chaos herder.

Pastors Are Committing Suicide and are Depressed and It's Growing.

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:51:00 +0000

Are you hurting as a Pastor? [or not?] Please know that we are there to help if you need someone to talk to. CONTACT ME ANYTIME. [e-mail: chazzdaddy17@gmail.com or cell: 419.496.1192]

Read THIS ARTICLE, and let me know what you think.

It is my prayer that HIS POWER rests on those who struggle with depression and loneliness.

NOC Session 2 -- Efrem Smith

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:10:00 +0000

NOC Session 2 -- Ephraim Smith

NOC Session 1 -- ED STETZER

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:18:00 +0000

NOC--Session 1: Ed Stetzer

Worship Wars on My Blog...

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:54:00 +0000

So people are hitting me with different versions of REVELATION SONG after I posted another amazing version earlier this week. So, I tracked this suggested one down, and DANG. WOW. SMACK. I keep listening over and over in this coffee shop and I know people must think I am weird as I am bobbing all around with my mac on my lap.

If you need a lift toward the throne this Friday...turn the lights down, center yourself on Christ, CRANK UP THE VOLUME and sing like you are freaking saved while in the shower with no one around but Jesus.

If you have others that will make me tear up which is a VERY RARE thing...just being real with you...hit me. We'll put 'em to the test.

this will give you chills...

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:01:00 +0000

Love me some REVOLUTION SONG. Totally about my GOD. The amazing team @ New Spring might have pulled it off better than anyone. Great video and audio for this beast. I just keep playing it over and over. HOLY, HOLY, HOLY...is the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY!

are you scum?

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:28:00 +0000

“ If you don’t need the Gospel more than the people you’re sharing it with, you ought not be sharing it with them."

Dan Allender, Professor of Counseling Psychology, Mars Hill Graduate School

[ht/http://www.blainehogan.com/]

Clerk Shares Her Faith and Prays with Robber. This is Faith Lived Out.

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:28:00 +0000

Did you see this? I don't even want to say what fully happens...but MY JAW FLIPPING DROPPED several times during this report.

As a former cop...I would have busted a cap in someone pointing a gun at me...BUT THIS IS TRUE FAITH IN ACTION!

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." [john 13.34-35.niv]

Spill Your Seed.

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:13:00 +0000

Got this message on Facebook this week.

Lesson here in advance: YOU MAY NEVER KNOW WHAT FRUIT YOU ARE BEARING...SO KEEP CASTING SEED!

No matter if you have started a campus or just a conversation with someone at work...your SEED matters, and rarely will you get an e-mail or letter about it. But one day...you will receive your inheritance for your faithfulness.

It is amazing to get a glimpse of this while on earth. This person who sent this to me lives out of state, which makes it even more amazing to me:

__________________________________

Hey Charles... get this!

___________, my 15 yr old niece is going through "stuff" as only 15 yrs olds can. She's starting to show interest in spiritual things and asked her mom if they could find a church.

Yep. And they went yesterday...to New Hope in Wooster. ;)

_________ loved it and __________ [her Mom] said she'll take her every Sunday she wants to go.

Pray with me, wouldja'? This could be the start of some real hope that's been missing for a long time: a first for my niece and renewal for my sis.

Your efforts are bearing fruit...even after you've gone. How cool is that?

Just a reminder that what you're doing matters. Thanks for bringin' it home. :)

____________________________________

Throwing the Book of Mormon on the ground.

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:05:00 +0000

Are you serious? This is what I was talking about on twitter/facebook last week during the LDS General Conference and the reason why those outside the faith lend us an ear and take us seriously.

While I do not agree with LDS doctrine, nor the Book of Mormon...is this really an effective way to spread the love of Jesus?

In response to how "the others" go about their business as you will see below: Next year our team is going to go to the LDS General Conference [THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of people are there...] And SERVE our LDS friends. Many of those attending are our friends, neighbors, co-workers and school mates to our kids here in Utah. Real people with real lives, who really are a part of our lives.

I would venture to say that this man doesn't know 1 LDS person in "real life" in an "real relationship."

We hope to hand out free drinks, etc. and just show the love of Jesus while other idiots are showing their "love" like the below video. [click here for video if not below.]

We will also make signs to stand by people like this that say:

We are sorry for this --------------------->
"You will know them by their LOVE." --Jesus

And NO, I am not joking. Wow.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO? Are we doing the right thing? What is happening in YOUR culture to turn off people to listening to the radical love of Jesus where YOU are called to be salt and light?

The WORST, BEST thing has ever happened to us as a family.

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 06:01:00 +0000

Just to throw this out: When God asks you to do something, it usually comes with a price. If it doesn't...you probably aren't doing much for His kingdom.

So as we are approaching month 10 of this calling, I wanted to give you a brief review of what has transpired the last 10 months. It can be described like this famous line: "It was the best of times...it was the worst of times."

1. We left our best, dearest, closest friends and family to answer the call to go to...where was that? Utah? Really? We left an amazing church that God allowed us to be a part of starting. A place that will forever be near and dear to our hearts. We may never pastor a church like that again. We love and miss you ALL at NH and in our community!

I can't even describe how hard it is to talk about what God us from...it was the worst, best thing that has happened to us as a family...and we STILL trusting that HE knows best! We miss and love you all with all of our hearts. You will never be forgotten.

2. Somehow between our move to where God was leading us, we ended up in a very surreal place called Decatur, Alabama. Thankfully they tolerate Yankees now and we survived the stay:) Once again, we fell in love with some amazing people at an amazing church that is kicking butt big time. No really, they are. And they were like a sweet balm to our souls as we were grieving our loss.

They took us in as family, and those are not just words. Thanks Dave and Dana and our XPT family! We learned so much while there...and made some friendships that will last a lifetime! We also found out they had a pretty good football team too! ROLLLLL TIDE! We love and miss you too!

3. After another sad goodbye following our 4 month interim in Alabama, we packed with one goal in mind. See next pic. It was on. NO turning back.

4. After a really, really, really long road trip...we made it to that place described in Genesis 22: "Take your [family] and go to one of the mountains I will tell you about...don't worry, you will know it when you see it."

Little did we know at this time last year that we would be leaving all we know and love to head to a foreign place outside of Salt Lake City, UT! So we did what were were getting used to...we unpacked again in a strange place.

5. As our family [that's their shadow heads] marched up a mountain to overlook the Salt Lake City area and beyond that we were called to...this "dark night" began to lift and we began to see more clearly what our mission was all about.

Partnerships with great churches like K2, and beginning to get out into the community [the pic below is the girls U10 Softball team that I coach...and this Saturday we will take home the crown...mark my words.] There are some great people here, and many who need Jesus.

5. There were even some people as CRAZY as we were who heard the call to join us in the calling to Utah. There are still some who are not with us yet...and our family will grow over the next few months...we wait for you!

We are in it to win it...for "no one who puts His hand to the plow and looks back is worthy of the Kingdom of God..." --Jesus

THANKS brothers and sisters for becoming a family to answer the call on our hearts. Words can't express what you all mean to me. Those here, and those who will be here soon.

Oh yeah, and we even started battling enemies like Rocky the Bull Moose.

Rocky does not like Church Planters...as you can see by his charging of us. Not sure who was dumb enough to stop for that photo op as we ran pretty fast in the opposite direction.

Good thing we have a leader who is as powerful as King David and he took care of the situation. [Yes that is really a dead moose. It just might not be Rocky. That might have been a stretch.]

6. Our staff hiked up into the mountains to chart the beginning of our journey for our first "lead team meeting". I shut my mouth and listened, learned and together we formed some foundation for what God was asking us to become.

We then carved a memorial into a tree to mark the day. [I hope that is legal in a National Forest...good thing we were a ways off the beaten path.] These guys get it, and we truly love one another. Something great is once again forming.

7. I am loving life as I am networking, raising prayer and financial support and serving our community as much as I can.

I also am still loving training other church planters like in this pic I took a top the Space Needle in Seattle recently. I am also jacked about the team of leaders we have running THE STICKS ministry. Such a needed gathering in our world today.

I am learning and growing through being coached myself, and coaching others not to make the same mistakes I have made. I am loving the calling God has placed on my life.

8. I owe so much to my amazing wife and kids...who have been a part of this calling and who gave their support since day 1. I wouldn't choose to do it without any other group of people in the world.

Thanks guys...I love you more than this calling.

Yep...we have a huge challenge ahead of us as we write the next chapters of this story God has called us to. 22+ cities out here do not have 1 NON-LDS CHURCH in them [no disrespect to our LDS friends]. That blows my mind. But that is why we and our team are here. That's why we were called to join the work out here and leave it all behind.

Thank you for being a part of this. You say...how am I a part?

Want to know how? WE NEED YOU IN MANY WAYS! Go HERE to learn more. SIGN-UP for our newsletter that will continue to chronicle our journey. We are 17 people away from 1,000 people on our Mission West newsletter update list. The 1,000th person to sign up gets something special from us...so go there now and sign up!

Thank for your prayers and for OBEYING the CALLING THAT GOD HAS ON YOUR LIFE wherever you are, and wherever you are headed. It's a big calling for you and for us...and don't forget that satan will not be happy with your OBEDIENCE. So when you feel down...do what I do and look at this picture and tell satan what he can kiss:

If we figure this one thing out...we will change the world.

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

No matter what state I have lived in [Indiana/Georgia/Ohio/Florida/Michigan/Alabama/Utah]...it is elusive.

"...that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." --Jesus in John 17.21

But we are to BEWARE OF FALSE TEACHERS. RIGHT????

They USE DRUMS. They LAY HANDS ON EACH OTHER. They READ HARRY POTTER. They don't HAVE COMMUNION EVERY WEEK. They SPEAK IN TONGUES. They DON'T SPEAK IN TONGUES. They PEE STANDING UP [inside joke for some of you].

Did Jesus come for those things...or to usher in HIS KINGDOM? To SEEK and SAVE the lost. Sorry...I might not see eye to eye on many things, but if you are in the business of SEEKING AND SAVING THE LOST...who am I? [many of you will cringe at that...] And yes, I believe in good theology, but good theology to me is what good theology is to you. Follow?

When we fight. When we compete. When we snicker. When we talk. When we write letters to the editor. When we post signs in front of our church about another church. [ummm, yes, even the last 2 happened to us at New Hope]...nobody wins.

It looks a lot like this video below to the world...and they stand back...chug a beer, laugh and cheer us on BECAUSE WE ARE KILLING OURSELVES RIGHT IN FRONT OF THEIR EYES!

When HELL jumps on your back.

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:28:00 +0000

Many times we don't even know, think, BELIEVE that HELL is all around us, ready to take us out.

We are in a BATTLE. We are in a WAR for our hearts and the hearts of our families. Many times we are on fire and don't even realize it. We are caught up in attack, caught up in a slippery slope, or just immersed in sin totally unaware or aware and we are OK with it.

That's why we must stay connected TIGHT with our Savior. That's why we need a team around us. That's why we need accountability. That's why we need a BAND OF BROTHERS or SISTERS. To have our backs, to point out sin, to steer us in the right direction so that when EVIL ATTACKS, God can do what HE PROMISES and use it FOR GOOD!

^"11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. ¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." [Ephesians 6.11-13.niv]

"²² Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success." [Proverbs 15.22.nlt]

We still need some WARRIORS for this LIFE AND DEATH team. ARE YOU IN?

Breaking Church Planting Rules--Part 4

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 06:01:00 +0000

We will focus on BUILDING LITTLE CHURCHES more than BUILDING THE BIG CHURCH.

This is going to be one of my favorite rules to break. At my first church plant we had a "ton of people" for a small town in 4 campuses. But one thing we fought from day 1 [contrary to popular opinion] is the SPIRITUAL GROWTH PROCESS. The hard thing that hinders this is that "big church" came with regularity every 5 days [we had Sat. night services]. And people EXPECT to be "fed" and "engaged" and well, "entertained" in their public worship.

We never quite formulated that "killer plan" for growth. We tried a ton of things, with varied "success." From classes to retreats to seminars to plans to small groups. Why is it that creative arts/worship/programming people are a dime a dozen these days, but the equippers, the thinkers, the spiritual developers are as scarce as a Bengals playoff victory [just wait :].

I was at Kensington Community Church when I was introduced to Alan Hirsch, an amazing "thinker" and "provoker". It was for a "small groups conference." He said 1 line that set off a nuclear explosion in my mind. He said we must look at small groups as "little churches." Those 2 words were all that I needed.

And when they operate that way TOWARD EACH OTHER [love, care, prayer, giving, growing, outreach, serving, etc.] the church will explode as she did in Acts 2.

Equipping our leaders to be "pastors" of their "little churches" will forever change what I am called to do [Ephesians 4]. Why have a "meals ministry" and a pastoral "care team" and a big church "serving day". Why are PEOPLE not caring, praying, serving and taking meals to EACH OTHER? Because we are used to professionally doing this through the TRAINED CLERGY PROGRAM.

Explosive growth happened at the GRASS ROOTS LEVEL. With the COMMON MAN and WOMAN. The gospel has spread for centuries and even in communist China through EQUIPPING LITTLE CHURCHES. Equipping the saints. Each one of us becoming a united FORCE in OUR SPHERE OF INFLUENCE and not just for an hour on Sunday.

That is what we are going to do as we kick off this thing in Utah. Starting with ALPHA GROUPS, they will morph into "mission communities" or "little churches." Instead of planting "A" church, we are going to plant hundreds hopefully. From pubs to cafes to libraries to parks to wherever we can find a crowd of people who are hungry to seek the truth...we will engage with a "little church."

And don't worry...we have not forgotten how well people can worship and learn about Jesus in "BIG CHURCH." You can't have one without the other...but that's a different post and I don't want to tick off all the house church people that I got really excited with the first 75% of this post.

"BIG CHURCH" just can't be our every focus or one day you will look back and see Christians that are tossed and blown by every wave that comes as James tells us. The hard work of equipping must begin from the top down. We must model it and live it. [We held our first group this past Sunday night...it was amazing...true friends who actually love and care for one another in community.]

So next time you ask me about light boards, stage trussing and marketing...don't be surprised if I ask you about "little churches" and truly structuring everything we do around them and letting BIG CHURCH flow out of LITTLE CHURCH. That's mobilization...that's power...that's Christ-followership that will STAND THE TEST OF TIME.

And stop being a HATER. I know what some of you are thinking...I'VE BEEN SAYING THIS FOR YEARS! Well, the moment we are dominated by a mentality of spiritual growth is the path to CHANGE THE WORLD, we stop caring about those around us who are going to HELL and we are right back to SQUARE 1.

I could find many pastors and elder's and seminary prof's and some very deep people who have probably led no one to Jesus in YEARS. Where's the love? Where's the balance? There is NO SUBSTITUTE for the GREAT COMMISSION that includes both: REACHING and TEACHING!

"We can only live changes: we cannot think our way to humanity. Every one of us, every group, must become the model of that which we desire to create." --Ivan Illich in The Forgotten Ways

Breaking Church Planting Rules--Part 3

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 04:01:00 +0000

We will focus on LOVE and RELATIONSHIP more than TASKS.

At some of my previous ministries, we were so focused on TASK, that RELATIONSHIP was relegated to 2nd priority. No time for that stuff. Work is work, and we are working for the KINGDOM AFTER ALL...right?

But you aren't supposed to be FRIENDS and INTIMATE with staff, members, etc. Right? Keep it professional? [the great debate...]

The way I see it now is that you will more than likely get CRAPPED ON by both anyway, so go ahead and RISK the INTIMACY. It will pay off in the end, at least that's what Scripture says [see verse to follow at end]::

I have built safe guards around my heart after being burned in the past. That's Satan's plan. To scar us so that we don't allow TRUE COMMUNITY/INTIMACY to reign and rule. To have an atmosphere of FEAR instead of FREEDOM. That starts with the leader being vulnerable and creating a culture of TRUST, and your team and congregation following. I've not always done the greatest job at that, just to be real.

Our current team has VOWED to become a BAND OF BROTHERS and SISTERS at ALL COSTS. Professionals won't come to your rescue when you have been attacked. Trust me on that one. A BAND OF BROTHERS will.

I am willing to take that risk. Why? I believe that not only is this Biblical community, but it is a line to tap into God's power. Devotion to one another ushered in God's power.

[They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.] Acts 2.42-43

Breaking Church Planting Rules--Part 2

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:01:00 +0000

We are going to FEAR GOD more than we FEAR MAN.

And that begins with ME. Most people think I am a cut-throat, type A, take no prisoner's personality. The simple answer is that I can be when I need to be, but I am not at heart. Don't mistake preaching passion for personality.

I am stuck with this diagnosed PEOPLE-PLEASER tag. That has gotten me into a ton of trouble as a leader in the past and has cost me some serious heart-ache.

I always want to keep everyone happy, and keep all sides equalized. I see the glass as half-full. I see staff members who need to move onto a different calling as a work in progress that of course I can help change. I see dissenters as people who will see the light eventually.

That has cost me and the ministries that I have been a part of over the years, big time.

Instead of getting down to business...which I can do with the best of them...I prefer to keep the false peace and pray for the best. Not a good thing, and after all, almost 100% of the time, the TOUGH call I/we had to make was the RIGHT call. You can see it months or years later.

We know what GOD wants us to do. If not, you shouldn't be the leader. Step down.

As leaders, we have to accept that some people will take us off their Christmas gift list, un-friend us on Facebook and speak bad evil about us being the anti-Christ and/or power-mongering, control-freaks.

So what. Do what God asks you to do. Jesus was loved so much He was hung on cross.

[The fear of GOD is the beginning of WISDOM.] Proverbs 1.7

Breaking Church Planting Rules--Part 1.

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:04:00 +0000

We are going to focus on PRAYER as much as we focus on PROGRAMMING.

Admit it...you need to as well.

I certainly have had staff complain about too many staff meetings, how long they are, how much work they have to do...but I can't remember 1 person who made a big deal about the amount of time we spent in PRAYER. Or asking for their load to be lifted so they could pray more.

Should we have to "make time" to pray?

I'm guilty. I want to ATTACK THE LIST every morning when I wake up.

I know first hand that our lives are much less powerful when we do that...living in an attitude of constant prayer as we live our daily lives is POWERFUL and our days are EFFECTIVE.

Our team is committed that we are going to give it our best to SHATTER THIS RULE.

[The prayer of a righteous person is POWERFUL and EFFECTIVE.] James 5.16

We're Going to Break Some Church Planting Rules...and My Liver.

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 00:13:00 +0000

*I do not recommend this series for everybody...so think hard before being adopting blindly.

Correction: PRAY and LISTEN and OBEY hard before adopting. Plan to crank out a 5 part series on how God is leading us to break some church planting rules in Jesus name.

**Still room on this TEAM if you are brave enough. We need a few more warriors.

Thanks for all the prayers for our families and myself this week. 8/9 of our household [Hills/Stakes] were down with the flu, and I got it severely where it affected my liver and I had to be hospitalized for 2 days. Out now and back at it, resting well [don't worry...I'm fine :]

***p.s. // Do you think it is a coincidence that the exact day I started getting very ill, was the EXACT day that I posted the request for INTERCESSORY PRAYER TEAM MEMBERS?

A few years ago we started a PRAYER SERIES @ New Hope, and I went into the hospital, and this amazing pastor who took the reigns that weekend preaching was carted off by the squad. You make the call.

After further review :: // We're in a battle. And we will win, but none the less, we fight.

Serious Inquiries Only: This is LIFE OR DEATH.

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 04:01:00 +0000

If there is 1 thing that our group needs as we seek to expand the Kingdom in a very tough place... it is this:

PRAYER.

Some of you just checked out. That's old, it's not fresh, it's routine. For those of you who perked up...keep reading.

This will be right to the point. We need people, we need equipment, we need staff, we need money, we need __________...

But more than anything, we need HIS POWER. And I mean it. That is not a preacher's phrase...we SEEK IT big time. Will you help us draw God's ear and attention to this mission?

As a matter of fact, this is the first big act that I have done...our official fund raising hasn't started yet, because it won't start until this team starts. It's a waste of time.

Here's what we will expect of you:
1. That you will PRAY DAILY for us. Daily. Every day.
2. That you will KEEP REQUESTS CONFIDENTIAL. Please...this is a serious team.
3. That you will INTERCEDE like never before for our mission and battle for this mission we are on. We will need your contact info...so don't forget to send that to me!

Here's what you can expect from us:
1. Regular correspondence [at least 2 times a month] with REAL REQUESTS and PRAISES.
2. In-depth prayer concerns and praises, not just the superficial stuff [which is still important].
3. PRAYER for YOU from OUR TEAM. LOVE for your from OUR TEAM. We know you will be CLEARING THE WAY in BATTLE.

I take this stuff seriously. Jesus spent a ton of time PRAYING, when as the SON OF GOD, He could move HEAVEN and EARTH with 1 word. Just 1 word, but He modeled where the POWER can be FOUND.

We need this battle from YOU more than ANYTHING.

If you are SERIOUS about prayer and praying for MISSION WEST in Utah and beyond...please drop me your stats [name, address, phone, e-mail] to: chazzdaddy17@gmail.com

We really believe this passage is really real. Really. Real. Heaven and hell real. Life and death real. Eternity changers.

"For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." [ephesians 6.12 / asv]

[photo credit: http://bit.ly/14ayjm]

The GIFT of BETRAYAL.

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:02:00 +0000

Huge shout out to a friend Dan Nold for putting the icing on the cake to this post about "The Worst Thing That Happened to Jesus."

He reminded me that not only can we identify with JESUS in HIS BETRAYAL, but we should also offer the same gift that HE gave the betrayers:

FORGIVENESS.

That's the GIFT we received for HIS DEATH, and the GIFT we can give others when we suffer with HIM.

There's your cake and you can eat it to.

The Worst Thing That Happened to Jesus.

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:26:00 +0000

The worst thing that happened to Jesus was not that He had to leave heaven, or that He was tempted, or even that He was brutally crucified.

He was betrayed.

Not just by Judas, not just by the disciples, not just by the people he came for, not by the Roman Soldiers doing their job...but it was betrayal by those He loved deeply.

You will never be a follower of Christ at the deepest level until you have experienced betrayal at this level.

That’s why relationships are hard, and why they get so messy. Betrayal hurts worse than anything that this planet has to offer outside of death.

Leaders...its not IF it happens, but WHEN it happens, and it will hurt.

The redeeming value is that you will experience something at the deepest level that our Father experienced, and that’s kindred spirit with our God and Father. We’re now in the same club.

So when you want to throw up your hands, puke, scream, give up, write a scathing blog post, or get out a gun and point it at that special someone[s]...remember this affinity you have with your Father, and His attitude toward them.

“He was despised and rejected by men. A man of sorrows, yet acquainted with grief...He was despised and we esteemed Him not. He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, by His wounds we are HEALED!” Isaiah 53

the first 7 checks we will write as a "church".

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:47:00 +0000

When we "incorporate" as a "church" in the next month or so, I am excited about the first 7 checks we will write as an official "church".

I am breaking covenants and law and rules by doing this, but someone will have to stomp on us before we give this up:

If we are serious about the GREAT COMMISSION, then we will understand that the first 7 checks we write will be this:

1. To an organization that is impacting our local community right here in our Jerusalem.
2. The next 6 will be to the above in: Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, Europe and Antarctica.

We will repeat this every month, no excuses.

We will SERVE outside of ourselves before we begin serving OURSELVES. And yes, it is hard to find things to support in Antarctica in case you were wondering.

chaos herder.

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:20:00 +0000

That's what I feel like as a leader most of the time. So, it was time to re-name the blogg-o-la, for at least a day.

I have been called a control freak, and yes, that would be the case sometimes. Other times I have been called an absent leader and yes, that would be the case sometimes as well. [remember you can't win for losing in leadership, so stop trying. it KILLED me and still does when I try to people please...]

This is my heart's desire, contrary to popular opinion sometimes from critics, staff, friends, strangers, family, yada, yada, yada:

TO LET THE HOLY SPIRIT WORK THROUGH ME TO SEE AS MANY PEOPLE DETOURED FROM HELL AS POSSIBLE. And while alive on earth, to help BELIEVERS CONTINUALLY GROW IN CHRIST until we meet our SAVIOR face to face.

That's why I do what I do [period]. Why the Hades else would you put yourself or your family through this? [if that makes no sense to you, you are not a pastor or church planter, so skip on...]

Have I tried to "control" the work of the spirit? Of course I have. I'm human and I think I know best.

But, one of the most freeing lessons I have ever learned [am learning] was/is this:

THAT YOU CAN'T CONTROL A MOVE OF GOD, so do your best to MANAGE [herd] the CHAOS and get out of the way.

Here's where I think I am today, and how I might be a better chaos herder than I was yesterday:

MOVE OF GOD + GODLY LEADERSHIP + ABUNDANT LOVE = ORGANIZED? CHAOS [Acts 2 and beyond]. [of course, there are a hundred other dynamics to put into the equation so don't comment the crap out of this ie: prayer, scripture, obedience, etc., but these are the biggies when I read what the apostles did].

A radical MOVE of God, shaped by GODLY leadership, that lives a life of ABUNDANT love [not superficial love, and after all, summed up: God is LOVE, so maybe we should too], and see it freaking explode in JESUS NAME.

This is what happened throughout Scripture. And I desire that: let's herd some SPIRITUAL CHAOS TOGETHER.

crap.

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:59:00 +0000

That's what the last 8 months have been. [this is not a cry fest, whine fest, or attempt to get self-promotion or show you how tough we are...anyway.]

When you receive a call from GOD, it's supposed to be AMAZING right? The heavens open, trumpets sounds, angels sing, the path is slippery smooth and downhill!

Of course people will be extremely supportive, majorly encouraging, and fired up for your "obedience to the call of God"?

Well, maybe not always.

Our team has pushed through. Some are here, some are still there. Some are still pushing. Some are still being called.

Our family has endured 2 moves and a bunch of uncertainty. We miss our church, our friends and our family, and yes...it has been tough.

But we are here. And today it becomes real for me. Why?

Today is our first "staff meeting." I have a blank sheet of paper and today we begin to jot out with our team what our mission and vision will begin to be.

We plan to start to form some God picture for how we are going to kick satan's butt and start to put some life into 22+ cities out here in Utah that have no "churches" in them. [again if you are new, that's not a typo...there are ZERO.]

So roll out the toilet paper...we are about ready to wipe and flush. And man, it feels good!

["Many are the plans in a man's heart, but the COUNSEL OF THE LORD is what will stand!" prov. 19.21]

jobs open in one of the coolest places on earth.

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:59:00 +0000

I would have never said that a few months ago...but SLC and the surrounding areas are one of the "best kept secrets anywhere." I'm letting the cat out of the bag. meooooooooooooooow.

We thought we were being called to Utah and would "endure for the cause of Christ." There must be NOTHING there but a dead lake and the Utah Jazz.

Instead we found one of the coolest places to live in the country. WHY?

*Great people.
*Amazing views like no other.
*Best snow for skiing anywhere.
*Hundreds of hiking, biking, camping opportunities.
*Cheap and amazing golf.
*A downtown that is being completely renovated.
*Tons of great restaurants, theaters, and culture.
*Fine arts and other concert events all the time.
*The climate is great [if you enjoy 4 seasons and over 300+ days of sunshine a year].
*The traffic is pretty smooth.
*Low crime.
*Lowest unemployment rate in the country.
*People who want to talk all the time about Jesus and the Church.
*And about a 472 other cool things.

The downside?

*22 cities without 1 "protestant" church in them. 22...no joke. For those of us who are non-LDS, this is the most un-churched population in the COUNTRY. [oh, and Utah is the FASTEST-GROWING state in the country...]

So...there are JOBS out here in the wild west for those who want to join the mission and be a part of our team as a non-staff member [we need more families who are called!]

And we have STAFF JOB OPENINGS for those who are feeling called to an amazing adventure with our amazing team. Here's what we are looking for:

*Spiritual Development
*Youth/Kids
*Executive Pastor Type

Hit me: chazzdaddy17@gmail.com

We badly miss our family and friends at New Hope and in Ohio and would do anything to be with them...but honestly, WE LOVE THIS PLACE and WE LOVE THIS CALLING...[ask my wife...she said it.]

freaking do it you wuss...

chazzdaddy17@gmail.com (chazzdaddy) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:55:00 +0000

Do you ever sway back and forth over something that God has asked you to do? I know I have been guilty of this, but when I am walking closely with Christ, it is different. Why?

This is why. [2 Corinthians/niv]

¹⁷When I planned this, did I do it lightly? Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say, "Yes, yes" and "No, no"?

¹⁸But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No." ¹⁹For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes." ²⁰For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. ²¹Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, ²²set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

WHEN GOD ASKS YOU TO DO SOMETHING...FREAKING DO IT! Who or what are you afraid of? Never mind...go have another committee meeting.