Tonite I will speak at the Baptist Student Union House on the campus of UNCP. I am coming out of my skin to preach the message that God has laid upon my heart for these students. Please pray that He will use me extravagantly and that the words that I speak would be from His heart and would cause all in attendance to give glory to Him.
3 years ago I spoke in a situation very similar to tonite... there was a holy anticipation among some of the students about what God was going to do in our midst. In the message 3 years ago I spoke from Acts 2:1-40 and focusing on verses 37-41
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call." 40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day...
I asked the students this question:
"What if what happened 'in here' (tapping my bible) happened 'in here' (motioning to the room). I went on to say,
"Before what happened 'in here' (the bible) can happen 'in here' (the room), what happened 'in here' (the bible) must happen 'in here' (my heart) because when what happens 'in here' (the bible) happens 'in here' (my heart), what happens 'in here' (my heart) will happen 'in here' (the room). And when what happens 'in here' (the bible) happens 'in here' (the room) THEN WHAT HAPPENED IN HERE (THE BIBLE) WILL HAPPEN OUT THERE ON THE CAMPUS of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke."
Did you get that? You may need to read it again until it clicks.
Please join me in praying that God will ignite a flame among these students and do a work among them and through them that demands an explanation from a watching world.
There are 2 things that you must know today, Friday, April 17th...
1st Thing:
Are you planning on eating today? Silly question isn't it? How about
allowing your food intake to do good at the same time? Today at hyde park we're "Gettin' Piggy With It!" as we are raising money for our slammin' Crossover Middle School Ministry!
BBQ Plate Sale here are the details:
Today, Friday, April 17th Lunch 11am - 2pm / Dinner 4:30 - 7pm Walk-ins allowed (so bring a friend) $6 per plate (includes 1/2 lb BBQ, baked beans, cole slaw, bread, cake and drink)
2nd Thing:
Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD (Psalm 102:18)
The Gathering is This Sunday Nite and will be the last Gathering of this school year, OUR 1ST SEASON, THE 2008-09 SCHOOL YEAR - LET'S BLOW IT OUT THE BOX!!!! - AND IT PROMISES TO BE OUR BEST!
The
Gathering is a place where Christians from different groups - BSU,
Campus Crusade, FCA, and area churches - can come together for the
purpose of worship, community, glorifying God, and evangelism - All
specifically aimed towards college-aged students. It is also a place
where non-Christians can come to experience who God really is.
3rd Thing:
Don't forget that we're beginning our brand new Series this weekend, "So You're Dead... Now What?" and we'll begin by talking about the one thing that people most often avoid talking about, DEATH. This is gonna be interesting... you better talk about death now, because "he's" coming for all of us. Check out the video below (facebook readers - go to the main site to see attached video)
I can't believe that this weekend is "the" weekend - are you ready?!!? I am so pumped!!!! It's gonna be awesome!!!
Most of you who are "WholeHearted" readers know what "the Gathering at UNCP" is all about, but just in case you're new to the WholeHearted Life let's catch you up:
The purpose of "The Gathering": a place where all Christians from different groups, BSU, FCA, Campus Crusade and area churches can come together for the purpose of worship (in a context purposely designed to reach students), community, glorifiying God and most importantly, evangelism. "The Gathering" is going to be a place on campus where Christians can bring their non-Christian friends and allow God to show them who He is. Sunday nites are a great time: not much is happening on campus - we are petitioning God to" create a buzz among the students.
Our churches are struggling with reaching this generation. Statistics (LifeWay research) show the dropout rate of baptist 18-22 year olds is 70% (!!!!). These aren't all 18-22 year olds - these are the ones who are currently attending our churches. Tom Rainer, CEO of LifeWay, states that this is because "church is not essential to them.". It's obvious that we are not "connecting" this generation and their college years are enormously foundational in the direction of the remainder of their lives. None of us is doing a great job reaching 18-22 year olds (often college students) - we want to see that changed!
So this weekend is it and WE NEED YOUR HELP: who do you know who needs to attend the Gathering with you? Invite them NOW! Here's how you can do it:
Are you on campus? Interested in getting the word out? Contact Brendon Jonsson at: bmj005@bravemail.uncp.edu
Get the word out - as we said at the 1st Gathering: if God is going to begin a movement on the campus of UNCP and in our region, it's going to begin by creating a movement in your heart. More on this to come...
When I posted on Sunday nite I was literally in pain - I wanted to share with you what happened but was so exhausted - all that i REALLY wanted was 4 ibuprofen, my shower and my bed. Now that I've had a day to recuperate, I wanted to hit on a couple of things that I have thought about in the past 24 hours concerning Sunday, October 19th.
The testimonies that I've gotten from yesterday have been amazing. I've had people contact me from hyde park on Sunday morning and others who I've been in contact with from "the Gathering". God was definitely rockin' people's world yesterday!
The overall prayer for the 1st Gathering was, "Lord, give us a glimpse of what COULD be". He did.
I am still reeling from the sound of those students singing, "And i know, that You're alive - You came to fix, my broken life - and I sing to glorify, Your holy Name, Jesus Christ".
We began planning for January 18th's "Gathering" before Sunday nite was over. The opening for the next "Gathering" is gonna blow up!
Aaron opening the Gathering with his rap was amazing!
Narrow Way band = amazing.
Students saying they surrender to Jesus = amazing.
The way that God brought so many different people together = amazing
A wonderful meeting place (could it be any better?) = amazing
thanks to those who really made stuff happen: Justin Jacobs, Brendon, Amy Creamer, Mike Smith, Mitchell Cain, Ralph and Richard, Frieda Pitman, Bud, Donnie Paschall, Paul Brooks, Aaron, Stacy and Andy, Scott and Angela, all of Narrow Way Band (Robby, JB, Brandon, Regan, James, Charlie, Justin, Steven), Nathaniel, Jared, Tori... I know I'm forgetting something, but hear my heart: i ain't on purpose - I love you and thank you for giving to the Lord.
Much thanks to Ron Sanders for sponsoring us that we could meet in the Annex - The UC Annex is the perfect building for this type of event!
I AM SO PUMPED ABOUT THIS WEEKEND! Baptism and Lord's Supper - it's gonna be an amazing day!
I wanted to reiterate a couple of things about Sunday evening's message:
The overall vision for "the Gathering" is the realization of Psalm 102:18-22, which says, "Let this be written for a future generation (that's us), that a people not yet created may praise the Lord; The Lord looked down from His sanctuary on high, from heaven He viewed the earth, to hear the groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death. So the Name of the Lord will be declared in Zion (our region) and His praise in Jerusalem (Pembroke) when the peoples and the kingdoms assemble to worship the Lord.
how long will the believers in Jesus continue to straddle the fence? 21 Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." But the people said nothing. I'll tell ya, if God is going to begin a movement on the campus of UNCP and in our region, it's going to begin by creating a movement in your heart. Elijah looked at them and said, "If the Lord is God then follow him". What does it mean to follow Him? I'm not gonna give you the old "YOU CAN'T" list. You know what that is, right? You can't do this/that! Here's what it means to follow Him: You've gotta pursue holiness. Purity. Integrity. Uprightness. You need to receive the love of JESUS and then allow it to transform your actions towards others.
Does the altar of the Lord need to be "repaired"? 30 Then Elijah said to all the people, "Come here to me." They came to him, and he repaired the altar of the LORD, which was in ruins. The altar of the Lord is your heart. Before you can really see the "fire fall" on your life you've gotta repair the altar of the Lord.
These aren't all great shots, but I just wanted to give you a glimpse of last nites "Gathering at UNCP". Before I do so, a couple of notes:
We had about 150 people (give or take a few) there.
Our prayer was, "Lord, give us a glimpse of what COULD be". He did.
To hear all of them singing out, "fire, fall down, fire, fall down, on us we pray" will be a sound that I'll take throughout my life. It felt like a deep, deep prayer, a spiritual groaning...
The fact that we had leaders from 2 of the 3 campus ministries was HUGE for me. It truly felt like "a gathering".
We have already begun planning for January 18th - Mark your calendars - wait until you check the opening number: it WILL be off the chain!
Don't tell me God isn't still doing amazing things - January 18th, 2009 - the UC Annex - Be there!
Hopefully I'll post more pictures... by the way, check out our to hear Aaron's rap!
It's hard to believe that "The Gathering at UNCP" will gather for the first time in only 4 days?!? With everything getting ready to jump off those who are preparing are pumped, jacked, stoked, fired-up (and every other adjective you can think of to describe excitement!). If you're reading WholeHearted, then you know me and know that I am behind the work of "The Gathering" but there are others, and I wanted to take WholeHearted Thursday to introduce you to the others on the team that will make "the Gathering" happen (those reading on facebook or a reader need to go to site to see pics):
Donald Paschall - Donnie is one of my best buds in the world and is the pastor of Oakton Church in Proctorville. Since Donnie got to Oakton, P'ville has been rockin'. Donnie loves JESUS with all of His heart and has continuously demonstrated that to me through the years that we've known each other. Donnie has a heart for the next generations, revival and the Glory of God being shown in our land. Donnie is a member of the teaching team of "the Gathering".
Paul Brooks - I love Paul Brooks. Paul loves JESUS and has shown me that his desire, above all else, is to bring Him glory with his life - this is no doubt why I love to spend time with him. Paul is unofficially a chaplin with a few of the sports programs at UNCP and has a great relationship with the coaching staff and many of the players on our UNCP Braves Football team. Paul is also a member, teacher and deacon at hyde park and a member of the teaching team of "The Gathering".
Narrow Way Band - NWB is the rockin' worship leaders for the Gathering. I am so looking forward to the day when the Lord raises up a band from right there on the campus, but in the meantime NWB has it covered. God has really blessed NWB in that we have a few different worship leaders that you may have not seen lead with us and you'll see different people front NWB, it won't just be mike p in the leader spot.
Brendon Jonsson - Brendon has been a life-saver for us on the promo / social networking side. I haven't had the privilege of knowing Brendon for a long time but have really been impressed with his heart for the Lord, for our campus and those who don't yet know Jesus. When you see him tell him thanks for all he's done!
Other shout out's go to...
Ron Sanders - Ron has been the Baptist campus minister at UNCP for many years. No doubt the number of prayers that he has prayed for the campus and for the tens of thousands of students who have passed through on his watch. RON HAS BEEN HUGE IN THE BIRTHING OF "THE GATHERING". I truly believe that this "thing" that I believe that God can make a movement of was partially conceived from Ron's faithfulness
Kyle Jacumin - Kyle is the Baptist Student Union president and was, perhaps, the first student that I shared the vision of "The Gathering" with. I have appreciated his insight into baptist student life on the campus of UNCP as we've journeyed toward "The Gathering".
Bud Parrish, director of missions for Robeson Baptist association was on board from day one, seeing that there is a huge void in our region for this kind of thing. Pastor Chris Hunt of Berea Church in Pembroke was probably the person who showed me that "the Gathering" could really happen. On the day when we shared the vision with Pastor Chris he wholeheartedly jumped on board saying that he thought that this could be huge - i love people who have Kingdom vision! Also, Mike Cummings and Manny Mintac of Burnt Swamp Association said that they were excited about "the Gathering". And students Justin Jacobs and Kelli Lambert have been at the top of the support list (the names are too numerous to remember...)
But the man who most encouraged this was my Pastor, Dennis Harrell. He has said since I walked through the doors in '99 that "we could reach the world through UNCP, because the world comes to us there". If he wasn't behind "the Gathering" the first plan would not have been made.
We close today with a song that you'll want to know when you attend Sunday nite - I heard through the grapevine that this song will be a part of the nite. (Keep checking facebook to see versions of other songs from this weekend's "Gathering")
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I can't believe that it's gonna happen this Sunday!!!
Not only is this Homecoming weekend at UNCP (the Braves are 6-1 / these guys are ROCKIN' THE HOUSE!!!) but it is also
GATHERING WEEKEND!!!
When we began talking about "The Gathering at UNCP" back in the spring it seemed so far off... now it's time to get it on:
This Sunday Nite: 6PM UNCP Annex (located next to the Givens Performing Arts Center) Everyone is welcome
God has opened up so many doors for this to happen... other churches, ministries, even the perfect location.
We've had lots of students say that they are coming and bringing their friends - we are planning on a challenging evening of worship to the King. Our main objective: that the students of UNCP would catch a glimpse of what could truly happen spiritually on their campus. WE CAN'T MAKE IT HAPPEN. It's not about us or hyde park - it's about JESUS and the fact that He wants every student on that campus to discover and trust Him for salvation and for their whole lives.
I also hope that some from the community will come and check out what the Lord can do when we do passionate worship to Him in the context that the next generation can best relate to and express their hearts to Him. Join me in praying that this will happen.
Everyone who is wanting to help out, whether it be set up, moving, hospitality or greeting, LET ME KNOW. We are looking forward to a powerful evening!
Yesterday I posted the 1st of my thoughts concerning "The Gathering at UNCP" (check it out here 1st). These are my thoughts, prayers and overall foundation for what this new ministry is all about. Yesterday I shared:
The Role of the Gathering in relation to UNCP / Pembroke
One Purpose is to be a preparer of spiritual soil for the future harvest
To be a Foundation Builder for the future church
Part 2: The Gathering will be a New Paradigm/Teacher
Most of us resist change. In our desire to remain holy and separate from the world it is easy to forsake anything which is different from what we're used to. Another problem is exposure and the fact that many in the church have little knowledge about technology, methods and its usage to reach out to people for Jesus. "The Gathering" will use relevant methods to communicate the gospel to a generation that has no ties to the methodology of the 1950's model of church that most of our bodies still represent.
As "The Gathering" attempts to reach those that are still unreached by the true gospel message, I believe that it will show many, from the local church, who are unfamiliar with modern forms of expression another way to do church. As they watch, observe, listen and participate they will be challenged to view what is happening in the light of the scriptures, challenging themselves in what the bible says about worship and culture, hopefully understanding how they can use this expression in the context of their local bodies. It is my hope that "The Gathering" challenges the church in the ways that we communicate who Jesus is to people who don't yet know Him.
The Gathering is Not a Church
No, "The Gathering" is not a church and I am not the pastor. I feel the calling and believe God has shown me that Lumberton is my specific mission field. I believe that the reason that I feel called to do this is that God will use what He has placed in me as a spark to do what He wills on the campus that I too once walked. I never in my wildest dreams imagined that He would bring me back in this context.
So, though it isn't a church, it is a gathering of the church and my prayer is that it will be a vehicle by which God can inspire the church, open doors for the church and inspire the planting of New Breed Churches in our region. I also pray that God will use it to embolden the church and prepare the church to live out it's God-breathed purpose:
The Bride of Christ is to be the earthly body of Jesus Christ - extending His hands in His Name and making known His love and sacrifice the He might draw all men to Himself.
I mentioned this the other day:
Our churches are struggling with reaching this generation. Statistics (LifeWay research) show the dropout rate of baptist 18-22 year olds is 70% (!!!!). These aren't all 18-22 year olds - these are the ones who are currently attending our churches. Thom Rainer, CEO of LifeWay, states that this is because "church is not essential to them.". It's obvious that we are not "connecting" this generation and their college years are enormously foundational in the direction of the remainder of their lives.
None of us is doing a great job reaching 18-22 year olds (often college students) - we want to see that changed! "The Gathering" is just my little contribution to the overall emphasis - Who is with me?!?
(The following statements were originally written on August 13th)
Here are some thoughts that I have had while specifically praying last week about "The Gathering". I believe these thoughts to be response to prayer about my role in "The Gathering", and Pembroke in general. I've been wrestling for a while about the call of church planting and what my role in the planting of future churches might be.
I have had Pembroke, specifically the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, on my heart for more than 2 years now. The following is the result (at least currently) of those 2 years of thoughts, prayers, musings, speeches, messages and leadings.
For the purpose of clarity let me say that I believe the local church to be God's vehicle to rescue an unregenerate world. The sad truth about that is that most local bodies are not prepared to reach into their societies and their non-christian cultures for the purpose of the gospel. In most churches you'll see that, unless something drastic happens, most of their membership will pass in the next 20 years leaving a huge void in the area of local church.
I believe that the response to this growing void in the area of evangelism and the need for evangelistic local churches is the planting of what I'll call, "New Breed Churches" (which I will now refer to as NBC's). The NBC's have decided that they will be faithful to do whatever is necessary, short of sin, to reach INTO their communities with the gospel. An "NBC" understands that the culture of their church does matter and that their methods MUST differ from those of past generations while being careful that their message remains consistent with biblical doctrine and standards. An NBC understands that the message NEVER changes, although the method must from generation to generation for the perpetuation of the gospel.
The Role of the Gathering in relation to UNCP / Pembroke
I believe that "The Gathering" is a forerunner to "the Harvest" in our region:
A preparer of spiritual soil for the future harvest
A foundation builder for the future church
A new paradigm/teacher, showing a new way to reach people
A preparer of spiritual soil for the future harvest
Jesus often used farming analogies to speak relevantly to those He was communicating with. To stay with His thoughts, I see "The Gathering" in these terms. One of the great works that will happen is that "The Gathering" will begin to prepare soil not necessarily ready for harvest in an unreached people group/generation. This generation, statistically, is a "spiritual" generation. The problem is that their spirituality is based on feelings and bad theology. Many want to know God, as will always be the case, but have decided to seek Him "their own way". Statistics also show that their problems are with "the church" and the fact that we are more known by what we are against than what we are for. We pray that God will use "the Gathering" to prepare the hearts of those we wish to rescue for the promised harvest of the Lord.
A Foundation Builder for the future church
"The Gathering" is not a church. "The Gathering" will not be a church. I believe that God may use it to build a foundation for a future NBC (prayerfully many), a church that can reach out to those that most churches are not prepared to reach out to.
When: Sunday Nite, October 19th Where: The Annex - University of North Carolina at Pembroke What time: 6:00 pm Who: Everybody who is anybody at UNCP better be there - on Sunday Nite, the 19th, "the Gathering" is going to be the place to be!!!!
Had a great lunch meeting with Paul Brooks, who's on the Gathering team, talking about many, many things. Definitely at the center of conversation was "the Gathering". Our conversations are always challenging, encouraging and a blessing (Proverbs 27:17 - I love people who make me think). Paul's heart for Pembroke is deep and God is going to use him in amazing ways there in the future. I thank God for bringing him into my life.
Check out "the Gathering - UNCP" facebook page - just added today by Gathering team member, Brendon Jonsson...
For those of you who aren't "in the know" about "the Gathering":
Hyde Park Church, in conjuntion with the UNCP Baptist Student Union and other campus Christian organizations, will be hosting a one-per-month, on-campus Sunday nite gathering called, "The Gathering" (how imaginative, huh?). "The Gathering" will meet on 3rd Sunday Nites at the brand-new UNCP Annex - centrally located on campus between the Student Center and The Givens Performing Arts Center
Music for the event will be provided by local worship leaders, Narrow Way Band - Mike Pittman and the Gathering Team will bring the messages.
The purpose of "The Gathering": a place where all Christians from different groups, BSU, FCA, Campus Crusade and area churches can come together for the purpose of worship (in a context purposely designed to reach students), community, glorifiying God and most importantly, evangelism. "The Gathering" is going to be a place on campus where Christians can bring their non-Christian friends and allow God to show them who He is. Sunday nites are a great time: not much is happening on campus - we are petitioning God to" create a buzz among the students.
Our churches are struggling with reaching this generation. Statistics (LifeWay research) show the dropout rate of baptist 18-22 year olds is 70% (!!!!). These aren't all 18-22 year olds - these are the ones who are currently attending our churches. Tom Rainer, CEO of LifeWay, states that this is because "church is not essential to them.". It's obvious that we are not "connecting" this generation and their college years are enormously foundational in the direction of the remainder of their lives. None of us is doing a great job reaching 18-22 year olds (often college students) - we want to see that changed!
Prayerfully, "The Gathering" at UNCP will fill a place in students hearts that will show them God's plan for them in this time and begin to show them how "essential" their faith is to their whole lives.
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Disclaimer
Disclaimer
i am the Music and Education Pastor at Hyde Park Church in Lumberton - A DIFFERENT KIND OF CHURCH. All the opinions, thoughts, rants and accidental, occasional depth (anything i say good is usually by accident) that are expressed on this site do not necessarily reflect the views of hyde park, Pastor Dennis Harrell, other staff members. Don't even try to blame Keyna - she shakes her head too!
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