Benji Kelley

Membership Meeting Last Night!

2010-08-31T13:40:00.002-04:00

Last night, we experienced an amazing membership meeting! There was an electric vibe in the air as so many leaders gathered who love this church and truly want to live as faithful followers of Jesus! I am including my notes below. In addition to my little talk, we enjoyed Worship, all Senior Staff members sharing what excites them most about church, a budget report from last year and the budget for 2010 - 11 presented by our Finance Team. I thank God for 685 amazing members at newhope - YOU really are the backbone of this church body! I love you all dearly and the best is yet to come!

Here are my notes in unedited fashion:

Annual Membership Meeting
August 30, 2010
7 pm

One of the best things we EVER did in the early days was we made membership actually mean something! At my previous church, all members received free burial plots. What is that all about? :-)

Not here – as such, our membership number will always be much smaller than our congregation. 2 – 3 K people come to this church now but 685 members are the core of this Christ centered community! And dare I say, that because of you, and the other members not here tonight, God has been growing a phenomenal church! Give someone a strong high five!

Seriously, we have always said the membership is the backbone of this body! You are the ones called upon to grow in the GRACE of God, GIVE the biblical tithe, do life in Small GROUPS, serve God’s church through your spiritual GIFTS, and GO into the world making disciples! And through your efforts and collective faithfulness, look at what God is doing in and through and among us!

I have been struck with 2 realities lately:

1. How this whole dealio is nothing less than a God thing!

2. How we have to steward this movement well. It is all so fragile and requires intentional leadership and stewardship.

Stewardship - The historical areas of struggle for church leadership has involved sexual sin and abuse of power involving money/finances--Satan uses these areas of vulnerability to undercut, interrupt, and sometimes destroy the Church--much to the disappointment of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ--I have talked openly about the precautions I have personally taken to protect my heart from sexual temptation and sin.

Please know I am also committed to making sure we protect the Church from financial related abuse of power--our goal is responsible oversight of our financial and operational activities, functions, policies, procedures, and decision-making.

As such, we have put together a brand new Finance Team that will help us lead this church with solid stewardship and transparency. You will hear from this team later tonight. Kuddos to Fran Helpingstine for putting together a first class team. We have a Personnel Team that I work closely with in terms of setting personnel compensation. We are understaffed around this church these days and still need to make up some ground on paying our staff what they deserve, but we are working diligently catch up and lead this church in a way commensurate with what she is becoming, which is a major force to be reckoned with.

And Satan is trying to do his own reckoning! Our goal, our prayer, is to NOT allow Satan to distract and disrupt our Church from our Mission to seek and save the lost nor to undercut the good we have already accomplished and break the hearts of those we serve.

ILLUSTRATION: How the Mighty Fall, by Jim Collins

Examples of those who have fallen: Bank of America, Circuit City, Motorola

Quote from page 3

The result – page 20

I see our greatest danger right now possibly being in stage 1. Not that we too prideful or arrogant, but that we have to resist it every step of the way and point people to the fact that this is nothing less than a GOD THING! We have to resist the hubris born of success! As we grow in popularity and more and more people find newhope, we will need to resist this tendency!

ILLUSTRATION: Motorola – cell phone technology was going digital instead antiquated. When that change was taking place, Motorola’s CEO said, "37 million customers can't be wrong." In the next 5 yrs, they lost the corner on the market and now they are all but extinct.

Collins then gives two key reasons why this happens, why this hubris of success stage kicks in? Other than the pride, two things happen – this is so pertinent for the church!

1. “Neglect of Primary Flywheel” What do you think he means by that? (Page 43) FOCUS – FOCUS – FOCUS!

2. Forgetting the Why!

Vision – Why do we REACH, TEACH, AND RELEASE?

5 G’s of Membership – why do commit to these? Let’s answer out loud!

Grow in GRACE

Do life together in Small GROUPS

Serve according to our GIFTS

Why do we GIVE 10 % of our income to God’s work in the world

Why do we GO into the world to invest and invite in people far from God?

Why? MAINLY BECAUSE THEY ARE NATURAL GROWTHS OF WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW JESUS!

Conclusion

ILLUSTRATION: It Makes a Difference - There is a little story that comes from a book called the Star Fisher. Picture if you will an early morning along a California beach. An elderly man is walking along the edge of the water and stops occasionally, picks up something, and then tosses it into the ocean. He then walks a few steps more, picks up something, and tosses it into the ocean. A young jogger is running along and has been watching the man. Finally his curiosity gets the best of him and he stops and goes over to the old gentleman and asks: "Excuse me, what are you doing?"

The man answered: Well, I am saving the life of these star fish. The storm washed them ashore last night, the sun will be up in thirty minutes, and then they will all die. I am throwing them back into the water to save their lives.

The jogger was a bit astounded. Old man, he said, don't you know that you have thirty miles of beach ahead of you and that millions of those starfish were washed ashore last night. What possible difference do you think that you are going to make. The old man took another step picked up a star fish, and with all his might hurled it into the ocean, then turned to the jogger and said: "Well, son, I guess I made a difference in that one's life."

Every time we teach a child that Jesus made them, loves them, and wants to be their very best friend – it makes a difference to that one child.
Every time we disciple a student and equip him/her to live for Jesus during the challenges of adolescence – it makes a difference to that one student!
Every time we get a person in a Small Group to experience community – it makes a difference to that one believer or soon to be believer!
Every time we move a person from spectator Worship to fully engaged Worship – it makes a difference to that one follower of Jesus!
Every time we get someone to move from complacent or selfish X to living for others outside the walls of this church through HOPE missions, it makes a profound difference in the life of that person.

GREAT CHURCHES ARE BUILT ONE PERSON AT A TIME!

“I feared the thought that my life might pass me by without God moving greatly on my behalf.” (Fresh Wind Fresh Fire, by Jim Cymbala)

Here’s the great news, beloved, God is moving greatly on our behalf. It is supernatural! Let’s stay focused, lazar sharp focused and let’s never forget why we are doing what we are doing. He is worthy and those we Reach, Teach, and Release are worth it!

Let’s pray together!

Bride with a Broken Heart - Part II

2010-08-29T17:32:00.001-04:00

Already Longing for Sunday!

2010-08-25T12:05:00.003-04:00

I usually get fired up about Sundays on or around Friday afternoon and it stayed that way through the beginning of Worship. However, something is happening inside of my spirit this particular week and I am already stink'in stoked about part two of our new series titled, “A Bride with a Broken Heart.”

Part of that, I believe, is because Sunday was such a strong day. In my humble opinion, I think last Sunday was one of the best Worship Celebrations we have ever experienced at newhope. That sentiment has been reaffirmed by many newhopers this week. Part of that, I believe, is because we are clearly cranking into that exciting fall season in the life of the church. August has become the new September in the church and you can simply sense the ground swell taking place as everyone comes off of the summer scatter and starts to settle back into the habits of school, church, work, etc...

But part of my excitement, I know, is because of what I am already sensing God is going to do this coming Sunday at newhope. I will be speaking on the message found in Ephesians 3 as the apostle Paul talks about being rooted and established in love. In addition, we have two incredible video elements coming together that I am hoping will reinforce the biblical message and practically equip us to be more faithful to the Gospel! In addition to that, I have looked over the song list and the music is going to be anointed as Adam and Micah co-leads Worship!

Can I ask you to go ahead and pray for Sunday? Can I ask you to go ahead and invite some friends? This is a season in which people are open to new habits and invitations to church. Seize the season, newhope, and let's watch God do immeasurably more than we can hope or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20)

See you Sunday!

Bride with a Broken Heart - Part I

2010-08-23T14:58:00.001-04:00

Iron Sharpening Iron

2010-08-20T09:12:00.005-04:00

I have about 6 hours before I catch flight back home later today. I miss my family BIG time and can't wait to see Amy Lynn and the kiddos.

It feels good to have a little time just to catch up on blogging, the sermon for Sunday, and other lose ends. As such, I thought I would give an update on what in the world I have been doing in South Dakota this week.

Every year, the four guys in the pic above spend 5 - 6 days together with the sole purpose of having lots of fun and sharpening one another in the process. Since riding Harley Davidsons is a passion for each of us, our trip always includes riding bikes. We ride all day long, stopping every hour or so, to talk about ministry, family, balancing the two, challenges we are facing, our churches, leading on the next level etc... We ask penetrating questions and never accept fluffy and/or easy answers. We talk about our joys, our frustrations, and the hard core nitty gritty challenges of leading growing movements to the glory and honor of Jesus. We understand one another and our unique challenges and our friendships and annual trips just getter better with every passing year.

It is the best example, in my life anyway, of that great verse in Proverbs that says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. ." (Proverbs 27:17) These men sharpen me every time I am with them. I am a better dad because of these dudes. I am growing as a follower of Jesus because of their contagious love for Christ. I am becoming a better pastor, in all aspects, because of this time we spend together every year. My leadership capacity increases because of the collective wisdom in this group. My heart for Christ and His ministry through me is expanded due to our friendships.

Kevin, Keith, and Craig - thanks for your iron sharpening friendship and the thousands and thousands of miles we have cruised together. I am eternally grateful for you and how God uses you in my life and ministry! Until next year brothers, keep it in the wind and may the wind of God's Holy Spirit blow strong in and through your ministries and families.

Butt Prints in the Sand

2010-08-19T10:41:00.000-04:00

I have received multiple requests for a copy of the Butt Prints in the Sand poem I shared on Sunday. Here you go - I LOVE THIS, BTW. This is hilarious but most importantly, it is also chopped full of good theology!

-----

One night I had a wondrous dream,
One set of footprints there was seen,
The footprints of my precious Lord,
But mine were not along the shore.

But then some stranger prints appeared,
And I asked the Lord, “what have we here?”
Those prints are large and round and neat,
“But Lord, they are too big for feet.”

“My child,” He said in somber tones,
“For miles I carried you alone.
I challenged you to step out in faith,
But you only asked, “What’s that about?”

“You disobeyed, you would not grow,
The walk of faith, you would not know,
So I got tired, I got fed up,
And there I dropped you on your butt.”

“Because in life, there comes a time,
To take that step, to decide to climb,
When one must rise and take a stand,
Or leave their butt prints in the sand.”

(This is a tweaked version of the original "Footprints in the Sand" Poem)

One Prayer - Unstoppable Life and Some Sunday Reflections from 30,000 Feet Up!

2010-08-15T14:47:00.002-04:00

Today was a REALLY good day at newhope. What's more - I really needed Worship today. It fed my spirit and soul and I needed every second of it.
I shared with the church this am that last Sunday was the first time we ever had 100 students at !mpact and Pulse! (And it's Summer time)
Salvation is Here is by far one of my favorite songs right now. The beat and the words rock!
Tons of guests again this Sunday and the overwhelming majority of them are African American and Asians. That's a trip and straight from the heart of God!
Right now, I am 30,000 feet high on a flight from the Twin Cities heading into Rapid City, South Dakota. Never been here before but really looking forward to doing life with three of my best friends in all the world.
I already miss my fam BIG time. I'm looking forward to the travel slowing down. It's been one CRAZY summer!
I miss Kenya. I miss Kiria. I miss Eunice and Joseph from Kenya! I love the bond that the 25 newhopers share every Sunday now after traveling and serving together.
I loved preaching on the Unstoppable Life today. It is one my favorite subjects! Jesus said the Kingdom of God was at hand. That is present tense and not some futuristic pie in the sky fluff. It impacts us here and now and gives us life abundantly. (John 10:10)
I am thoroughly enjoying my new assistant, Lucie Poulin. Can I just say, SHE IS THE BOMB! Lucie has been on staff for over a year now but just moved in to this new role. She was made for this role and I am sooooooo blessed!
I love the newhope volunteers! From the student ministry, to the children's ministry, to First Contact, to Worship Arts - you folks are the best!
We are starting to descend. Gotta go - peace out good people!

Meet Our Eunice!

2010-08-12T16:08:00.004-04:00

This is Eunice. We were able to meet her in person while in Kenya a few weeks ago. She has been our adopted daughter for close to two years now. We think she is beautiful and still can't believe we were able to meet her in person!

Thanks to Compassion International for the opportunity to adopt such a wonderful girl. Thanks to my wife, Amy Lynn, who arranged for Anna Grace and I to meet Eunice, along with three other newhopers being able to meet their adopted children on the same trip.

Leadership Summit Reflections

2010-08-10T02:55:00.002-04:00

Even though it is a new week, I am trying to keep reflecting on the amazing speakers we heard last Thursday and Friday. Here are a few notes we heard from an interview with Terri Kelly, the President and CEO of W.L. Gore & Associates.

“To be innovative, you have to create an environment of collaboration.”
“Gore is a peer-based organization.”
“You want to encourage everyone to connect to everyone in their network.”
“We don’t tell people what to do, and we don’t tell people what projects to work on.” …instead leaders use influence
“We believe everyone can make a significant contribution.”
“Not all ideas bubble up to be great ideas.”
“We use a peer review process to make sure great ideas bubble up.”
“The notion that the leader is responsible for coaching and mentoring the whole organization is very limiting.”
“One of the important roles of leaders is to figure out how to divide in order to multiply.”
“Who doesn’t want to be believed in?”
“The leadership sets the tone for the values. The organization is watching to make sure their actions truly align.”
“They are only a leader if there are people who want to follow them.”

One Prayer - Unstoppable Love - Part IV

2010-08-08T13:28:00.002-04:00

Andy Stanley at the Leadership Summit 2010

2010-08-07T18:46:00.002-04:00

Andy Stanley wrapped up day one of the 2010 Leadership Summit. Here are some of the highlights from his talk:

* “Every organization has problems that shouldn’t be solved and tensions that shouldn’t be resolved.”
* “If you resolve some tensions, it’ll lead to other tensions.”
* “Progress doesn’t depend on the resolution of tensions but on the management of those tensions.”
* “If it’s a problem that keeps resurfacing, it’s a tension to be managed.”
* “The role of leadership is to leverage the tension for the benefit of the organization.”
* “Often times the right person doesn’t win the argument, but someone wins the argument.”
* “Certain tensions are the key to progress.”
* For leaders… “Continually give value to both sides, and don’t weigh in too heavily with your personal biases.”
* “Don’t allow strong personalities to win the day.”
* “Don’t think in terms of balance – think in terms of rhythm.
* “As a leader, never try to be fair.” Fairness ended in the garden! :-)

The Land Between by Jeff Manion

2010-08-06T13:26:00.003-04:00

I just heard one of the greatest sermons I have ever heard! It was by a man I had never heard of before. He is Jeff Manion and he preached from the Old Testament about the land between. You know, that difficult place we often find ourselves when we REALLY need a break through. Pastor Manion likened it to Israel's journey between Egypt and the Promised Land, namely the Wilderness. He divided the Word among us masterfully and everyone was gripped with the message. I am sure my notes will not do it justice but here you go.

BTW - he has a new book out called, "The Land Between." You can order here.

Sermon - The Land Between by Jeff Manion

“For now,” is the language of the land between. For now, I am working at the gas station…for now, I am living at home w/ my parents…for now, my daughter who at 7 was free and happy at 17 she is angry, defiant, and lost…for now, prayer does not seem to work…

The land between is dry, barren, and like the wilderness.

Think of Moses. He didn't want the job. Exodus 3, I will take them out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. There was no space b/w. What happened?

We find them there for 2 years – how did they eat in that dryness, barrenness?

Numbers 11:4 – 6 (You have to read this with a whining voice… :-)

Don't place yourself above the characters but place yourself in the characters. There is something about this that is like cosmic treason. They r saying, “God we don’t need you and we are sick of this, the land between.”

I. The land between is fertile for complaining.

Number 11:11 – 14 (Notice the pronouns, I, Me, My) The land b/w is fertile soil for whining and emotional meltdown. It’s too heavy, I can’t carry this anymore, if you love me go ahead and kill me. :-)

Examples: Camp counselor, marriage, barren woman, divisive split in church etc…I can’ take this anymore – it is too heavy. Anyone who has ever been in ministry for any length of time will experience this emotion.

Numbers 11:16 – 17, “They will HELP YOU carry the burden…”

II. The land b/w is not just fertile soil for whining but for God’s Provision!

God loves to provide, maybe it is patience, maybe it is another job, maybe it is pulling you out of depression, and maybe it is whatever... BUT HE PROVIDES.

God loves to provide!

Elijah had a meltdown and God didn’t give him a lecture but gave him bread on hot coals.

God gives them meat so much that it will come out of their nostrils and they basically said, “We were better off without you.” This is cosmic treason. Is the arm of the Lord too short? Can God not intervene?

III. The land between is not only the place of whining, not only for God’s provision, but also God’s discipline!

Discipline is inflicting pain for redemptive purposes! (Not just for pain’s sake)

IV. FINAL AND KEY POINT: The land between is fertile soil for transformative growth!

There are heart issues that have to be addressed. Faith can die here or you can be transformed!

TRUST IS KEY IN THE LAND B/W. TRUST EVICTS COMPLAINT.

THE LAND B/W, THAT WE HATE, IS THE PLACE WHERE GOD PRODUCES THE FRUIT THAT WE MOST DESIRE AND NEED TO BE ALL THAT HE WANTS US TO BE!

Session #3 - Adam Hamilton

2010-08-05T17:23:00.002-04:00

Today Pastor Adam Hamilton shared a powerful talk on the potential and danger of moral failures. BTW - this was an fantastic talk that I plan to spend lots of time discussing with our team. Like all these notes, they are raw and unedited and simply posted here just as I typed them.

Why are leaders susceptible?

1. We are hardwired for reproductively
2. We are wired for sexual intimacy
3. We have a sin drive.

WHEN YOU PUT THESE REALITIES TOGETHER, IT IS A RECIPE FOR DISASTER.
(Romans 7 – who can save me from the sin and death…)

Moral failures happens with a slow fade…the moment of the maybe. And you play with this in your mind and think, “What would this be like?” That is the beginning of the affair.

We don’t ask, “How could this end good? What would this do to the children?” How would this hurt my wife/husband?”

Never share any feelings with the other person. Don't let the devil ride because will want to drive. You have to move from maybe to NO!

The Five R’s of resisting temptation:

1. Remember who you are – u r a child of the king, a dad, a husband, a pastor etc…
2. Recognize the consequences of your actions. Ask yourself, “Will I feel better or worse, proud or ashamed, more human/less, what will happen to the church?
3. Rededicate yourself to God. (Stop, drop and prayer)
4. Reveal your struggle to a trusted friend (James 5:16)
5. Remove ourselves from a situation.

Two Key Points/Big Ideas:
1. The aim of the Christian life is sanctification… (I Thes. 4:3 – 5, 7)
2. All of us struggle with temptation – the final word of the church must always be grace. (John 8)

Session #2 – Jim Collins

2010-08-05T15:38:00.003-04:00

Read the book, How the Mighty Fall! This is the best book I have read this year!

He covers 5 stages to decline or eventual death of a church or organization. In this book, Collins unpacks how that happens.

The Five Stages are:

I. Hubris born of success -

Level 5 leaders never make it about them and they NEVER give up. Good to great leaders r different – they are cut from a different cloth. There is a difference between level 4 and level 5 leaders.

THE SIGNATURE THAT SEPARATED THE LEVEL 5 LEADERS FROM LEVEL 4 LEADERS IS HUMILITY!

That humility is NOT soft. It is coupled with passion, never giving up, a strong will, and doing whatever it takes to succeed!

We have to keep in mind that bad decisions made with good intentions are still bad decisions!

II. Undisciplined pursuit of more

The biggest sign is breaking "packards law" – allowing growth to exceed the number of fantastic people in the key seats will cause failure.

III. Denial of risk and peril

In the church, we have a tendency to deny numbers falling, lack of passion, and vision alignment etc…

Discuss with the newhope team the graph in his book about teams on the way down vs teams on the way up.

Never confuse facts with fate. Facts must be your friends.

IV. Grasping for Salvation

This is when you are thrown over the top and you are falling and it is obvious to everyone, even you. It takes accumulative turning of the flywheel. It takes persistent improvement over the course of the long haul.

V. Stage 5 – Capitulation to irrelevance and death

The companies that make it over the long haul have a reason to endure. What would be loss if we disappeared? Great companies are built for things that last and endure! Values and purpose enable many to last and endure…

The secret to mediocrity is chronic inconsistency

Our goal MUST be to preserve the core and stimulate progress!

Core values and BHAGS are key to keep in tension.

10 points of application: (Jimcollins.com – take the test together as a team)

1. Do your diagnosis regularly?

2. Count your blessings (Success you did not cause – it is always humbling)

3. Ask the right questions

4. How many key seats are on your bus? How many key seats are full and what are your plan to fill it to 100%?

5. Do the diagnostic tools in the notebook with the team.

6. Create an inventory of the brutal facts.

7. Have a NOT to do list!

8. Define results and show clicks on the flywheel or milestones and celebrate whenever possible.

9. Double your reach to young people by changing your practices without changing your core values

10. Set BHAGS (it helps us know God is not done with our work)

NEVER GIVE IN! NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER GIVE IN OR GIVE UP ON YOUR PURPOSE OR CORE VALUES!

Session #1 - Bill Hybels

2010-08-05T13:17:00.003-04:00

Host Site – newhope church
Aug 5 – 6, 2010

Opening Session: Bill Hybels

I. Leaders move people from here to there!

Leadership is movement. It is movement to a preferred future! People can be stubborn and not want to leave “here.” Point – do not always talk about how good it is “there” but describe how bad it is to stay “here.” After you talk about how bad it is here, we can’t stay here – then you are free to cast a compelling vision of what “there” is all about.

ILLUSTRATION: DR. MLK, JR. – he did this all the time, especially before he gave, the “there speech” I Have a Dream. This is our job – not to preside, but to move people.

II. It is takes fantastic people to do that.
• Character
• Chemistry
• Competency
• Culture – what kind of person will thrive in our culture…(This is a new C for Bill's work)

Discuss w/ team - What is the work/ministry culture at newhope church?

III. Mile Markers and Celebrations

These are critical to move people from here to there. It’s like running/jogging, the beginning is not hard, neither is the end b/c you see the finished line, but in the middle, that is where it gets tough. The middle 1/3 is the hardest…

You have to keep instilling vision because vision leaks. You must celebrate the mile markers with celebrations ALL THE TIME.

THERE IS A 40 % DIFFERENTIAL B/W INSPIRED STAFF PERSON AND UNINSPIRED STAFF PERSON! Leaders inspire - PERIOD!

Question for our team – are you/we inspired? Are we at a state of inspiration or not?

IV. Whispers from God

John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice and they heed it.”

We hear from God in the Bible and that still small voice. We have to be able to learn and discern His voice. Leaders learn to listen to God well through both mediums.

The Leadership Summit TOMORROW!

2010-08-04T08:23:00.000-04:00

This time tomorrow around 300 pastors and leaders will be descending upon the newhope Southpoint Campus for The Global Leadership Summit Conference. To say our team is amped up at the opportunity to serve is the understatement of the year! There is a buzz in the air that is simply contagious. I just returned from Kenya, Africa and nothing beats returning to a church environment where pastors and staff are genuinely stoked about what God is going to do among us.

If you are traveling in, let me go ahead and be the first to welcome you. Please let us know if you need anything and rest assured, you have been prayed for in the name of Jesus!

If you are a newhoper still on the fence as to whether or not to attend the summit, let me give you that final push in the affirmative direction. This IS the premier leadership conference in our country. It only comes around once a year. You do NOT want to miss this experience. The speaker lineup is simply off the chart. One example that I am really looking forward to hearing is coach Tony Dungy!

One of the most admired and beloved figures in professional sports, Tony Dungy's name is synonymous with character and integrity. A former professional football player, he coached the Indianapolis Colts for seven years, becoming the first African American coach to win the Super Bowl.

Since his retirement, he has written two best-selling books, Quiet Strength and Uncommon, and is an analyst for NBC's Football Night in America. Involved in the work of many not-for-profit organizations, he also takes an active role in mentoring younger athletes. Craig Groeschel, pastor of LifeChurch.tv, will talk to him about his new book, The Mentor Leader, and how to positively influence others through personal coaching.

Simply put - the next two days will be leadership stretching and life changing for those who attend. We hope to see you at newhope!

Kenya Update from Pastor Benji

2010-08-01T15:25:00.003-04:00

Report from Kenya!

2010-07-29T17:10:00.002-04:00

Dear Saints of newhope,

Greeting from Kiria, Kenya. As most of you know, 25 of us left last Thursday to serve the people of Africa. We arrived safely and the work of the Lord has been eternally rewarding to say the least.

We knew the Lord was going to move in our midst but we truly had no idea to what extent. God has been breaking our hearts and wrecking our worldviews. We have been gripped by the love, beauty, and generous/hospitable nature of the Kirian people. They have embodied Christ to us as much, if not more, as we have to them.

The poverty is overwhelming. We have been able to celebrate a funeral for the entire village as they lost a community leader a few days before we arrived. Our presence at the burial of a beloved community member enabled us to quickly connect and show our respect for God’s people. We have rebuilt roads, painted their school’s roof and chalk boards, spent time in their homes/huts, and spent the majority of our time building relationships and witnessing to the praise and honor of Jesus.

Just yesterday, we celebrated a huge farewell with the community! It was a celebration to remember with lots of singing, dancing, gift giving, prayer, leaders from both groups expressing thanks and praise, and time with the community’s Leadership Council. Our team is literally in awe of the hunger for love, relationships, and basic needs by these people. We sense God is calling us to be in Kiria, Kenya for a long time to come. We anticipate yearly trips back to this particular village and regular sustained support for this sister community of faith.

Go ahead and mark your calendars for Sunday, October 10th. On that Sunday, we will have a children’s choir from Kenya with us for all three Worship Celebrations! That will be a day you do not want to miss!

We are slowly starting the long journey back and appreciate any prayers you might offer. We can’t wait to share more of this amazing experience with our church family.

As always, peace and much love…

One Prayer - Part II - Pastor Chris Hodges

2010-07-25T12:52:00.003-04:00

The Leadership Summit at newhope Aug 5 - 6

2010-07-20T19:05:00.003-04:00

Last night I heard one of the most amazing messages on God's love that I have EVER heard before. It still has me stirred deep inside. The speaker was Andy Stanley. We are at the Big Stuf student conference and Andy is speaking several times this week.

I want to highlight Andy as one of our speakers at the Leadership Summit August 5 - 6 at newhope. I have heard Andy speak many times and met him in person and trust me, he is the real deal.

Under the leadership of Andy Stanley, North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia, has become one of the largest and most innovative churches in the United States. Founded in 1995, the church has grown to three campuses and a weekly attendance of more than 22,000 people. They have also helped plant more than 20 strategic partner churches across North America. Stanley is a dynamic speaker and author whose books include Visioneering, Next Generation Leader, and Communicating for a Change. His latest volume, The Principle of the Path, explores a basic truth that can eliminate regret, as it helps to successfully move people from where they are to where they want to go.

Andy will speak on conflict in organizations and how to lead through it. You do not have to lead long before conflict arises. It simply comes with the territory of leadership. Personally, I can't wait to hear Andy speak on this all important topic. Leader, if you have not registered yet, I hope you will join us. You can register here!

Two Wolves Inside - which one will you feed today?

2010-07-20T08:00:00.003-04:00

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.

"One is Evil - it is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

"The other is God - it is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather:

"Which wolf wins?" The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

OnePrayer - Unstoppable Church - Part I

2010-07-18T14:35:00.000-04:00

The Leadership Summit at newhope Aug 5 - 6

2010-07-16T10:04:00.002-04:00

Today, I want to highlight one of the speakers that will be sharing at the Global Leadership Summit 2010! His name is Blake Mycoskie, the Founder and "Chief Shoe Giver" of TOMS Shoes.

Blake Mycoskie is acknowledged as one of today's most dynamic serial entrepreneurs. He launched five successful companies before the age of 30. He is best known as the founder and "chief shoe giver" of TOMS shoes, a for-profit company with a unique social enterprise model that has drawn tremendous media attention. Providing a new pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair sold, they have distributed more than 400,000 pairs of shoes to children around the world to date.

During the conference August 5 - 6, Darren Whitehead, teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, will interview Mycoskie on leading organizations with a cause and navigating the start-up phase of an organization. What is really cool about TOMS is that Blake allowed his passion and compassion to help build his business. As leaders, a great question to ask is, "How is your passion fueling your business? Does your business exude compassion for others? If not, how might compassion help both your business and humanity?

If you would like to register for the Leadership Summit at newhope church, you can do so by visiting us online at www.newhopenc.org. You will see the link on our home page. Or, you can call 919.206.HOPE (4673) and speak with Lucie Poulin. We would love to have you join us!

Serving the Servants of Christ!

2010-07-15T14:16:00.005-04:00

We love serving other pastors, leaders, and churches. In fact, last year, we tweaked our vision to:

Reach people for Christ...

Teach people the Bible...

Release fully devoted followers and other churches to the glory and honor of Jesus!

It's that "...and other churches to the glory and honor of Jesus!" that we added.

The picture above is a shot I took during the lunch break as some of the pastors and leaders were taking a break after the morning session.

I want to offer a HUGE shout out to the all the newhope volunteers for serving the servants of Christ last night and today. You make us so proud and you beautifully represent Christ to those we get to serve. Thank you.

The Leadership Summit @ newhope

2010-07-14T09:32:00.002-04:00

I am sure you have heard newhopers talking about the Leadership Summit coming August 5 - 6! Can I just come right out and encourage you to do whatever it takes to attend this conference?! Here’s a listing of some of the speakers:

1. Bill Hybels – Opening Session
2. Jim Collins – Never, Ever, Give Up
3. Christine Caine – Leading on the Edge of Hope
4. Craig Groeschel to Interview Tony Dungy – The Mentor Leader
5. Adam Hamilton – When Leaders Fall
6. Dr. Zhao Xiao – Beyond Economy: China’s Transformation with the Cross
7. Andy Stanley – Leadership 101
8. Jeff Manion – The Land Between
9. Jim Mellado to Interview Terri Kelly – Democratizing Leadership: The W.L. Gore Story
10. Daniel Pink – What Motivates Us: Not What You Think
11. Darren Whitehead to Interview Blake Mycoskie – Commerce, Cause, New Thinking
12. Jack Welch – People: The Problem and the Solution
13. T.D. Jakes – Closing Session!

What a lineup! If you are a stay at home parent, lead where you are! If you are a student, lead where you are! If you work one, two or three jobs, lead where you are!

Regardless, the Leadership Summit will equip and enable you to lead more effectively and grow as a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. This is by far one of the premier leadership conferences on the planet. You can register for the Summit on our web site here.

Stay tuned as I am going to start posting about individual speakers!