May 31, 2007 at 11:29 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Second, it’s one of my highest priorities to preach, teach, and live the scriptures; exhorting, encouraging, and unfolding the truth. I want us to grow authentic faith and become apprentices of Jesus Christ. Dallas Willard reminds us that an apprentice has one goal: to become like the master.
A commitment to discipleship is hidden in here: Following Jesus is about so much more than just making a decision for Jesus … it’s a conversation; about finding ourselves within His story; about following His ways –repentance, obedience, freedom, and commitment to the truths we find in the scriptures. So, we’ll hold high the standard of God’s truth and recognize that while spiritual transformation encompasses much more than just reading and studying the Bible, the truth contained here (HOLD UP) is the foundation for everything we do, every decision we make.
May 23, 2007 at 2:49 pm · Filed under Being The Church
We must be a church that stays centered upon Jesus. I commit to you as your pastor and as a brother and friend in Christ to do what is necessary to personally live in daily vital relationship with Jesus. I purpose to invite you with a clear conscience to follow me as I follow Jesus; and to be and do anything I ask you to be and do.
As His church, there must be no doubt about our intention and efforts to center everything around Jesus Christ. This means we don’t get upset when we can’t have our way, when the overall church does not do every ministry that individually any of the 600-800 of us want to see happen (this includes me — 
). My responsibility as your pastor and as a leader is not to see to it that everyone is always happy (although I fully expect that our gatherings will be full of joy and happiness in Jesus!), but to ask “What is best for the Kingdom of God at Lakeside?” “What is best for God’s church?” “How do we best stay centered upon Jesus?”
