The Regional Campus will have live music and primarilly video preaching. The sermons will not be simulcast / satellite broadcasted (holy smokes! you would not believe how expensive that is!). The sermons will be in fact a DVD of the previous weeks sermon, in other words, a week delay.
I have received some comments and questions in relation to 'satellite' preaching or showing sermons on DVD. Hopefully, I can explain clearly . . . or maybe not :-)
"Why video preaching? If live music is important, then why not live preaching?"
This truly revolves around good stewardship of resources. With a teaching team, the sermon preparation is not as taxing on any one individual. It becomes a shared opportunity. Vernon and Merle do a wonderful job with this currently. PLUS, those shared resources then free me up to oversee groups and spend more focused time leading the Regional Campus ministry team.
"But Stephen, I've heard you preach. How come you are not going to be preaching?"
During special events, vision casting, and periodically during the year, I will be sharing with the teaching team.
"A week delay. Won't that seem like 'leftovers'?"
Actually, with multi-site across the nation, many of them do a week delay. This allows editing time (if need be), plus prep time for the next week (make sure the copies work, etc). Many of the other multi-sites stated that this was a major question, but as things started, no one noticed or were concerned about it.
"I don't know if I would connect with video"
Good statement. I do not know for each person individually, but in talking with KC multi-site campus pastors, all of them stated that really became a non-issue PLUS many like having the video. The important thing about connectivity relies upon the campus pastor - my role. As I share openings and closings with the congregation, I hope to share our heart and passion for people and God's desire for them. Connectivity will also be an important part of everyone at the Regional Campus. Realistically, every member is a missionary to the community, and it will be up to all of us to connect with our 'company' from the community.
I hope that you will see that having Video will be fun. If you are not for sure, I recommend that you just try it out for 4-6 weeks and please let me know. I would love to hear from you.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Timeline
I receive several questions today concerning timeline in launching the Regional Campus. I thought I'd create a specific entry concerning timing and some prayer requests as well.
November - Fall Inhouse Venue Launch
- We will begin worshipping together in the Student Center at 11 am, getting to know each other and celebrate together what God is doing.
- this is continengent upon having a worship leader and team in place. We had hoped to have someone in place by this time. We are still reviewing potential worship leaders.
- PRAYER - please be praying that God would reveal the right person for this role. We hope to find someone who is not only talented musically, but also understands worship. This individual has a passion for God and is pursuing Him.
January 4th - Move Inhouse Venue to Ambassodor Bulding
- We will move the Inhouse Venue and begin worshipping together at the new location. Complete with Children's ministry and Community Groups.
- We will work and serve together in prepping for two weeks for 'Company'. As we are an outreach to the Platte Co. community, we will be getting ready for our Grand Opening on Jan. 18th.
- PRAYER - that we connect with those wanting to serve and get everyone plugged in December to be ready by Jan 4th. Plus, we begin to interact with our neighbors, friends, relatives, coworkers, etc and invite them to worship with us Jan. 18th.
January 18th - GRAND OPENING - Company coming!!! :-)
- Woohoo! We open our doors to the commuity. What a fabulous time that will be!!
- PRAYER - that God will be glofifird and honored throughout the whole process and we have a great celebration on Jan. 18th. Also, that we see people come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior!
November - Fall Inhouse Venue Launch
- We will begin worshipping together in the Student Center at 11 am, getting to know each other and celebrate together what God is doing.
- this is continengent upon having a worship leader and team in place. We had hoped to have someone in place by this time. We are still reviewing potential worship leaders.
- PRAYER - please be praying that God would reveal the right person for this role. We hope to find someone who is not only talented musically, but also understands worship. This individual has a passion for God and is pursuing Him.
January 4th - Move Inhouse Venue to Ambassodor Bulding
- We will move the Inhouse Venue and begin worshipping together at the new location. Complete with Children's ministry and Community Groups.
- We will work and serve together in prepping for two weeks for 'Company'. As we are an outreach to the Platte Co. community, we will be getting ready for our Grand Opening on Jan. 18th.
- PRAYER - that we connect with those wanting to serve and get everyone plugged in December to be ready by Jan 4th. Plus, we begin to interact with our neighbors, friends, relatives, coworkers, etc and invite them to worship with us Jan. 18th.
January 18th - GRAND OPENING - Company coming!!! :-)
- Woohoo! We open our doors to the commuity. What a fabulous time that will be!!
- PRAYER - that God will be glofifird and honored throughout the whole process and we have a great celebration on Jan. 18th. Also, that we see people come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior!
Three Big Rocks
Every building needs a plan - a foundation to build upon. Our primary foundation is Jesus Christ our Lord, who not only is our foundation but also the 'Capstone' that holds it all together (Psalm 118:22, Matt 21:42, Mark 12:10, 1 Peter 2:7).
Therefore, building upon the Solid Rock of our salvation, there are 3 big rocks we are building together at the regional campus -
1. An inviting Worship Experience
2. An exciting Children's Experience
3. An engaging Community Group Experience
Worship Experience
- We will have two worship services. Tentatively, we are approximating 9 am and 10:30 worship times. There may be some unforseen items that come up that may disrupt those times, but that is what we are shooting for.
Children's Experience
- During the two worship times, we will have children's ministry from babies through fifth grade. At kindergarten through 5th grade, we will have opportunities for the families to choose one hour (either 9 or 10:30 am) and worship with their parents the other hour. This will allow the parents to serve that hour and worship the other hour.
- Babies and Preschool will run both hours for parents. This will help the parents also serve one hour and worship the other hour.
- Our goal is to provide an exciting experience for the kids with music, video, and group interaction. We are looking at a couple of curriculum options now - that look like a lot of fun!! - Can I skip the sermon and go watch the kids stuff? :-)
Community Groups
- This is very cool stuff! Working alongside Tim Overby (Associate Pastor of Group Life), we are creating community groups for adults and youth. These groups can meet anywhere, not just in a home, but community areas such as restaurants, coffee shops, community centers. The groups will have a certain DNA that flows through each (Sharing the Word, Missions and service projects together, Social Activities) - doing life together. This is a critical element for adults and youth to feel connected.
- We are also hoping of creating a worship time for youth as well. Music and dance - er - uh - I mean Music and Praise time!! We are baptist! :-) More on youth stuff soon - it will be uber cool!
All that we do at the regional campus will be built upon these three rocks. In attempts to keeping things simple and focused, all that we do we build upon these three areas: worship, children, and groups. Missions, outreach, evangelism, service, socials, etc will outflow from these three.
Therefore, building upon the Solid Rock of our salvation, there are 3 big rocks we are building together at the regional campus -
1. An inviting Worship Experience
2. An exciting Children's Experience
3. An engaging Community Group Experience
Worship Experience
- We will have two worship services. Tentatively, we are approximating 9 am and 10:30 worship times. There may be some unforseen items that come up that may disrupt those times, but that is what we are shooting for.
Children's Experience
- During the two worship times, we will have children's ministry from babies through fifth grade. At kindergarten through 5th grade, we will have opportunities for the families to choose one hour (either 9 or 10:30 am) and worship with their parents the other hour. This will allow the parents to serve that hour and worship the other hour.
- Babies and Preschool will run both hours for parents. This will help the parents also serve one hour and worship the other hour.
- Our goal is to provide an exciting experience for the kids with music, video, and group interaction. We are looking at a couple of curriculum options now - that look like a lot of fun!! - Can I skip the sermon and go watch the kids stuff? :-)
Community Groups
- This is very cool stuff! Working alongside Tim Overby (Associate Pastor of Group Life), we are creating community groups for adults and youth. These groups can meet anywhere, not just in a home, but community areas such as restaurants, coffee shops, community centers. The groups will have a certain DNA that flows through each (Sharing the Word, Missions and service projects together, Social Activities) - doing life together. This is a critical element for adults and youth to feel connected.
- We are also hoping of creating a worship time for youth as well. Music and dance - er - uh - I mean Music and Praise time!! We are baptist! :-) More on youth stuff soon - it will be uber cool!
All that we do at the regional campus will be built upon these three rocks. In attempts to keeping things simple and focused, all that we do we build upon these three areas: worship, children, and groups. Missions, outreach, evangelism, service, socials, etc will outflow from these three.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Preface and Chapter 1
Here are Allen's Comments along with mine - in [ ] brackets
In the preface a statement caught my attention:
"If you have ever hungered for deeper relationships with other believers, perhaps you are ready to realize the difference between going to church and being the church"
That is a huge statement! going and being?
[ holy cow! that was a good statement - i was struck by how often we think that going and completing the task or fulfilling the duty is what constitutes church. 'being' is a great definition/word/illustration. I was listening to the new 'downhere' CD in which one of the songs is about that we are a 'Cathedral of People - not a building seen by human eyes'. It reminded me of 2 Cor 3:2-3 - we are living letters written on hearts]
pg 16 ..... many of us protect ourselves from the kind of friendships that connect us deeply with others.
[ i also marked this passage. I found it interesting that he remarks it is b/c of pain from past experiences and we end up conflicted. Good stuff]
pg 17 healthy relationships......are created by capturing Jesus' heart for life-changing relationships -
[I marked this too! How much have we captured Jesus' heart? I wish I have captured more.]
Story of Zacchaeus made me think of people we had went to church with at Northland. There was a couple that was unusual and thought of that way by most. they wanted to have lunch with us but we always found a reason not to. Looking back I wonder if we had missed out a blessing.
pg 18- ...... people who say they love you but only so long as you benefit them.
[Yep - sucks doesn't it. I wrote in my book on this point: Could this be an issue for a 'needs' based church approach? This continued on pg 19 where we have to move beyond task oriented relationships. I was struck by this. how many relationships do I have that are task oriented. I'm only in a relationship with them b/c it revolves around a task. AND how am I treating those in whom I don't have a task relationship?]
pg 19 .....we can escape the trap only by living the way Jesus did, not trying to get love for ourselves, but learning how to share it with others.
Discussion questions:
1> Think of one of the most significant relationships you have had in your life other than immediate family. Share about that person briefly and tell what made the relationship so special. Lloyd- my dad's cousin- he accepted me as I was. after a time of being together trust was built and being able to talk about anything was nature.
[Mike Hayes - he helped me understand what a prayer relationship with Jesus is all about and that I could talk about anything, especially beyond 'churchy' talk.]
2> think of one incident in that relationship that illustrates what you valued most about that person. what about friendship did you learn from the incident? he allowed me to have the feelings I did withouth judging me, rather he tried to influence me in ways that helped me see things the way Christ would see them. I learned that he cared enough about me to help me see life through the eyes of Christ.
[I grew to be able share aspects of my life not only with Christ but also as open confession or expression before brothers in Christ]
3> Make a list from these stories that defines what your group has already learned about the attributes of friendship. acceptance, listening, honesty,
[oooh - totally agree on the acceptance one. especially when hearing tough things. Integrity was another.]
4> How does this list relect the ways God has expressed his love to you? Which of these would you like to see in your relationships with other believers as well? God is willing to accept me with all my junk, He listens to my plies for forgiveness, and He honestly tells me the things I need to hear about life. Certainly I would like to have my believing friends to be the same way- and vise versus! I need to be accepting, listen, and be honest.
[absolutely agree! I will comment on this in the next chapter]
Hope you weekend with the outdoor enthusist(sp?) went well! I'm be excited to hear about it! Did we talk about getting together this week? [Great time - a little rainy.We did not talk about getting together. What does your schedule look like right now? Are Wed mornings good?PLUS - we have kittens now - 2 of them 'Simba' and 'Cleo' short for cleopatra.]
Have a great week brother.
In the preface a statement caught my attention:
"If you have ever hungered for deeper relationships with other believers, perhaps you are ready to realize the difference between going to church and being the church"
That is a huge statement! going and being?
[ holy cow! that was a good statement - i was struck by how often we think that going and completing the task or fulfilling the duty is what constitutes church. 'being' is a great definition/word/illustration. I was listening to the new 'downhere' CD in which one of the songs is about that we are a 'Cathedral of People - not a building seen by human eyes'. It reminded me of 2 Cor 3:2-3 - we are living letters written on hearts]
pg 16 ..... many of us protect ourselves from the kind of friendships that connect us deeply with others.
[ i also marked this passage. I found it interesting that he remarks it is b/c of pain from past experiences and we end up conflicted. Good stuff]
pg 17 healthy relationships......are created by capturing Jesus' heart for life-changing relationships -
[I marked this too! How much have we captured Jesus' heart? I wish I have captured more.]
Story of Zacchaeus made me think of people we had went to church with at Northland. There was a couple that was unusual and thought of that way by most. they wanted to have lunch with us but we always found a reason not to. Looking back I wonder if we had missed out a blessing.
pg 18- ...... people who say they love you but only so long as you benefit them.
[Yep - sucks doesn't it. I wrote in my book on this point: Could this be an issue for a 'needs' based church approach? This continued on pg 19 where we have to move beyond task oriented relationships. I was struck by this. how many relationships do I have that are task oriented. I'm only in a relationship with them b/c it revolves around a task. AND how am I treating those in whom I don't have a task relationship?]
pg 19 .....we can escape the trap only by living the way Jesus did, not trying to get love for ourselves, but learning how to share it with others.
Discussion questions:
1> Think of one of the most significant relationships you have had in your life other than immediate family. Share about that person briefly and tell what made the relationship so special. Lloyd- my dad's cousin- he accepted me as I was. after a time of being together trust was built and being able to talk about anything was nature.
[Mike Hayes - he helped me understand what a prayer relationship with Jesus is all about and that I could talk about anything, especially beyond 'churchy' talk.]
2> think of one incident in that relationship that illustrates what you valued most about that person. what about friendship did you learn from the incident? he allowed me to have the feelings I did withouth judging me, rather he tried to influence me in ways that helped me see things the way Christ would see them. I learned that he cared enough about me to help me see life through the eyes of Christ.
[I grew to be able share aspects of my life not only with Christ but also as open confession or expression before brothers in Christ]
3> Make a list from these stories that defines what your group has already learned about the attributes of friendship. acceptance, listening, honesty,
[oooh - totally agree on the acceptance one. especially when hearing tough things. Integrity was another.]
4> How does this list relect the ways God has expressed his love to you? Which of these would you like to see in your relationships with other believers as well? God is willing to accept me with all my junk, He listens to my plies for forgiveness, and He honestly tells me the things I need to hear about life. Certainly I would like to have my believing friends to be the same way- and vise versus! I need to be accepting, listen, and be honest.
[absolutely agree! I will comment on this in the next chapter]
Hope you weekend with the outdoor enthusist(sp?) went well! I'm be excited to hear about it! Did we talk about getting together this week? [Great time - a little rainy.We did not talk about getting together. What does your schedule look like right now? Are Wed mornings good?PLUS - we have kittens now - 2 of them 'Simba' and 'Cleo' short for cleopatra.]
Have a great week brother.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
What is a Regional Campus for PVBC?
Great question! Keep them coming!
The PVBC Regional Campus is an extension of the work of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. Think a church plant (starting a new church), but in strategic partnership with another church. In other words, a 'branch office' of the Liberty Campus.
We will have two worship services to begin. We are asking our members to Worship one hour and Serve the other hour. The services will be similar to the 11 am worship time at the Liberty Campus.
During services, we will have Children's ministry for:
Infants (Babies and one year olds),
2-3 year olds,
4-5 year olds,
Kindergarten through 5th grade (attend one hour and worship the other with family)
We will also have a Youth Ministry (6th grade thru 8th grade, and 9th grade thru 12th grade).
Soo, imagine Pleasant Valley Baptist Church - Liberty Campus, BUT on a smaller scale. :-)
The PVBC Regional Campus is an extension of the work of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. Think a church plant (starting a new church), but in strategic partnership with another church. In other words, a 'branch office' of the Liberty Campus.
We will have two worship services to begin. We are asking our members to Worship one hour and Serve the other hour. The services will be similar to the 11 am worship time at the Liberty Campus.
During services, we will have Children's ministry for:
Infants (Babies and one year olds),
2-3 year olds,
4-5 year olds,
Kindergarten through 5th grade (attend one hour and worship the other with family)
We will also have a Youth Ministry (6th grade thru 8th grade, and 9th grade thru 12th grade).
Soo, imagine Pleasant Valley Baptist Church - Liberty Campus, BUT on a smaller scale. :-)
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Location, Location, Location
Many folks have been asking, 'Stephen, where is the new campus located?'
My response has been one of the following or a combination:
- You know the old 'new' Farmland building.
Yep - right there on the first floor.
- I-29 and 435 - the KCI airport exit - take the exit (I believe it is Exit 13) and turn right at the light, the site is on the first floor of the big building to the left
- It's in the Ambassador Building near KCI airport, yes the building previously known as the Farmland building (as opposed to the artist previously known as prince)
Physical Address:
12200 N Ambassador Drive
Kansas City, MO 64163
The first picture is a look at the main entrance to the building. The picture to the right is a picture of the building.
We will start moving into the space in November and beginning of December. Gettting everything ready for a January launch.
Prayer:
Please be praying for
1. smooth transition into the new space
2. our furnishings and supplies get shipped in one piece
3. our technology installations go smoothly
4. protection from Satan and his interruptions
5. that it will be a welcoming place for people and the community
6. just because I wanted a sixth line (heehee) - that we have FUN!
7. That Christ will be glorified through this whole process and people will get to know Him as Lord and Savior
Welcome!
Thank you so much for taking the time to catch up on the lastest happenings with Pleasant Valley Baptist Church's first regional campus. I am soooo excited about this opportunity for our people. Statistics from the past 40 years show consistently that more and more people come to know Christ through the starting of new churches than any other time in a church's lifespan. What an incredible opportunity! In line with our vision of "connecting people with God and others", this endeavor will truly be an opportunity to reach the Platte County community and share the love of Christ. Sweet! I hope that you can join us. It's gonna be a wild ride!
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