Guy:
Well. Clearly you don;t know who you’re talking to. I studied for four years to be a minister, and I have degrees in early Christian Theologian.

Ever since the Early Church, the disciples and Apostles preached ONE BAPTISM for the forgiveness of sin and entrance into the Divine Kingdom, as a symbolic death in Christ.

As Christ entered the waters, symbolizing a Type of death, and rose out of them, a Type of rebirth, one can only die once, and be reborn once…

There may be different rites of acceptance into different denominations of Christianity, but that’s person claiming Christ. Christ already claimed Guy Getting Baptized when he was an infant, setting him apart for a dedicated life in Christ. Guy Getting Baptized’s just taking ownership of his vocation to holiness.

Jesus already took ownership of his soul.
about an hour ago

Yet Another Girl #3:
Well i Know God is happy that he is publicly rededicating himself.
about an hour ago

4 Year Bible Study Guy:
All I was saying that it’s the repetition of symbols, and this Sunday’s particular washing with water, will be PURELY symbolic, and not efficacious unto the remission of sin, which was done at his Original Baptism. So Go Guy Getting Baptized! for showing commitment!

NB: Only the Catholic Church, Orthodox Church and some members of the Anglican Communion have anything LIKE a second baptism, and that’s called Confession, or penance.
about an hour ago

Girlfriend of Guy Getting Baptized:
I agree with Yet Another Girl #3. I also think that it is great that Guy Getting Baptized has made the decision for HIMSELF to follow Christ. Not that I don’t agree with baptizing an infant, but I think it’s important for a person to make their own decision in their faith, not for someone else to do that for them. Either way, I am VERY VERY VERY excited for him =]
about an hour ago

Yet Another Girl #3:
like.
about an hour ago

Me, Or At Least I Think It’s Me:
I would agree with 4 Year Bible Study Guy, there is only one baptism. This is completely a New Testament, early church teaching. The point I would part ways with 4 Year Bible Study Guy is the mode of baptism.

Catholic sprinkling, anointing, etc. is not in line with the early church teaching and practice. The Greek for the word baptize is ‘baptizo” which means to immerse, plunge, dip, or bury in water. The very Greek word itself excludes it from meaning “sprinkling.” Sprinkling in the Greek is “raino” and to pour is “cheno.” These are practiced by the Catholic church and other denominational groups, but is not the same as the New Testament teaching. The instances where baptism is mentioned in the New Testament, it uses the Greek word “baptizo.”

Also, the example of Jesus, which is what every person who chooses to follow God should aim to emulate, was done by John the Baptist as full immersion.

Acts 8:26-40 is a clear example of how someone responds. He hears the message, comes into knowledge, makes a decision based on that knowledge, and is baptized. As an infant, we are making no choices. Someone is making a decision for us and doing so in a mode that is not Biblical. Every instance of people receiving Christ is through full water immersion and it’s after they come to the knowledge that they are in need of a Savior.

A great resource on this is “13 Lessons on Christian Doctrine” by Denver Sizemore.

Guy Getting Baptized, you are doing what God is leading you to do and I believe you are making a wise choice based on scripture. You were never baptized before. You were “raino” or “cheno.” God’s plan is “baptizo.” Get it brotha.
44 minutes ago

Me, Or At Least I Think It’s Me:
Also, I would refer you to this case study/outline of “Baptism: Immersion or Sprinkling?”
http://executableoutlines.com/ba/ba_11.htm
37 minutes ago ·

Girlfriend of Guy Getting Baptized:
Thanks Me, Or At Least I Think It’s Me…I was getting kinda confused so thank you for your explanation. And again, YAY Guy Getting Baptized!!!
31 minutes ago ·

Me, Or At Least I Think It’s Me:
Just to clarify, I am not at all hating on ya 4 Year Bible Study Guy. You seem to have a pretty solid love for Jesus. I love that you are pushing Guy Getting Baptized to live for God. I know sometimes discussions on a FB page can get pretty misconstrued. I’ve got nothing but love for you.

And, on that note, I apologize if anyone came at you in a negative way during this discourse on Guy Getting Baptized’s page. It would be a shame for people who love Jesus to come at one another personally.

Also, if you are not a Christian and kick it on Guy Getting Baptized’s page… you’re probably going, “What the crap are these crazy looney tunes talkin’ about?!?” I don’t blame you. I used to think the same thing. Hit me up with a direct message if you want to dialog about any of this stuff in modern day language without Greek Lexicons, big “christianese” words, and feelin’ like you have to have everything together for God to even look at you.

Alright, it’s late as crap. I’m out, Guy Getting Baptized. See you this weekend.
10 minutes ago ·