Austin McCann

3 Reasons Student Pastors Should Attend Students Sporting Events

Austin McCann — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 02:31:49 +0000

One of my favorite things to do here on my blog is write about practical student ministry stuff. A lot of the stuff I may write is not new to student pastors, but I hope it is good practical advice and reminders on how to minister to students better. With that being said, I want to provide a few reasons why student pastors should try to attend their students sporting activities.

First, let me explain why I am writing this and why I see it as important. Today I went to watch two guys, that are in my small group on Wednesday nights, play basketball. They both had a game at the local rec center and I wanted to go to support them and build a better relationship with them. It was a great few hours and I believe my relationships with those two students got stronger. Now here is three reasons why I believe every student pastor needs to make an effort to attend their students sporting events.

1. Build a better relationship with the student. A huge part of student ministry is building relationships with students which allows you to influence them and speak truth into their life. What a better way to show them you care and want to have a relationship with them than taking time out of your day to watch them participate in a sport they love. Just the presence of you there supporting and watching them will give you a stronger relationship with that student.

2. Build a better relationship with their parents. This is probably the biggest reason. You spend a lot of time with the students and not enough time with the parents. Going to a students sporting activity will allow you to sit with the parents and build a better relationship with them. Student pastors need to understand and realize their ministry is not just to the students, it’s also to the parents. I would go as far as to say, it is primarily to the parents because they are the ones held responsible for their students spiritual growth. Today I was able to sit with the mom of the students, they were brothers, and got to get to know her better. I have a stronger relationship with that parent now and that is a big part of student ministry.

3. Connect and meet other students. If you go to a sporting event of one of your students you will always have a chance to meet and connect with other students. Honestly, I did not do this today, but wish I would had made an effort to do so. I hope next time I am in the situation I will. Student pastors, there are students who will NEVER step foot inside your church or youth room and unless you go to where they are and reach them no one ever will. That is why going to a sporting event of one of your students is a great place to reach other students.

As I said earlier, this is not anything new that student pastors may not already know, but I hope this is some practical advice that will help you minister to students better. As student pastors and student ministry workers, we need to connect and minister to our student outside of the normal youth group time, attend one of their sporting events to build a better relationship with them, build a better relationship with their parents, and reach other students while your there.

Favorite Quotes from The Elephant Room

Austin McCann — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:02:28 +0000

Yesterday I was able to attend a live streaming of The Elephant Room at Christ Community Chapel in Hudson, OH. If you have never heard of The Elephant Room it is simply where a group of well-known pastors from different backgrounds and church styles come together to talk about the things most church leaders are debating behind closed doors. Elephant Room Round 1 took place last year and I was able to watch the DVD set when it came out. This year I was able to go watch The Elephant Room Round 2 live through a live stream. I cam away from the event yesterday encouraged, convicted, and challenged. It was simple a great event where men who love Jesus and the Gospel came together and put aside their differences to have the conversations we usually have behind closed doors. The amount of unity, love, and respect that was demonstrated by these men was amazing! I wanted to share a few of my favorite quotes and points these men made throughout the day. Before I share the quotes and points, here is a quick run down on the pastors that were a part of the event.

Jack Graham-Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church. Has served two terms as president of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Mark Driscoll-Preaching pastor at Mars Hill Church in Seattle.
Steven Furtick-Pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC.
Crawford Lorritts-Senior Pastor of Fellowship Bible Church in Roswell, GA.
Wayne Cordeiro-Founding Pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship in Honolulu, Hawaii.
James MacDonald-Pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel and started The Elephant Room.
T.D. Jakes-Senior Pastor of The Potter’s House.

Conversation #1: With a Little Help From My Friend
What is the future of denominations.

“Denominations that do not do missions should go away.” JG

“A denomination is a para church ministry, it should come along side local churches.” JG

“A lot of money is being given, but is work being done?” MD

“Are we going to be kingdom builders or empire builders?” WC

“Don’t take overseas what you are not doing locally.” JG

“We are not trying to be Calvinists, we are trying to be evangelists.” MD

Conversation #2: Can’t Buy Me Love
What essentials should be part of the Gospel presentation.

“Sharing the message creatively is not watering it down.” SF

“God has called me to preach the Gospel, not critique it.” SF

“Preaching is sharing truth through personality.” JM

“If people meet Jesus, is there a wrong way to do that?” MD

“It’s easier to be a critic than a preacher.” MD

Conversation #3: A Hards Day Night
How can a pastor handle the pressures of ministry and burnout.

“Everyone is susceptible to burnout.” WC

“What fuels you on the inside can destroy you on the outside.” WC

“Pastors dont forget their pastors, they forget they are human.” WC

“The Devil cannot steal your ministry so he steals the joy of your ministry.” WC

“The Devil cant push you off the ledge, but he will try to do something that will make you jump.” WC

“You cannot critique what you have not seen.” TJ

“I try and have relationships that complete me not compete with me.” TJ

“Your wife should be your number one accountability person.” JG

“Your identity is not your ministry.” MD

Conversation #4: Ticket to Ride
What are the “majors” of Christian doctrine that we must agree on.

“The nature of God is a mystery.” MD

“None of our books on the Godhead will be on sale in heaven.” TJ

“Stumbling to explain God is worship.” TJ

“If we dont do a better job at communicating we will not survive.” TJ

Conversation #5: Come Together
How do we pursue racial harmony in the church.

“The way to get the walls down is to tear off the roof” JG

“I believe some churches are dead, and should be dead, because they are full of hate.” JG

“When I know you, I can love you.” JG

“You can’t integrate your ministry until you integrate your life.” TJ

“The church is not doing as good as the world is doing with integration.” TJ

“We serve a God who challenges us to be uncomfortable.” TJ

“The lack of moral courage in the church is appalling.” CL

“If you are serious about being used by God, you must understand God is bigger than you.” TJ

Conversation #6: Help
What do we do when a pastor or church leader fails morally?

“I’m a steward of the integrity of the church and the message.” CL

“When we confront others over sin, there should be tears in our soul.” CL

“It’s not only confession that heals, but repentance.” WC

“A mans marriage will go silent before it goes south” JM

“You can tell a lot about a mans marriage from the countenance of his wife.” JM

“Restoration to fellowship is different than restoration to leadership.” JM

“I have never talked to someone who has failed morally that was not consistent in his time with the Lord.” CL

“Ministry is not a right, it is a privilege.” JM

“It’s not about the messenger, its about the message.” JM

Conversation #7: We Can Work on It
What responsibilities do we have to local pastors who exist outside our theological boundaries, but within the body of Christ?

“I’m still fired up about the doctrines, I’m just not angry about it.” JM

“People say they are defending the Gospel, but they really are just being crappy friends.” SF

3 Ways to Make Sure Your Students Don’t Become Deists

Austin McCann — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:28:24 +0000

Deism is a movement that started in the 17th-18th century that attempts to replace Christianity with a nonrevelatory religion of a transcendent but impersonal deity (The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetics by Hindson and Caner). Basically, deism is the believe that there is only one God, but God is not necessarily personally involved with His creation. He only “steps in” when people need help. People who embrace deism are more concerned about the “moral codes” and principles from Christianity than actually having a relationship with God. They see Christianity as a religion that is moral and worth embracing, but not necessarily getting involved in a relationship with God.

The moment I mentioned the word deism some of you wrote me off thinking it is not very popular. Before you stop reading this, let me just point out that this is probably more popular than you realize. Our culture is filled with people who “profess” to be Christians, but don’t actually “possess” a relationship with God. So called “Christians” in our culture live by Christian moral and regularly attend church, but they do not necessarily embrace a personal relationship with God. We see this in Scripture in Matthew 7:21-23. Sadly, students in our culture embrace this idea of deism without even realizing it. They don’t come out and say, “Hey, I’m a deists!” Their lifestyle says otherwise. They embrace religion and even Christianity, but don’t actually consistently walk with God in a personal relationship. They call on God or post “Christian Facebook status” when things get tough, but they don’t have a personal relationship with God that changes their entire being. The National Study of Youth and Religion found that 13% of teenagers who believe in God had a Deistic concept of the divine. This percent is only growing as our culture become less Christian. This type of deism that students embrace is labeled Moralistic Therapeutic Deism.

Some might say at least students are embracing God and Christianity, but the problem is just embracing the truths of Christianity is not enough to save! Place your faith and trust in Christ’s finished work on the cross for your sins is the only way to be saved (John 14:6, Romans 10:10-13). We must embrace the truths of Christianity because we have been changed (2 Corinthians 5:17) and born-again (John 3:3). The danger in students becoming deists is that they may never have saving faith and will one day spend an eternity in hell apart from their Creator.

As student pastors, parents, and people who care about the spiritual life of students, how do we make sure students embrace a relationship with God and not a form of deism? Here are 3 ways I believe we can help students stay away from any form of deism:

1. Teach students what deism is. As I said earlier, many students embrace a form of deism, but don’t realize it. As student pastors and parents, we must explain to them what deism is. As we do this, we must show them the fallacies in it and how it does not line up with the teaching of Scripture. In a way, we must do apologetics with our students. We must poke holes in the false religion of deism (this form of apologetics is called polemics), but also proclaim God’s word and the truths of Christ (this for of apologetics is called positive apologetics). Students who understand and see deism as a false view of God will be more likely not to embrace it and hopefully embrace a real personal relationship with God through Jesus.

2. Tell them God wants all of them, not just part of them. This is the core of this issues. Students see God has just a part of their life, not their whole life. This is what Moralistic Therapeutic Deism is, making God part of your life and only going to that part when you really need help. My youth professor in college illustrated this concept like an egg carton. Students life’s our like an egg carton. They have a bunch of different parts and they place something different in each part. So when they embrace God, they put Him in one part. That one part doesn’t effect their entire life. This is dangerous! God demands us to lay down our bodies! When you lay down your body, your laying down everything! God doesn’t want to be a part of students life’s, He wants to be their entire life! They need to embrace Christ as Lord of their life! They need to know and be encouraged to do this!

3. Don’t be a “Christian Deists” yourself. Sadly, many Christians, including student pastors and parents, are somewhat of “Christian Deists” themselves. We embrace Christ and have a personal relationship with Him, but we seem to only go to God when we need help or when we are preparing a sermon. We don’t spend consistent time with God daily. We don’t have constant communication with God in prayer. If we are not careful, we will embrace a form of “Christian Deism” that will rub off on students. God demands everything! Are we really giving Him everything as leaders?

Deism is a scary thing because it is so easy to live it. As student pastors and parents, we must be on guard of this in our life’s and the life’s of the students around us. The bottom line is this, God wants all of us and He wants us to have a consistent, daily, personal walk with Him. Lets model and teach students this kind of faith.

Recommended Resources:
Soul Searching Documentary-This is a must have DVD for student pastors and parents.
The Christian Atheist by Craig Groeschel

3 Practical Ways to be Missional

Austin McCann — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 20:28:10 +0000

Over the past few months the Lord has been working in my heart about being more missional as a Christian. What I mean by being missional is living in such a way that Jesus lived. He was sent into the world to serve and save others (Matthew 20:28; Luke 19:10) and now, as believers, we are sent into the world to do the same (Matthew 5:13-16). After spending four years at a Bible college and now (and will be as a vocation) working at a local church, I spend most of my time around Christians. The Lord has convicted me of this because He did not save me to just sit in a Bible study or a worship service, but saved me to go out into the world and be missional! I believe most Christians struggle with this idea because we think as Christians we are supposed to be totally separate from the world. We need to remember we are called to be IN the world, but not of it. Here are three simple ways God has helped me be more missional and I believe they will help you as well:

1. Join the local gym. There is a YMCA or rec center in almost every community. One simple way to be missional is to join your local gym or rec center. This will not only help you exercise, which is something that honors God, but it will help you be around people who need the Gospel. As you work out, play pick up ball, or swim you can build relationships with people who may never step foot inside your church. I recently joined the rec center in the community I am living in right now and God has allowed me to connect with other guys by playing basketball.

2. Do your work at a local coffee shop. The local coffee shops will attract a different crowd than the gym, but it still will attract a crowd that needs the Gospel. If you’re a college or seminary student, you MUST do this! Don’t just sit in your dorm room or the library on your Christian school campus, go to the local coffee shops so you can build relationships with unbelievers as you get some work done. My fiancée and I do a lot of our work at a local coffee shop here in Medina. There is always a ton of people and it is a great way to be out in the world.

3. Get a local part-time job. Obviously this isn’t for everyone, but if your working part-time for a church or a Christian business, think about working a secular part-time job. Furthermore, if God has called you to work in a secular field, embrace it! God will and can use people working in a secular field! He doesn’t need and want everyone in full-time ministry. Currently I am only a part-time, unpaid intern at a church. Because of this I believe God is wanting me to work a part-time job here in the community. This will allow me to be more missional and build relationships with people who need the Gospel.

In Jude 1:23, the Bible tells us to “save others by snatching them out of the fire…” This is a vivid picture of what we are called to do as believers; live a missional live so we can save people from eternal separation from God in hell. We will never snatch people out of the fire by spending all our time in church. We will never snatch people out of the fire if we are scared to go out into the world. I believe too many Christians are so worried about staying “away” from the world they never become missional. Or maybe it’s a lack of concern for the lost. Maybe we are not missional because we scared, but because we simply don’t care about the people in the world headed hell. Either way, God has called us to be about His mission. Go out into the world and be missional!

3 Leadership Lessons from Moses

Austin McCann — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:24:08 +0000

One of my favorite things to do is study and talk about Biblical leadership. I believe that everyone has the potential to be a Biblical leader. I shared this simple thought with a group of men this past Sunday. These were not your average church guys or men gathered for a Bible study, these were men inside the Medina County Jail. I went to the jail to preach God’s Word to these men and my message could have been summed up in this one though: Everyone has the potential to be a Biblical leader. I believe on major reason we don’t always believe that truth is because we allow our past and our mistakes keep us from moving forward as leaders. Certainly this is what these men felt when they were listening to me preach this message while inside a jail. I believe the person who has made terrible mistakes and been through many trails is a great candidate to be a great leader of God. Charles Swindoll said, “No one deserves the right to lead without first preserving through pain, heartache, and failure.

Maybe you feel that way. How could you be a Biblical leader with your past? I want to remind you, just as I did the men in the jail, that some of the greatest leaders in the Bible could have easily used the excuse of their past. One of these leaders is Moses. I want to share with you three leadership lessons we see from the early life of Moses:

1. Leaders have a past full of mistakes. In Exodus 2:12 we read that Moses murdered a man and then buried him in the sand! Think about that compared to your past mistakes. If God can forgive and use Moses, a murder, in leadership, why couldn’t He use you? We all have a past full of mistakes, but we must not allow that past to keep us from doing what God calls us to do. Jeremy Hales, camp director at Skyview Ranch, says, “The rear view mirror is smaller that the front window.” It’s easy to look in the rear view mirror of our life and see the mistakes behind us, but the front window is huge and is a full-view of what God has for us in the future. Again, Moses murdered someone and God used him; God can use you!

2. Leaders must go through the wilderness. The best leaders in the world have been through the wilderness. After Moses killed a man, he ran (Exodus 2:15) to the land of Midian, which was basically a wilderness. God had two purposes for the wilderness for Moses: to punish him for his sin and to teach him lessons for the future. This is how God disciplines His children. We see this twofold purpose in Hebrews 12:5-11. In this passage we see that God disciplines us because He loves us just as a good father disciplines his children. God is holy and must punish sin. Ultimately, He did this through His Son who bore God’s wrath for our sins. But even as Christians, God has to chasten us and correct us when we sin. What we see in this Hebrews passage is that even as God does that, He also has another purpose in mind: to train us and to make us more holy (Hebrews 12:10-11). Before you can be a leader, God has to train you and sometimes that training comes through a wilderness. Currently I am experience that. I am waiting and praying for God to open a door for my first full-time ministry job, but I am having to go through the wilderness of discouragement, learning to trust God, and patience on Him. Click here to view a post I wrote awhile back on this subject.

3. Leaders have a holy calling. I believe we sometimes don’t fully understand just how special and awesome it is to know God has called you into leadership of some type for Him! In Exodus 3:1-6 we read that God showed up to call Moses from within a burning bush! God then tells Moses to take of his shoes because the ground he was standing on was holy. When God calls you to do something for Him, it’s a holy thing! Don’t take lightly the calling of God on your life.

I hope these three leadership lessons from the early life of Moses are an encouragement to you. Remember, God can forgive you and use you! You may have to go through the wilderness to get there, but the calling of God on your life is a holy thing!

The Danger of Parachurch

Austin McCann — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:53:29 +0000

Throughout my short time in the ministry world so far I have seen a lot of people involved and excited about parachurch ministries. Honestly, I don’t have much excitement for parachurch ministry because my heart is with the local church. I believe God instituted the local church as the center of ministry in this age. Before I go any further, lets define what a parachurch ministry is. A parachurch ministry is a Christian faith-based organization that works outside of and across denominations to engage in social welfare and evangelism, usually independent of church oversight. Basically, a parachurch ministry is any ministry that is not done within or from a local church.

I am not here to bash parachurch ministry. I believe God can use it and is using it to spread the Gospel. I have worked and currently support many parachurch ministries, but I believe there is a danger with parachurch ministry that we need to be aware of. Let me just say that I believe all parachurch ministry are started and ran with a good motivation: to share and spread the Gospel. There are people in the world that will never step foot inside a church so if we do not go out and reach them where they are they may never hear the Gospel. Personally, I believe the church should do this, but I am glad parachurch ministries are going out and reaching people who would never come to church. The danger I see is where parachurch ministries stops.

Here is the danger we must be aware of when dealing with parachurch ministry: Parachurch ministry has a tendency to not connect people with the local church. This problem started back in the 70′s with the Jesus Movement. When teens and young adults didn’t feel welcome in the traditional church and ministries started springing up that gave these teens a place to go where they can express their faith in Christ in their own way. The church at the time didn’t like their new music and such parachurch ministries started springing up and this is also the time mega-churches started rising across the country.

So this is my point. If a parachurch ministry is going to be Biblical and honor God in their ministry endeavors, they must connect the people they reach to a local church. The camp director at Skyview Ranch, Jeremy Hales, says it best: “We exist to support the local church.” Parachurch ministry exist to support the local church. Not replace it because the church isn’t good enough or go where the church isn’t willing to go. Parachurch ministry should be done to support the local church. People who are reached by parachurch ministries need to be a part of a New Testament local church. If we see people reached with the Gospel by a parachurch ministry and never connected to a local church, the job is only half done. The Great Commission has two parts: evangelism and discipleship. Parachurch ministry, if you reach people, connect them to the church where they can be discipled within a community of faith.

I hope everyone who reads this knows I am not against parachurch ministry, but I am against parachurch ministries that do not support and connect people to a local church. I just love the local church! I believe my passion and love for the local church is Biblical and based on God’s Word. Jesus said, “I will build my church.” Yes, I realize there is the universal church, the body of Christ, but God builds that body and universal church through local churches.

Last year Rick Warren spoke at Liberty University and said these great words that are worth ending this post with. He said, “My generation of Christians made a huge mistake, they fell in love with the parachurch. I beg you, don’t make that mistake. Fall in love with not Christian organizations, fall in love with the local church…If this generation will love the local church, God will bless you…Don’t invest your life in a parachurch organization, do it through the local church.”

3 Things to Think About When Changing Methods in Ministry

Austin McCann — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:23:12 +0000

Earlier today I posted the following quote as a status on my Facebook page:

‎”The church can’t use yesterday’s methods in today’s world and expect to be in ministry tomorrow.” Elmer Towns

I read over this quote as I was doing my textbook reading for one of my seminary classes. It got my attention and I agreed with it so I posted it on Facebook. I didn’t think it would get anything feedback other than a few “likes” but it got some negatives comments with people who didn’t agree. I am perfectly ok with people disagreeing with this quote and I do not believe it is anything worth fighting over. But as a response to everyone who agreed or disagreed, I wanted to share, at least how I believe, we can change our methods, but not change our message. The message, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, will always be the same, but as we do ministry in an ever changing world our methods may have to change as well. Here are three ways to think about when changing to new methods in ministry:

1. Know what things are “closed hand” issues and what things are “open-handed” issues. What I mean by this is that there are some things such as core doctrines of our faith that we cannot compromise on or allow to be left up to interpretation. These are doctrines such as the Trinity, Scripture being God’s perfect Word, salvation only through Jesus Christ, the Virgin Birth, and things like that. These are doctrines and truths we must hold with a “closed hand” and fight for. These doctrines are the foundation to our faith! But there are some issues that are “open-handed” issues that are not necessarily foundational to our faith that we can allow compromise and disagreement on while still being believers in Christ. Examples of this would be Bible translations, style of worship music, and denominations. These are issues that don’t determine your faith in Christ, but our issues the Bible may not speak directly to so we use the wisdom and discernment given to us by God to make personal preference choices. “Open handed” issues are simply preferences and we cause damage to other Christians when we take something that is a preference and make it a doctrine or Biblical truth. My theology professor back at Piedmont International University said, “Don’t major on the minors and minor on the majors.” Make sure you know what things are major and what things are minor. This will help you decided how to change your methods, but not the message.

2. Pray and use wisdom. When it comes to methods, which are just preferences, we need to use the God-given wisdom and Holy Spirit to help us. When you want to try a new method, seek God for wisdom. Your new method idea may not be wrong or sinful, but God might give you wisdom and help you see it might not be best at the time. Even though methods are preferences and are different for everyone, that doesn’t mean you should leave God out of it. God wants us to use methods that are honoring to Him, so use wisdom and talk to Him about it!

3. Be so passionate about the message that you use whatever method God puts in front of you. Some people may not agree with me about this, but I believe we should be so passionate about the Gospel, the message, that we will use whatever method God gives us. I believe some people are so afraid and against new methods that they never reach anyone with the message! There are churches that dyeing and not reaching anyone because they are not willing to change their methods. That is what the Elmer Towns quote is all about, change our methods so we can reach more people with the message. I believe the Gospel, the message, is so important that I am willing to try to use whatever method is put in front of me as long as it doesn’t contradict God’s Word. I hope you feel the same way.

I love the Gospel and I believe it is the only thing that can change a person’s life and give them a hope. I believe this because the Gospel changed my life and has given me a hope! I hope we love the Gospel enough to use the new methods God gives us as we live in this changing world.

Engagement Pictures

Austin McCann — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 02:32:57 +0000

A few months ago I asked the most amazing girl in the world to marry me and she said yes! It was a blessing to find out my sister would be willing to do our engagement pictures and we are very happy with the way they turned out. I normally don’t blog about this kind of thing, but I wanted to share our pictures as well as show off my sister’s photography. My sis, Amanda, does more than just photography. She also does arts and crafts for people and has done some amazing work! Check out her page on Facebook called Manda’s Creations & Such to see all of her work and contact her if you want something done. Instead of just simply posting all the engagement pictures on here, I used a program called Animoto to make the video below that contains all of our engagement pictures, enjoy!

2 Reasons You Need Check Out Code Orange Revival

Austin McCann — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:31:37 +0000

The past two nights, Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC has been seeing God move in their Code Orange Revival. Code Orange Revival is a twelve night revival put on by Steven Furtick and his church Elevation. It is simply amazing at what is happening there! They are streaming the services live for anyone to watch. People are watching from all over the world and with just two night in the stories that are coming out of this revival are breathtaking.

I personally believe that this could be the start of the next great revival. With the technology we have today and the ability to stream a revival that is taking place in one area to the rest of the world, joining millions of people together in prayer and sitting under sound preaching, this could be the way the next great revival takes place. I am sure there are people out there that don’t like Elevation or Furtick because of silly “preferences” they can’t let go, but when God is on the move like He is in this revival it’s time to drop our preferences and get in on what God is doing! Here are two reasons you need to be a part of Code Orange Revival either live in Charlotte or online from wherever you are.

1. It’s a real move of God. Honestly, as believers, shouldn’t we want to get in on anything that is a real move of God? I have committed to be a part of this revival online because I believe God is in it and if He is in it, I need it! I desperately need God to move in my life and I am excited about being part of something like this. If you don’t believe me or believe the magnitude of this revival, here are some amazing facts.

The hash tag #codeorangerevival was the number one trending topic on Twitter the first day and has been a top trending topic since.

People are tuning in from all over the world via live stream and TV stations that are showing it.

People of flying and driving into Charlotte from all over the world just to be a part of this revival live. Last night two men flew from Seattle because they wanted to be a part of it!

People are camping out and getting to the Elevation campus throughout the day just to get a seat inside.

This is not your typical revival. This is a move of God! Wherever you are, tune in on TV or watch the live stream, do whatever you need to do to be a part of this move of God. I have already been blessed, challenged, convicted, and changed by the first two nights!

2. Good Biblical Preaching. This is the part that makes this revival so amazing. Furtick managed to bring in some of the best speakers from around the country to share God’s Word. Here is the line up: Craig Groeschel, Jentezen Franklin, Matt Chandler, Christine Caine, Ed Young, Israel Houghton, Perry Noble, Stovall Weems, Kevin Gerald, T.D. Jakes, and James MacDonald. The moment some people read this list they will write off this revival because they don’t agree with some of the speakers. I personally do not agree with all of them, but that is not a reason to not be a part of this move of God. There comes a time when we need to drop our preferences and opinions so we can hear God speak. So far the preaching has been the focus and center of this revival. I believe that is Furtick’s heart and I am encouraged by his passion to make God’s Word the center of this revival.

Here are all the links you need to be a part of the Code Orange Revival:
Elevation Network-This is where the live stream can be found as well as the rebroadcasting of each service if you mis the live stream.
Code Orange Revival-This is the main website for the revival. On this site you can find all the info, schedule, and speaker bio’s.
Elevation Church-The main website for the church.
Steven Furtick-This is his personal website and blog.

3 Ways to Handle Personal Sin as a Leader

Austin McCann — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:52:23 +0000

I believe one area of leadership we don’t talk enough about is how leaders should handle personal sin and failure due to sin. We often wait until leaders sin to the point where they are disqualified, then we talk about what they should do. They should step down. They should be fired. They need to get help. But we never talk about what they should do to handle the sin before it gets to the point they are disqualified. I believe there are a few reasons for this problem. First, leaders don’t always like talking about their sin. As a leader, you don’t want people to see your flaws and struggle because your their leader. This is a terrible attitude, but we often have it as leaders. Second, if a leader does talk about his sin, he will be judged and condemned. That might be a strong statement, but often times when leaders confess sin and ask for help they don’t receive the loving support and help we are told to give in Galatians 6:1.

As leaders, we are sinners just like the people we lead. If you’re a pastor, you’re a sinner just like the people in your congregation. Student pastors, you are a sinner just like the students that make up your student ministry. Leaders, we will sin and struggle with sin, but we need to learn how to handle it so it doesn’t destroy us to the point of having to leave our leadership position. Here are three things leaders can do to handle personal sin in their life.

1. Confess and repent quickly. This may seem simple, but when we sin we often get so discouraged and down on ourselves we forget God told us to confess our sin to Him and He will forgive us (1 John 1:9). In his book Doctrine, Mark Driscoll reminds us that repentance is a gift to the Christian. Because of Christ and his payment for our sin on the cross, we have the privilege to confess and repent of sin! Christian leader, don’t stay down and discouraged when you sin, confess and repent of it quickly! God will forgive you and your fellowship will be restored the moment you confess! This doesn’t mean that you will not feel broken, we should feel broken over our sin. But remember Christ already paid for every single sin you will ever commit on the cross. Confess, repent, and get back up!

2. Seek out accountability. This is huge! We often shy away from this as leaders because we don’t want to reveal our sin to someone else and naturally as sinners we don’t want to be accountable to someone. But as leaders, we must have accountability set up in our life’s. Don’t stop at confessing and repenting when you sin, get help and be accountable to someone. Leaders, you need someone in your life asking you the “hard questions” and asking how you’re doing personally in your walk with God. The leader who does not have accountability in their life are asking for the enemy and their flesh to destroy their leadership position. When you sin, confess, repent quickly, get back up, and find some accountability!

3. Use your sin to encourage others. I am not saying share all your struggles when you stand up to preach or teach, but what I am saying is that when it is helpful and appropriate encourage others by your struggle with sin. Encourage others to confess and repent as you confess and repent. Encourage others to seek out accountability as you seek out accountability. The people we minister to need to know their leader is a real person who has real struggles. In Psalm 51 David confesses his sin to God. In verse 13 he says, “Then I will teach transgressors your ways…” After he has confessed and repented of his sin, David says he will then turn and teach others no to sin! J.D. Greear, pastor of The Summit Church, said, “God can take the sins of our kingdom and use them in great ways in His kingdom.”

Leader, you will sin and will blow it at times. If you have fallen morally you may lose your position because God is clear in His Word that there are some sins that will disqualify a leader. But you WILL NEVER loose your relationship with Him! Deal with your sin before it costs you your position.

A book I would recommend on this subject would be Failing Forward by John Maxwell. In this book he explains how as a leader you can fail, but fail forward in a way that will help you as a leader. Also, if your a leader, you need to check out Perry Nobles blog for some great thoughts on leadership.