One aspect of ministry that I am passionate about is helping people find their place in life.  Too many people wander through life feeling as if they don’t have a place, and they aren’t sure how to find the context that fits for them.

Since August, I’ve had the opportunity to invest in Jonathan Duncan, who leads worship at Stonecreek.  Through our discussions in recent days, it became evident to Jonathan, and to me, that Stonecreek was not the best context for Jonathan to fulfill God’s call on his life.  Jonathan felt that it was best to no longer serve as worship pastor at Stonecreek, but pursue other options in the Atlanta area to express his calling as a worship leader and artist.

I know the Stonecreek family will pray for Jonathan and his family as the Lord leads him. Jonathan remains a friend and he is passionate about Jesus. I am confident that God will use his passion to create songs for God’s people.

Stonecreek Church will continue to pursue worship that connects with the heart and honors God.  I believe in a passionate worship environment that is more than performance, and offers a true heart connection to God.  We have a unique opportunity to reach people who don’t know Christ and to grow people who do know Him.  As God’s people worship, all people cannot help but take notice. 

Join me also in praying for the person God has to lead this aspect of our ministry.  During our search for a new worship pastor, we will have guest worship leaders who currently serve in Atlanta and the Southeast. I know you will make each person feel right at home.

God has given us a heartbeat to make a difference locally and globally, and worshipping Him will be central to the impact we will make. Stonecreek has always been known as a grace-filled, welcoming church and it is an honor to be part of what God is doing.  Together, we will be a force for change!

I absolutely love this picture of Vernon Davis.  The first time I heard of him, his coach Mike Singletary sent him off the field in the middle of an NFL game for a selfish personal foul penalty.  Singletary also had a post-game rant about Davis.  That's a pretty bold move.  Some would even call it embarrassing.

He took this issue to heart, made some changes, and this picture was taken as he made "The Catch III" for the 49ers.  He's very emotional due to the long journey.  Some would even call it a picture of redemption.

Most Christians I know usually adopt some Bible Reading Plan at the beginning of the New Year.  It’s a plan that we use at a specific part of our day that we have set aside to read our Bible.  What about the rest of our day?

I am definitely pro-plan.  Plans give you a direction and help you be systematic about reading all of God’s words.  As we say, when we open our Bible God opens His mouth.

But the purpose of a plan, and some of us might miss this, is to absorb God’s words.  His words bring life as they shape our lives.  If we don’t absorb them, it is just information. 

To absorb God’s words, we must read them, question them, and then incorporate them into action.  This will change our reading plan into a life plan.  When we do this, we’ll be amazed at how much we notice God do in the rest of our day.

Recently Debby and I have used a few Groupons.  We’ve had some pretty good deals.  What we noticed at one restaurant, however, was a shift between being a customer and a “Groupon” customer.

When using a Groupon, it seems that there are some rules and restrictions that apply.  Things aren’t exactly the same as if we were a “regular” customer.  Now there is a middleman.  No longer is the customer the primary focus.  The Groupon becomes the focus.  The Groupon defines the relationship.

I wonder if we treat people the same way.  In our dealings with other people, we can let a middleman define the relationship.  Things such as a rumor, history, an assumption, or an unspoken hurt can define the relationship.  They change how we relate to people.  These hold us back in our dealings with others.  What middlemen are defining your relationships?  How can you remove those?

For those of you who make Stonecreek Church your home, thanks so much for your support over the past year.  Together we have been a force for change in the lives of so many.  We have boatloads of highlights – hundreds of baptisms, over 700 total Compassion Kids sponsored, local families helped through crisis, First Call ministry launched, marriages restored through intentional counseling, pastors and missionaries supported internationally, parents equipped and supported, partnerships with Wellspring Living and Hope For Guatemala – the list goes on!  

None of this could be possible without your investment in what God is doing.  Thanks so much. 

As the year draws to a close, we want to continue to focus on making disciples and moving disciples. Your year-end giving is always a catalyst as we strive to be a force for change.

We have made it easy for you to provide year-end giving to Stonecreek. Simply go to http://www.stonecreekchurch.org/extend-life/online-giving/ before midnight on December 31st and you can provide your tax-deductible gift.  Or, you can mail a check to:

Stonecreek Church

13540 Hwy 9 N

Milton, GA 30004

(Just make sure your envelope is post-marked on or before December 31st.)

Thanks again for all you’ve done to lead people to pursue life in Jesus as their greatest passion.  Looking forward to a great 2012!

The day after Christmas can be a little depressing.  The run up to the holidays requires so much energy.  When the gifts are opened, there is nothing left to anticipate.  This can cause a case of the blahs.  However, there can be a different way out.  Rather than drift into the blahs, a different way would be to make some decisions.  Decide 2012 will be different.  But that is one general decision.  Make some specific decisions.  Do something different.  Act immediately.  Eat for energy.  Make a plan for your debt.

This year can be different.  But it will require some specific decisions.