Steeple Transformation

No thank you. I'm simply too busy and not in need of any additional business. These words were recently spoken to me. Pretty much leaving me speechless. I thanked him for his time and then hung up the phone.

Let's call this guy Hank. Hank owns a business and I was offering referrals with virtually no investment from Hank. Potentially generating thousands in sales for Hank. From my perspective, it was a huge win win. From Hank's perspective, it was simply additional noise in an already noisy world.

Huh. Shortly after this experience, my head started to spin. I was amazed, astonished, confused, and puzzled. What just happened? What went wrong?

The church and the lost instantly popped to mind. The lost are everywhere. The car behind us, the cubicle next to us, the house next to us, or the seat in front of us. Ironically enough, the church is everywhere. Across the bridge or down the street, a steeple is likely around the corner.

But, does the church ever relate with Hank? Looking at referrals, the lost, as simply additional noise in an already noisy world. The lost walking past these steeples. The church huddling underneath these steeples. Only drywall and lumber separating the two. Yet, this drywall and lumber appearing as mighty walls. Perhaps it's time for a reverse Jericho...with the church blowing their trumpets and allowing their walls to crumble.

I'm not here to condemn or convict. I love the church! I'm part of the church. But, I cannot ignore the stirring of God. Telling me to roll up my sleeves and get dirty as reaching and saving the lost is dirty business. It will stretch our comforts and customs. It will remold and reshape our steeples. It will not only change the lives of the lost...but, it will change me and you.

I can only speak for myself. But, I'm ready...ready to...

- Let go of my me mentality.
- Stand behind the leaders God has lead my way.
- And...short of sin, do whatever it takes to reach and save the lost.

Anyone with me? Let not Hank infiltrate our steeples as these steeples cost God the life of Christ. Until next time. Jed.

Get Dirty

Did you know more than one billion people don't have access to clean safe drinking water. That's one in six of us! In fact, 80% of all diseases originate from unsafe water and a lack of basic sanitation. Wow! Parkview Christian Academy will be change agents for these startling statistics by launching a Dirty Water Campaign in early November.

Parkview Christian Academy has partnered with LiquidWater.com who inspire and resource like minded organizations to "get dirty" and help tackle the global water crisis. Together, Parkview Christian Academy will be raising funds to dig wells in Africa. These wells will literally transform villages overnight. Every amount large or small has a lasting impact as a gift of only $20.00 provides clean water per child for the next twenty years.

So, what's a Dirty Water Campaign? The parents and students will drink only water for three weeks. The money saved by not purchasing coffee, pop, and so on will be donated to the cause. 100% of the money raised will go straight to Africa and straight to to these wells. Through this Dirty Water Campaign, the students will learn to give back and transform the world in which they live.

And we have great news! Businesses, churches, families, friends, neighbors, and most importantly you are all welcomed to join this great cause! If you're interested in participating, please contact Jim Apker at 630-553-5158 or via email at japker@parkviewchristian.net. Don't forget that 100% of the money raised will go straight to Africa!

Questions For My Kids

I often wonder about the future and my kids...and how these two will inevitably interact and intertwine. What parent doesn't? Questions like: where is everything heading, how will my kids get there, and what in the world will it look like?

Funny thing about all of this wondering. It quickly becomes focused on me! Sound familiar? I can't help but think of the Israelites. Wandering around the wilderness. Asking these same questions. Where is everything heading? How will my kids get there? And...what in the world will it look like? Quickly focusing on themselves and forgetting a most important truth.

So, let's borrow a bit of wisdom from Don Miller's latest. Ready, set, go...

Don reminds us we're just a tree in a story about a forest. Or, simply put, life is bigger than me or you! And...let's not forget the story of the forest is greater than the story of the tree. Once again, life is bigger than me or you! But, here's the cool part. These trees are allowed to create within this forest. Brilliant color, growth, and even death. Continually bringing glory to the forest.

What does it all mean?

As far as the future is concerned...articles, blogs, interviews, news, and shows will continue to produce more questions than answers. These questions will be growing, reproducing, and thriving for me, my kids, and even my kids kids. But, by continually glorifying the Author of our story, we'll find peace in knowing these questions are better left unanswered. With answers...faith would be dead and useless. And that's a world I care not know.

O taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who trusts in Him. Psalm 34:8.

Gasping For Air & Missing It

It's been a slow week around here due to a busy life. Sound familiar? You're nodding yes...I know it.

Someone once talked to me about slowing down and pressing pause. Says it came from some book. Something about being still and knowing God is God.

Who knows? Perhaps I should be reading this book. It just might help me catch my breath.

What do you think?

My Top Five This Week

5) Once again...listening to my three year old sing Christ Is Risen from Matt Maher's latest. This one will likely hit the next few weeks. It's simply the best!
4) Gaining momentum with Liquid Water at Parkview Christian Academy. One great cause for one great school. Not only impacting lives inside. But, soon to be impacting lives outside...through the simple gift of water.
3) Hanging out with a couple totally different yet equally compelling congregations...across two states. I love my work!
2) Eating a Bear Claw from up north. Walnuts, caramel, and chocolate. How can one go wrong?
1) Upgrading from Leopard to Snow Leopard. Wow! I'm loving it and so wish I lived in an all Mac World.

Innovate Arts Mash Up

The sessions from this year's Innovate Conference are up. Although, all are well worth your time. Don't miss this one. Needing a boost of innovative inspiration? This one is the ticket. Noted as the Arts Mash Up and highlighted by the folks at:

- Community Christian Church
- Relevant Church
- Crossover Church
- Liquid Church

Words cannot express the coolness and uniqueness of each. The simple wow factor of reaching their culture for Christ. Invest the time. Watch it and please let me know your thoughts.