pastor and church life

In response to SOMEBODY...

Bottom line is that God's people cannot sit in a chair/pew each week and do nothing, while expecting the pastor to do everything and call themselves followers of Jesus. It's just not possible. The unfortunate thing is that many leaders enable the congregation to do just that. It is just not wise, nor is it biblical.

God's idea of what church is and how it operates MUST become our idea too. And unless we leaders understand that the primary purpose of the church is to create a heaven on earth experience that will compel people to connect with God, well, we are just kidding ourselves to think that we are making a difference in our community, or our country. Please hear me, when I talk about connecting with God, I am referring creating an experience that is life changing for the very spiritual, but also for the seeker as well. There is a huge difference between drawing a crowd through great marketing, and drawing a crowd through great marketing with a purpose in mind.

Leaders are at best stewards. We steward the gifts, callings, and talents in the people that make up our congregations. It is every leaders responsibility to create the systems necessary so that everyone is able to, "bring his or her supply of the spirit". 

We at Journey are also in the middle of a Vision series like many churches across our land. We are setting up the proper teams and ministries that will take Journey way into the future with, or without me. I want to see the church I lead become very successful in the eyes of man as many do, yet it is more important to me that Journey becomes successful in the eyes of God. To do that, I have to keep all that we do in line with the things that God Himself is interested in. It is my job as the lead pastor to do this. I have no other choice.

Winning the lost, helping each person to become spirit-filled, and creating systems that allow everyone to be on a growth track of discipleship, are the major things that I read from the New Testament that God wants every church to be involved with. Some churches are better at one or two of these than others, some have forgotten them all together. Whatever the case, it is time for us as leaders to take on the role of a servant and serve the people through the anointing that is on our lives. Wash their feet, and tell them that they CAN.

My church is the healthiest when I am not doing everything. My motto is this, "if I can do it, and so can you, You get to do it." Every time I step up to do something because I think I can do it better, I am not allowing someone that God anointed to do the task fulfill their God-given ministry. Think about it.

Isn't this exactly what Jesus did?

See you Sunday...

VISION 3-D, but a note about other Pastors and Churches too

After last Tuesday's leadership meeting with close to 70 leaders in attendance we are really excited about all of the great things that are happening at our church. Our vision is clear and focused, and is about to become even more clear to all the rest of the great folks that call Journey their home.

But, I want to also say that there are great things happening in churches all over. I am on FaceBook, and I tweet on a regular basis, and since many of the guys I follow are lead pastors I get to read on a daily basis about all the "happenings" in their churches. It's awesome to read about salvations, growth, and productivity that proves that the church of the Lord Jesus is on a path of a turn around in this nation. 

Some of these pastors I call friends, some acquaintances, and some I have not personally met yet. However, I am proud of them all. Whether I agree with their theology, philosophy or not, they are, after all brothers in arms. I not only appreciate them, I love and pray for them regularly. Regardless of the size of the church they pastor, the denominational affiliation, or the way they baptize, they are in fact the very heart that pumps life through the fabric of this great nation of ours. I salute, and am here to serve you all.

Here is my prayer for you pastor. It's taken from the prayer of Jabez.

Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. First, I want to praise and thank you for your many blessings. You have been so good to all of us pastors. Lord, as it is, you have raised us up through the pain of our birth into  honorable positions. I recognize that You and you alone placed us in this position of leadership, and you have given to us the words we are to say, and the people we are to meet.

So Father, I ask you to enlarge our coasts, our territory, the lands and people groups that we are to influence with your truths. You said, that we are to ask of you and you would give to us the heathern for my inheritance. Father, we are asking. Open up these doors of utterance so that we may have more influence than we ever thought possible.  

Secondly Father, we refuse to go anywhere, or speak to anyone lest your hand is upon us. Fill us with your Spirit, and lead us, guide us, and direct us. We you to be our shield and our buckler. Our front and rear guard, anoint us to be blessed, yet to always be a blessing to others. Let everything that you are, be reflected in everything that we do.  

Father guard our spirits, soul and my bodies from enemies that would try to harm us, but more than that, Father guard our minds from the spirit of the age, and the lusts and desires that take down so many of our nations leaders.

And Lord, finally, don’t let us ever get to a place to where our influence is abused by us and will cause harm to others.

Blessings to you all

Please stop the Social Media Confrontations....Please

Anyone who is a leader will at one time or another have to deal with conflict. As pastors, I think we deal with it probably more than others. We are leading hundreds of different people with different personalities, and different views, and now because of the Social media, i.e. FaceBook, Twitter and Blogs, it is becoming a huge problem where leaders are using it as a tool to vent about others. It is a huge shame to say the least. Like it or not, there will be conflict, but it still needs to be dealt with appropriately.

You can’t avoid conflict, but conflict can define your time as a leader. At Journey, and at the last church I pastored, I have dealt with conflict numerous times and I live by some principles that I have discovered that have helped me deal with these issues, so I thought I would pass them on there since this is one of the questions I get a lot from other pastors.

• Realize Conflict Isn’t A Bad Thing – When we hear the word conflict, we automatically think negative. Conflict can be a good thing. It resolves issues and gets issues taken care of.
• Run to confrontation – We RUN to conflict. Guys are so afraid to confront people that they will let problem people hang around causing trouble for too long.  When we hear of an issue we waste no time confronting and dealing with the situation. By confronting quickly you get the issue taken care of and you are able to move on in whatever way you decide. When you confront slowly, you spend more time stressing over the issue and allow more time for that person to bring others into the issue.
• Deal with conflict face to face – 90% of people with a problem will never tell you about the problem.  No one goes to Mark about our music, no one comes to me about the teaching, etc.  When they do confront the person they are upset about, 99% of the time they do it through e-mail, Blogs and tweets. This is a huge problem among pastors. I think this is the most spineless thing in the world, unless it is a private follow-up to a meeting that has already taken place. I refuse to get into email or twitter exchanges with people.  I set up meetings and handle the situation.
• Don’t take it personal – This one is HARD.  I have learned to learn when confronting people about their problems with me that their problem is normally something different and instead of dealing with that issue that truly is bugging them. People don’t know how to discuss so they attack.  I try my best before going into the discussion to not take it personally.
• Don’t confront while still angry – I normally try to give 24 hours to allow myself to calm down.  I am very passionate and as many leaders do have a strong choleric personality. So I do my best to go into meetings while not being angry. I try to extend grace and put myself in their shoes.
• Have another person in the room – I do NOT deal with conflict without either Mark or Debbie in the room with me.  Too many people will take what you say and twist it and then it is my word against theirs.  I always have others in the room to see how things unfold.
• Say what you have to say – I do NOT hold back my thoughts. I say what needs to be said and I am very clear on how we are going to proceed.  Too many guys don’t say what truly needs to be said and that is why they are in conflict with that person again in the future.
• When it is over, it is over – When I leave a meeting with someone, I am done. I don’t stay angry, I don’t hold grudges, and I don’t keep dealing with the situation.  When we are done with a meeting, I make sure everything has been laid on the table and held nothing back.
• Take the high road – After meetings where I have had to confront someone, I have learned that a lot of the time they will start to bad mouth me. I refuse to get into a he said/she said with someone.  I will not go around telling what happened to everyone who asks. I will not defend myself to those who weren’t in the meeting and I will not run down the person who is running me down. In short, I refuse to defend myself in a Social Media public manner, or in any manner, but have chosen to allow my integrity to stand by itself.

See you this Sunday

It's Okay NOT to give money or Tithe....Top 10 Reasons

I had so many hits on the last post, "The Top 10 Reasons to not Attend Church", that I wanted to add more fuel to the fire for all the anti-tithers out there. So, for all you that think the church should never mention money or giving, this list is for you, Mr. "I don't want to go to a church where the pastor talks about money and all the they want is my cash," person.

10. You should not give money to your church because it's up to you to keep the pastor poor and humble.

9. You should not give money to your church because after all, some of the money will go to help world missions and who really knows those people anyway?

8. You should not give money to your church because they'll pay the pastor and he needs to have a real job like you have. Who cares that he probably works more hours a week than anyone else, caring for your family, your career, and your eternal soul?

7. You should not give money to your church because who really needs these nice buildings and padded pews? I mean we should have it like they do in third world countries and sit on blocks or logs.

6. You should not give to your church because wasn't it a preacher that ran off with the money at some church somewhere? No wait, that was a politician who went to church, oh well, the preacher probably had something to do with it.

5. You should not give money to your church because those kids don't need all the nice stuff to reach them. You did alright with no one investing time and money into you at the church you grew up at, and look at how spiritual and godly that you are. Crayola still makes crayons for a reason.

4. You should not give money to your church because it helps it to stay small, and we all know that being small is better. After all you heard or read somewhere that in mega-churches it is easy to get lost in the crowd. Where do these pastors get the idea that reaching lot's of people is good? You know God wants you to be cozy, comfortable, and cared for, more than He wants the world reached for Him. Besides that, the more people coming to your church makes it harder for you to be buddies with the pastor.

3. You should not give your money to the church because you worked to hard for it, dang it. It's yours, and you know that Best Buy is putting that big screen on sale next week that you prayed for last month.

2. You should not give to your church because you know that you know more about money management than some pastor who gets his information from the a 2000 year old book.

1. And the number one reason why you should not give to your church is....You should not believe those who tell you that the blessings of God follow after and literally chase down one who is a giver. You should try poverty, lack and all the things that follow dis-obedience for yourself. After all, learning from experience has worked out so well for you in the past, hasn't it?

See you this Sunday.....

It's okay NOT to attend Church....The Top 10 Reasons.

For some reason the google searches leading to this Blog have spiked the last few days with people searching for reasons they should not go to church. So, for the readers looking for a good reason not to go, I thought that I'd write a top 10 list making it easy for you.

1. Don't go to church if you don't like people. Unfortunately, this is what the church is made up of.
2. Don't go to church because the songs are probably not the ones you listen to on the radio.
3. Don't go to church because you'll probably hear something positive, and after all we live in a negative world soooooo,  you don't want to mess that up.
4. Don't go to church because they will probably ask you for some money. It's much more gratifying to spend $100 at an NFL game than it is to help the church fulfill it's mission of helping others.
5. Don't go to church because someone will probably hug you. After all, isn't it better to go to places where no one speaks and are rude?
6. Don't go to church because it's much easier to think about the here and now and live for the moment, than to think about the here after.
7. Don't go to church because you may be told that sin is wrong. It's much more gratifying to live an addicted life to drugs, alcohol, or porn. Aids, herpes, cirrhosis, broken homes, and hospital bills are things that happen to someone else anyway. 
8. Don't go to church if you like poverty, sickness, or lack of education. It's really no big deal that the church is the major founder/contributor in the earth for nearly 2000 years for schools and education, hospitals, orphanages, and clean water in places where most governments would not go. (By the way, 7 of the 8 Ivy League schools were founded by the church. Read their motto's if you don't believe it.)
9. Don't go to church because they may ask you to serve in some role. I mean, isn't it more intelligently stimulating to sit on a couch and watch Seinfeld re-runs?
10. And.......Probably the number one reason to not attend church is this: Don't go to church because we all know that they are full of hypocrites. But....so is hell.

   

    See you this Sunday....

What lies ahead for the Journey...(Journey Church)

Although there are several people from all over that read my Blog on a regular basis, (sorry that I don't update like i should, and I promise to do better), but I have decided to use it as more of a tool for our church this year as well as providing resources for pastors who follow us, and those who are a part of the 242double network. 

The Journey

I am very excited about a meeting Journey will be having this month. On the 26th of January we will have our first of monthly meetings for those involved, (and those who wish to be involved) in the leadership of our church. Our first will be held at North West Christian Church, on Hwy 92 in Acworth GA. This Strategic Visioneering meeting will take place beginning at 7pm sharp. Thank you NWCC for your generosity, and openness to allow us to use your facility.

At this first meeting we will be giving a "state of the church" address and clarifying even further the plan God has for Journey Church in this great city of ours. We will also talk about 2010 goals, outreaches, vision, and the overall future and direction of your church. I promise you will not want to miss this very important meeting.

We will also be gift and passions testing everyone. (Don't worry, it won't hurt)....Much. And, since the fast will have concluded maybe we can talk some folks into bringing some chocolate.

God's hand is on our church. This will be an awesome year in many ways as we make it hard for people from North West Ga leave here and go to a place called hell.

I love you all!

Douglas

Going MAD (Blog post for church leaders, only....)

Here's my prayer, AND my words to encourage you for the new year.

I pray that YOU realize how special and crucial you are to this world. The greatest gift the Father gave to the world was Jesus. The second greatest gift that He gave was you. Without you, they will never know Him. I pray that if this is not settled in your heart, that you will get before the Father until it is.

I pray this year that you will develop more than ever a deep commitment to the supernatural power of God, and it's ability to meed the needs of humanity.

I pray that this year you will be consumed with compassion so that you will be more effective in ministering deliverance and freedom to humanity.

I pray that you guard your calling, and that you will be dependable and faithful to the call of God on your life!

I pray that you will be deeply committed against sin, disease, fear, and demonic activity. That you will strive to be an instrument of action and power.

I pray you develop a strong desire to see all of humanity set free.

I pray your prayer life and fasting will shape you into a powerful instrument for God.

I pray that you will not be afraid of the faces, but minister the anointing that breaks every yoke of mankind.

I pray that you will not allow fads, gimmicks, and the spirit of competition drive you into pride and arrogance.

I pray that as you do these things, and keep your heart in check, that 2010 will be the greatest year your church has known to date. More people brought to Christ, more leaders raised up, more resources that your church is able to give more, and that God's dream for your church will become a reality.

I pray that all of you go MAD....go and MAKE A DIFFERENCE....

Praying for you all....

Douglas Crumbly

Journey Church

Contemplations of a MAD man....

This is the time of year when most people are looking back over the past year and at the same time looking forward to the new one. Only with fewer mistakes, setbacks, and disappointments. This is normal I am sure.

As I begin this pondering process I was prompted to wander what would happen next year if I made the decisions to really try and answer the "what if" questions, and then do it. What would the end of 2010 look like then? We all "know" that if one continues to do the same things they have always done, yet expecting different results, well, you know the answer....

I have compiled a whole bunch of "what if"s" that I am asking myself as I prepare to go into the new year. I will personally be journaling everyday how it is going, and then from time to time share here on my blog. I'd suggest that you do the same.

Here are just a few.

• What if I loved more?
• What if I forgave easier, even to those I thought did not deserve it?
• What if I repented quicker?
• What if I gave more?
• What if I had more conversation time with my children?
• What if I took bigger risks?
• What I believed God in much bigger ways?
• What if I viewed people through the eyes of Jesus?
• What if I shared Christ more?
• What if I took time for those no one else did?
• What if I helped others to find and fulfill their ministry, instead of building mine?
• What if I prayed more?
• What if I served more?
• What if I played more?
• What if I ate better?
• What if I worked out more diligently?
• What if I procrastinated less?

• What if I decided that this year, 2010, we be the year that I really did go MAD.

            Make A Difference.....

The State of the Church in 2010

For several reasons I look for 2010 to be a great year for the church and believe many people will be saved, and many churches that have been in decline will see growth this year. Here are some of the reasons as I see it.

• Many pastors and leaders that I speak to, or read after are beginning to embrace prayer and fasting over many of the old tried and true, sacred programs of the past. Maybe it's because the economy has caused many churches to suffer financially, maybe not, but whatever the reason whenever God's people pray, God's Spirit moves.
• Many churches are going less "seeker-sensitive" during the alter calls, and are allowing God's Spirit to minister to the people through personal touch, and words of comfort.
• More pastors are realizing that we have to work together to reach our cities, regardless of denominational ties that each one may have.
• There is more and more emphasis on preparing the saints to do the work of the ministry. Teams, and discovering each individual's spiritual gifts are being celebrated and used to help them get into the place of ministry they are supposed to be.
• There is more of an emphasis now on the mission field where we live, and how it is the responsibility of everyone in the congregation to share Christ with his or her neighbor.
• The divisions between the Ministers, and Business Leaders have become fewer, and smaller.
• The doctrine of "Relevance" is being replaced with the doctrine of "Relationship"
• Churches are realizing that they cannot be all things to all people. As pastors help their congregation become more focused and only do those 2 or 3 things that they can be the best at, more people will be reached.
• People are more hungry for God than they have been in years.

Agree or Disagree? Email me and let me know your thoughts.

Thanks!

pdc@jcacworth.org

Why God DOES want every church to grow...

I've been threatening to write this for a while now. Guess I have kinda felt guilty, it seems that the moment one mentions growing his or her church that people begin to label them and call them names. Oh well, at least Rudolph got to lead Santa's sleigh that night.

Millions of people (believers) think that local churches SHOULD remain small, and more than that, feel like it is Gods will. I personally believe that this lack of aggressiveness towards growing your church is because so many leaders have forgotten the number one purpose of the church. We're here to win souls. Get people born again, saved, help them to accept Christ. We literally are here to make it VERY hard for anyone we meet to leave this earth and go to a place called hell.

Okay, let's skip all the opinions, and excuses and let's look at some scriptures.

In the book of Acts, (which I believe is still being written), we see a church literally being launched and notice the emphasis placed on the amount of growth.

41Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. Acts 2:41 Also in verse 47, And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Let's continue on to chapter 4.

4 However, many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to be about 5000. Acts 4:4

Same chapter, verse 32

32 Now the MULTITUDE of those who believed

Chapter 5

14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.

Chapter 6

7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith

 I think you get the idea here. Now, lets look at some scripture that will give us an idea of what Jesus' view will look like around the end of this age.

Revelation Chapter 7

9After these things I looked, and behold a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, (Jesus), clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"

I believe this last verse says it all. Imagine if all churches got on the ball and began to be intentional with outreach and church growth? We could literally be a part of the ones who are making that future verse become a reality. And that my friend, brings me much peace every time I get accused of just trying to have a big church. Of course I am. Large churches are large with people whose lives have been changed with the power of the gospel, and.....isn't that the reason we are here?

Just saying...

For more information check us out on the web at 242double

The Who's, What's and Where's of my Thankfulness...

Because it's Thanksgiving week I want to post some of the things that I am the most thankful for. And, no, there is no real sequential order of importance except for the first three. Feel free to post your comments in the comment section of the things you are thankful for as well.

1. The Lord Jesus. (Where and what would I be without Him?)
2. Deborah F. Crumbly. (Need I say more)
3. My girls. (All of them, my biological three, Amanda, Danielle, and Olivia), and my spiritual ones. Dre, Abigail, Missy, Katrina, Tasha, Stacy, Jennifer
4. My sons, (spiritual only, something about those chromosomes?) Mark, Josh, Junior, Michael, Jeremy
5. Journey Church, (I believe JC is the greatest church their is!
6. The men and women who serve us in the U.S. military. (Regardless of how you feel because of some bad decisions being made at the top, you folks are the bravest, most respected people on earth! Thank you for your service to us!)
7. People who have done me wrong, betrayed me, or misrepresented me in the past. I love you all, forgive you and thank you. The lessons I have learned are invaluable, and I am better and stronger today because of you.
8. All of the people who have been a part of Journey's launch team. I love you all. and love having you over to our home every Wednesday evening.
9. Sam and Paula Noble.
10. Bob Townsend, Steve Vickers, and Tony Howard
11. All the great men and women of God from all over the world that I have the honor of calling "my friends".
12. Coffee, Dark Chocolate, Indian food, Sushi, and Thai food, the sound my Harley makes, diesel trucks, and the smell of a good cigar.
13. Friends who know that your still human, but love you anyway. 
14. Technology when it works correctly.

what I am praying for today.....

Yesterday I opened up a new series on prayer and begin with the much talked about prayer of Jabez. I was amazed after reading the scripture about this amazing man's life that much of the "talk" surrounding this prayer had much more to do with a get rich scheme, and becoming a contemporary fad than the truth found in this scripture.

Jabaz was a leader. The Bible tells us that he was more honorable than all of his brothers implying he may have been using his leadership skills in some sort of political, or business arena. Whatever it was that he did, it was important to Jabez that he had lots of influence. Looking at the prayer, Jabaz asked God to bless him, but having a better understanding of the Covenant that God had made with the children of Israel, Jabez begin to detail exactly what kind of blessing that he would ask for.

He begin by asking that the Lord would increase his coasts, or territory. This is not a reference to just having more dirt, or rental property as some have suggested. He prayed this prayer as a leader. A leader praying for increase of his or her territory is asking for INFLUENCE. When we believers pray for the nations we are not asking for their hotels, houses, and huts, we are asking for the people to be receptive to what we have to say to them because of our influence in their lives.

Secondly, Jabez asked for the hand of the Lord to be on him. Think about it. What is the Anointing of God's Spirit for? It's for the people that we influence. Jabez prayed that God would put His hand on him representing the Spirit of God being with him everywhere that Jabez went.

Thirdly, Jabez asked the Lord to keep him from evil. I believe that he recognized the fact that so many believers are being taken out then and now not just by enemies with guns and knives, but internal enemies of lust, greed, envy, and manipulation. "Lord, keep me from evil!" This sounds much like the Lord's prayer doesn't it?

And lastly, Jabez asked the Lord to keep him from causing harm to others. Oh that leaders would make this a prayer of theirs today. He literally asked the Lord to help him to never cause harm with his influence.

The following is maybe a longer and more current version of the prayer that Jabez would have prayed if he were alive today.

The Prayer of Jabez New Testament style

 Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. First, I want to praise and thank you for your many blessings. You have been so good to me, and all of my family. Lord, as it is, you have raised me up through the pain of my birth into an honorable position. I recognize that You and you alone placed me in this position of leadership, and you have given to me the words I am to say, and the people I am to meet.

So Father, I ask you to enlarge my coasts, my territory, the lands and people groups that I am to influence with your truths. You said, that I was to ask of you and you would give to me the heathern for my inheritance. Father, I am asking. Open up these doors of utterance so that I may have more influence than I ever thought possible.  

Secondly Father, I refuse to go anywhere, or speak to anyone lest your hand is upon me. Fill me with your Spirit, and lead me, guide me, and direct me. I need you to be my shield and my buckler. My front and rear guard, anoint me to be blessed, yet to always be a blessing to others. Let everything that you are be reflected in everything that I do.  

Father guard my spirit, soul and my body from enemies that would try to harm me, but more than that, Father guard my mind from the spirit of the age, and the lusts and desires that take down so many of our nations leaders.

And Lord, finally, don’t let me ever get to a place to where my influence is abused by me and will cause harm to others.

time to start blogging again....I think....here's today's download...

Not to sound redundant, but church was awesome today.

It feels like all of us have been hitting our sweet spot each week. The last few weeks have been over the top.

I Begin a new series on prayer this morning with the prayer of Jabez. To all the criticizers in the social media, It was not what you think it was. Still amazed at how quick some believers will pass judgment about something they know nothing about.

A new Journey group begins tonight at Chuck and Yvonne Nida's, and another one using the book Love and Respect will kick off in two weeks.

The Corrugated plastic is a hit. You'll have to come see one Sunday to know what I mean.

Still got to figure out a way to black out those top windows.

I love our band! Honestly, they are stinkin awesome! Mark you are the best, even if I can't get you to sing on demand. What's that all about?

Just learned the BIG terrabyte computer we have may have went to computer heaven. Oh well, we've replaced everything else with Mac's, why not this one too?

I am so pumped about this series on prayer. Next week is on the prayer of Daniel. I've heard we may have a few SEC ball players with us. Tebow, are you going to be here at the Journey next week?

SERVOLUTION and all that it brings to our church is unbelievable!

I love seeing all the new people coming to Journey each week.

Thanks for letting me serve you as your pastor.

THE SERVOLUTION BEGINS....Journey Church

Servolution from Journey Church on Vimeo.

Video For the Next Series at Journey Church!

Together from Dre Fillmore on Vimeo.

See the New Offices for Journey Church!

Journey Church: Office Renovation Update from Dre Fillmore on Vimeo.

Great News!

Yesterday we were able to acquire some much needed office space for Journey Church. It is 1200 sq. ft. located right next door to City Hall in downtown Acworth, GA. This is such a strategic location for us as it places us in the very heart of the Business, and political Kingdom of our City, When you understand that as a church we are always praying for favor, and for more influence in our city, well....I think you get the picture.

The owners of the property have chosen to favor us and give us several months of free rent so that we can renovate/build-out the inside as to suit our purposes as a church/ministry office.

This renovation/build-out will cost $18,100 to do. This includes bringing everything up to code, and to the firemarshall's specs as well. In this price we are replacing everything in the restroom so that it is handicap accessible, all of the inside doors have to be replaces with 36" ones for the same reason. We are adding new walls, carpet, paint, lighting, electrical work, and a new HVAC system. Normally with everything that we need o have done this kind of renovation would cost close to $30,000 or in some cases even more.

I have some even better news...

Because of favor, some donated things, and friends in the construction industry, we have managed to reduce the $18,100 down to $11,100. Not much money when you think about all that we are able to do with it.

So, here is the reason for this email.

I am asking all of you to prayerfully consider sowing into this project.

There are two ways you can give.

1. Mail a check to:

Journey Church
3330 Cobb Parkway, Ste 17, PMB 320
Acworth, Georgia 30101

2. Go to my Blog site at www.douglascrumbly.org and give your donation through paypal.

Either way 100% of your donation will go towards this project, and of course, is a tax deductible gift.

Thank you as you help us make it hard for people to go to a place called Hell from the Atlanta GA area.

Blessings!

Journey Church

SUPERNATURAL by (Perry Noble) So good, I had to repost this......

“Why is it that the church in America seems to fear the supernatural?

According to the Scriptures…the church OWNS the market when it comes to the supernatural!

Consider this–we worship Jesus..who was born of a virgin (uh…supernatural), lived a perfect sinless life (supernatural), performed miracles (supernatural) and rose from the dead (once again…supernatural!)

Then there is the book of Acts…we have the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 (supernatural), thousands of people repenting of sin (supernatural), the church exploding (supernatural), people being healed (supernatural), dead people being raised back to life (supernatural) and the Gospel being preached to the world without the internet, cell phones or Twitter (supernatural.)

Why is it that we read the Bible as Christians and think, “I believe THAT happened.” BUT in today’s world we don’t believe “THAT” can happen? Isn’t He the same God? (Hebrews 13:8) Has He lost His power? Has His desire to see the world transformed decreased…OR…

Have we gotten more obsessed with the normal rather than the supernatural?

Let me be clear…I don’t believe the “supernatural” is freaky! I am not talking about what some in the church world would refer to as “supernatural.”

What I am talking about is church leaders who will completely sell out to Jesus and seek to surrender to His Spirit on a daily basis…because when we submit to His Spirit the supernatural happens (it is NOT something we have to force!)

Look at the book of Acts…in Acts 2 the disciples were led by the Spirit…and BAM…the supernatural. They didn’t plan that event! They didn’t have ANYTHING except for an intense desire to listen to God through His Spirit and do what He said.

Unfortunately in today’s church our main desires are “nice services” rather than times of repentance and salvation…which happens WHEN the Spirit of the living God is active!!!

MAYBE God is calling us back to surrender to His Spirit. MAYBE the church has been normal and average for too long. MAYBE it would be awesome to see what HE can do rather than what WE can do. MAYBE if we, as leaders, would get on our faces daily and beg Him for His leadership through HIS Holy Spirit that already indwells us…we would see a move of God unlike the world has ever seen!!!

Spirit Led = Supernatural! I am begging for this…HIS power is NOT the issue…our obedience is!“

Why Captialism Doesn't Always Work in Church.... Shaun in the City

Why Capitalism Doesn’t Always Work in Church

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Dave Ramsey says.....

I usually do not post on the things that I am about to in this one. Actually, I never have, till now... So here goes....

We all know who Dave Ramsey is, (unless we just moved here from the moon) and know that he is a strong advocate of becoming a debt free America, of which by the way I am too and is the reason for this post.

According to some of the most recent polls and surveys and information gathered by some really smart people our country is in severe trouble financially. I am not just talking about our government either. That is a whole other story for another day. I am talking about the average American who is strapped with more unsecured debt (credit card) that they could pay off. The average American has $12,000 unsecured debt and is paying close to 18% interest on that debt. Let's do the math........

If the minimal payment is made faithfully every month, let's see, 3 times 19, carry the 9, add 670, take away.....yep, if we pay almost $300 a month for little over 5 years.....and most of you know that very few people are paying even close to the $300 a month. If the minimal payment is made, (and this is what most are doing), it will take 15 years and another $7200 in interest paid. So, for that $12,000 that was borrowed, you will pay back over $19,000 dollars.

That means that the television you bought on credit while on sale for $699, really cost you about $1299. It just isn't smart financially.

People, we have to take charge of our lives, our money and our future and stop allowing a false hope that the government will take care of us delude our perspective. They cannot even take care of themselves! According to the most recent studies the average American not only has $12,000 in unsecured debt, but a mortgage, two cars, and only keeps and average of $640 in the bank. This means that most of us are living from one paycheck to the next and all it would take for financial ruin would be to lose about 1-2 months of work, and for many just 2 or 3 weeks.

It's no wonder so many are scared right now....

Let me give you some hope, and maybe some practical things to do right away to protect yourself.

ONE. Surround yourself with positive news and positive people. This is so important right now. Find a good church that teaches the Word concerning finances and prosperity from a balanced approach. There is nothing worse than hearing some preacher shout at you that God is doing all these bad things to you. Where is the hope then? No, poor planning and not seizing divine opportunities is what got most of us to where we are. Be sure to get involved in a small group which will exemplify that same thought and message.

TWO. Start cutting back and saving more. I understand we all want a certain quality of life, but, every family needs at least 6 mos of savings for emergencies. Many, Many are wishing they had done this years ago. Let's learn from this.

THREE. Do not be afraid to look for other money making opportunities. Many allow fear to literally freeze them from doing anything while it is in the bad times when many fortunes are made. There are many ways to make money out there, as well as many legitimate start ups and new stay at home businesses that may be right for you. I have just recently gotten involved with a Brand new business offering ground floor opportunities for significant wealth for any who want to work a few hours a week. Very, very minimal start up, ($499) and the most aggressive pay structure of any businesses yet. Maybe this one is right for you.

Go here for more information if you like. DEBT FREE AMERICA.

The thing is, do allow fear to govern you. There are ways to make more money during these times and literally become debt free and have money in your bank account at the same time. You just will have to remain calm, keep an open mind and work smart.

10 Important Keys to Leadership Success

By Jonas Clark

The world is famishing for leaders. Jesus said we are to be salt and light to the world around us. Can there be any better place than the Christian Church for leadership development?

A few years ago the Spirit of God spoke to us about the need to create a leadership culture within our local church. With that in mind we set out to teach leadership to those with a desire to improve their lives and make the world a better place. What we learned is the skills of leadership are both taught and cultivated. As one learns the language of leadership and applies its traits they can expect to achieve positive results. We have learned at least 10 important keys to leadership success:

1. How You Think Affects Everything: All of us are products of the decisions we have made in our lives. How you think controls what decisions you will make with your life. Right decisions equal right outcomes.

2. Set Goals: Without goals you can never move forward in your life. Goals, short-term and long-term help you identify your progress. Without them you wander endlessly and waste years of life being ineffective. Write your goals down today. What do you want to carry out this year? Be specific.

3. Take Action: Faith without works is dead. Goals are nothing without action. Do something today. Act on your beliefs.

4. Never Stop Learning: Every successful person throughout history maintained a lifestyle of learning. Read books, attend seminars, watch training videos.

5. Work Hard And Be Persistent: Success doesn’t happen overnight. Success is a marathon and requires fortitude and persistence.

6. Stay On Top of Your Game: Don’t ignore what’s happening in your life. Analyze details. Learn from your mistakes.

7. Stay Focused: Benjamin Franklin once said, “He who follows two hares is sure to catch neither.” It’s easy to get distracted from your goals and lose focus. Make a “to do” list and finish something every day.

8. Innovate: Successful people do things differently. Innovation is the key to improvement and breakthrough. Innovation is doing something new and different.

9. Learn to Communicate Effectively: Effective communication enables you to be understood. All successful people are masters at clear conversation.

10. Work On Your Character: Character development takes time and is forged in the trials of life. Character includes resolve, honesty, responsibility, trustworthiness and discipline. Without right character all the other traits don’t mean much.

had to share this....

Robert Welch's 1958 Predictions Against American Liberties

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Post Easter Mind Dump......

• Our Easter Service was over the top...Great worship, great teaching, great volunteers, great attendance (our highest yet), great inner communication among all, and a great spiritual experience...All in just 75 minutes.
• We're intentionally designing our Sunday experiences to fit into 75 minutes max.
• With our growth as it has been we WILL have to go to TWO services soon.
• Mark Hilliard continues to amaze us all. He is the BEST worship leader I have ever worked with. Our band is simply put, stinkin awesome! (Debbie will want me to take that last part out). We may have another lead guitarist and a key board player soon.
• I keep sensing there is a great opportunity for us coming up soon....Pray that I keep my eyes and ears open!
• This coming Wed morning at 6:30am I'm meeting with a few of our men at Vito's Cafe for prayer and sharpening.
• It's great to see all the dedicated people we have at Journey give so much each week.
• I love having the Gym and the inflatables each week for the kids. I'm sure that they love it even more.
• We have got to locate an office for us to work out of.
• New designed yard signs are on the way.
• The Atlanta Braves are off to a great start. I predict a they will be World Champions this year.
• I am really enjoying the new motorcycle. I know, I know, Honda's, BMW's, and even a few Yamaha's run better, longer, faster, and smoother.......but, let's keep it real, Harley's are COOL.
• We (some of the guys) are planning a bike trip to California in 2010. Wish it was tomorrow!
• Peace out!