Roots: Unity

Who are we that Christ would pray for us?! And what is it that He prayed for? That we would be one. That we would be United.

I cannot fathom the power that is in unity. Even outside the church there is power when people unite together for a single cause. How much more when we, the Body, unite in spirit and truth? Mmmm, it is "where God commands His blessing," and that is a goooood place to be.

What would happen if a group of DISCIPLES united in spirit and truth in the city of Pensacola... and they didn't let little things like gossip, slander, pride, arrogance, racism, anger and divisions get in the way... but they acted with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness and love?

Matthew 16:18 perhaps? We'll see...

It's kind of like a guitar...

Roots: Disciple

Tonight we kicked off the roots series by talking about the word "disciple." What? Yeah, Disciple. Why we as a church, or "christian society" have focused more on making "converts" rather than taking the call to make disciples seriously. The focus was on taking a look at what a disciple looked like according to the bible and how that translates to us today in 2009. What does a disciple look like in 2009? How do we make disciples in 2009? After hearing some people share about modern day discipleship experiences in their own lives and sharing some ideas about how we could disciple each other and those around us, a consensus started to come together.

It's not about putting a bulls-eye on peoples backs and moving on once they've said a prayer or joined our church. It's not about rules. It's not about a certain type of system. It's not a class. It's not a talk. It's life. It's a lifestyle. In the words of Ryan Mac and Allan Castleberry, "it's about love." We gotta do life with each other. We have to ask questions and go "deep" (ask Nathan Castleberry about why that's in quotes). We have to pour out Jesus on people and let Him pour into us through other people. We have to humble ourselves and seek discipleship. We have to get over our insecurities and feelings of inadequacy and make disciples.

It's reproducing the Jesus in us. It's investing time and effort in relationships. It's never-ending. The life of a disciple is just that... life.

Matthew 28:19

Roots

Why Roots?

It’s simple. These are just some things we want to stand for as Elevate. In a way it is our DNA. We never want to forget or stray away from the concepts of Being and Making Disciples, Unity, Prayer and Being Servants. These are our roots. Yes there are many other core values we hold on to tightly, but these four are things we want to be known for. Values, that like roots, as time goes on and we, and the ministry grow, only get deeper and stronger.

Just like roots, our roots will support us, keep us grounded, and allow us to grow strong. It’s where we come from. It’s who we are. It’s why we will be what we will be. These roots grow from the seed of salvation, in the soil of truth and community and produce good fruit-bearing trees of life.

A look back...

Tonight was incredible! We talked about differences in the Kingdom and how those differences can be used to unite us. Sooo good and sooo true. We also prayed for Griffin as he walks through a time of transition in his life moving on to steward being an officer, a fiance/husband and finishing up as a student. Griffin, you have done and will do a great job. We love you bro!

Looking back over the past month we have talked about differences, anger, loneliness, reacting to circumstances and several other relevant topics that Griffin and the leadership team have taken us through. Let's not forget what we've learned. Instead, let's remember, apply and run forward "pressing on to the goal."

The picture above was taken while on a trip in Guatemala on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. It reminds me that we can always look behind us, in the past, and see where we've been and what we've done. But as the shadow shows us, we must turn around and face the sun, stare into it's glory and our future, and move forward. Elevate, let's move forward into the glory of the Son!

Next week: Roots: Disciples?

Romans 12:9-13

Mathew 28:16-20