A Pastor’s Prayer

Today was a day we had been working towards and praying about for months!  So glad to finally gather and share it with our church. Here’s how it all came together: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name Family Ministry Presentation Offering Oh, the Deep Deep Love What a Savior Sermon Have Thine Own Way The worship team led so …

READ MORE

A Pastor’s Heart

I was so eager to worship with our church family today.  It was a fantastic week of ministry for our family.  Our students had a great experience at X-Fuge on Mission.  Our Ghana team was back in the house.  Lots of new faces.  It was such a special time to focus on 1 Thess. 3:1-10. Here’s the service flow: Amazed …

READ MORE

How Long, O LORD [Storytellers]

“How Long, O LORD” was written for “The Word” project to cover the time of the exile and the longing for the Messiah. “The Word” is a project by North Side Worship telling the grand narrative of the Bible.  It is available at North Side (May 3, 2015) and iTunes (May 5, 2015). We knew that the last song of the Old Testament would have to …

READ MORE

The Ministry of the Word

Incredible day of being the church.  Loved meeting so many new guests today – can’t wait to see all that God is up to! Today we focused on 1 Thess. 2:13-20: 13 For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the …

READ MORE

We’re On a Journey (Whoa Oh Oh Oh)

Amanda and I had the privilege to teach 1 of the 4th grade groups at our Vacation Bible School this week.  As we began the week, she stated, “We both are used to being in charge in these type of situations.  This is either going to go great or not so much.” It went great.  Amanda is such a gifted …

READ MORE

No, Mr. President

The video above is from a John Piper sermon delivered in 2009.  In light of the news today, it has been a serious reminder for me to: Speak out for those who have had their voice removed from them Pray for our President Pray that this news will cause a change to happen with him and other leaders

Partial-Birth Abortions to Sell Baby Parts

I have no words.  I am physically sick right now.  When are we going to wake up? If you haven’t seen the video from the sting operation that revealed a level of wickedness many didn’t think possible, you can watch it above. Warning: it is disturbing at the callous nature of this conversation. So, fetuses that are too useless to …

READ MORE

You Alone Are God [Storytellers]

“You Alone Are God” was written for “The Word” project to cover the doctrine of the Trinity and to worship every member of the Godhead. “The Word” is a project by North Side Worship telling the grand narrative of the Bible.  It is available at North Side (May 3, 2015) and iTunes (May 5, 2015). I wanted to address the Trinity, but where do you begin? …

READ MORE

Effective Spiritual Leadership – Part 2

Such a great day to focus on spiritual leadership and sending leaders out all over the world! 7 But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. 8 Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. 9 For you recall, …

READ MORE

Unless the LORD Builds the House

Psalm 127 is what commentators call a “song of ascents.”  As the people of God would ascend the hill into Jerusalem and ascend the stairs into the place of worship, the priests would sing this song over the worshipers upon their journey: Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.  Unless the LORD watches over …

READ MORE

Effective Spiritual Leadership – Part 1

2nd week in 1 Thessalonians as we discussed “Effective Spiritual Leadership.”  I hate not being there in person but it was great to watch the service online and see how great our team led out today! Today’s service: Burning in My Soul – Passion Welcome To God Be the Glory – The Alone Instrument Baptism Offertory Prayer Scripture Reading 10,000 …

READ MORE

Return to Me [Storytellers]

“Return to Me” was written for “The Word” project to cover the expansive section of the Old Testament prophets. “The Word” is a project by North Side Worship telling the grand narrative of the Bible.  It is available at North Side (May 3, 2015) and iTunes (May 5, 2015). With 17 books associated with the Old Testament prophets and a wide-array of themes, this section was …

READ MORE

Characteristics of the Elect

Great start to a new series in 1 Thessalonians as we focused on the “Characteristics of the Elect.”  We studied 1 Thessalonians 1. 1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. 2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you …

READ MORE

Saving a Soul from Death

Our church has benefited so much from focusing on the Book of James over the last few months.  It was a great day to finish up our “Faith Works” series. Today’s focus was James 5:19-20: 19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save …

READ MORE

Elisabeth Elliot Quotes

One of my heroes passed through the gates of splendor this morning. Elisabeth Elliot (12/21/26 – 6/15/15) went home to see Jesus. If you don’t know her story, here is the much abbreviated version starting when she met her husband, and soon-to-be-martyr, Jim Elliot: A year after I went to Ecuador, Jim Elliot, whom I had met at Wheaton, also …

READ MORE

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

To conclude our services on prayer today, we sang “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Joseph Scriv­en wrote this hymn in 1855 to com­fort his mo­ther, who was across the sea from him in Ire­land. It was orig­in­al­ly pub­lished anon­y­mous­ly, and Scriv­en did not re­ceive full cred­it for al­most 30 years. I have always loved the words of this hymn. …

READ MORE

The Power of Prayer

Week after week, our church is becoming more of a family. Today, the focus upon James 5:13-17 helped even more so. 13 Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the …

READ MORE

3-Year Bible Study Plan

Here is an additional Family Ministry update for your viewing pleasure.  We are excited to announce that one of the ways we are going to equip parents is by providing a 3-year Bible study plan for the entire family!

3-Year Plan

This plan will include:

  1. All ages on the same passage every week (except for Christmas and Easter where children will focus primarily on those significant events due to their importance at reclaiming those holidays).
  2. No more different ages in different places.  This effort is to fight against isolationist Christian growth and get back to what the Bible teaches concerning the centrality of the home (Mal. 4:6; Deut. 6:4-9).
  3. 3-Year plan going chronologically through the Scriptures so that you can see the grand narrative of the Bible instead of isolated stories and events.
  4. 18 months in the Old Testament and 18 months in the New Testament will allow a great coverage.
  5. If a family member promotes up to next age classing, they don’t miss a beat because we are all covering the same passages (preschool up to children, children up to students, etc.).
  6. Family discipleship can take place much easier because you will know what your children are learning without having to dig.
  7. Ages 1 to 100+ will all be together as well.  This means that grandparents and aunts and uncles and all family members (family unit and church unit) can share what they are learning through God’s Word!
  8. While our relaunch of Family Ministry happens in August 16, this curriculum will launch 3 weeks later on September 6th.  We want the system to be running well before new curriculum.
  9. If you aren’t in a discipleship group yet, now is the time to join one because this effort will help draw yourself and your family together around the Word like never before!

Gospel Project Chronological Promo

The Ten Commandments [Storytellers]

“The Ten Commandments” was written for “The Word” project to cover the pivotal nature of the Law in the Bible. “The Word” is a project by North Side Worship telling the grand narrative of the Bible.  It is available at North Side (May 3, 2015) and iTunes (May 5, 2015). You can’t really do a big picture of the Bible without addressing the Law – especially …

READ MORE

A Holy God, a Holy Life

What an incredible day with the people of North Side.  Summer starting, lots of new faces, and some incredible time with Jesus! We took a 1-week break in the Book of James for Edgar Enriquez to preach for us.  He chose Titus 2:10-14 as his focus passage and we built the service around it. Today’s service went like this: Song …

READ MORE

Managing Ministry Interruptions

A few days ago, I posted an article entitled “Death to the Green Room” which somehow got traction in certain circles.  It caused a surprisingly large amount of people to read the post and prompted some discussion.  What was intended to be an article teaching our church about what we value as a worship team, it caused some to evaluate their own …

READ MORE

Summer Roundtable

[Post from Discipleship Pastor Dick Williams] Growing up in a Christian home in a small, rural town in the south during the 1960’s-70’s, with WWII generation parents led to a lifestyle filled with many routine practices. These practices provided much stability, for which I am grateful. One such practice was a daily family meal around our kitchen table. Usually, that …

READ MORE

Your Word [Storytellers]

“Your Word” was written for “The Word” project to cover the time and the themes covered by the New Testament Epistles. “The Word” is a project by North Side Worship telling the grand narrative of the Bible.  It is available at North Side (May 3, 2015) and iTunes (May 5, 2015). “The Word” project was somewhat simple to begin songwriting on Creation, Exodus, Pentecost, etc.  Big events …

READ MORE

The Same Call

I will never forget how I felt staring out the window of the airplane as we took off.  As my friends and I began our journey to take the gospel into a closed country, the gravity of it all hit me.  These nine guys had decided to join me on this mission trip, and we had no idea what was awaiting us. …

READ MORE

Don’t Swear

Such a special time of being the church today.  The entire service was built around James 5:12: But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. Today’s service went like this: Reading …

READ MORE

Our God Is With Us [Storytellers]

“Our God Is With Us” was written for “The Word” project to cover the theme of God’s constant presence throughout the Old Testament. “The Word” is a project by North Side Worship telling the grand narrative of the Bible.  It is available at North Side (May 3, 2015) and iTunes (May 5, 2015). Many of the songs on this project had a definite event or time …

READ MORE

Patiently Waiting

It was so great to be led in worship by such a great team today.  I missed leading with them again this week because we were celebrating Eli’s birthday on Wednesday (rehearsal time).  We have had two birthdays on Wednesdays this month.  So, I haven’t been kicked off the team…yet!  I just needed some time to be dad this month. …

READ MORE

Death to the Church Green Room

When North Side broke ground on our worship center, I was our College and Missions Pastor.  In the middle the building’s completion, my job and responsibilities changed as I became the Worship Pastor.  I suddenly began attending meetings with architects, designers, and engineers.  Coming into the discussions late into the process, I often had questions or suggestions as I thought through the future …

READ MORE

Amazed [Storytellers]

“Amazed” was written for “The Word” project to cover the time covering Jesus’ ministry. “The Word” is a project by North Side Worship telling the grand narrative of the Bible.  It is available at North Side (May 3, 2015) and iTunes (May 5, 2015). While the three years of Christ’s ministry was relatively short in relation to the scope of the entire biblical narrative, those years changed …

READ MORE

Rich and Wicked

Today, I was hit by the joy of being able to be a part of this church family.  God is doing so much around us and through this congregation, it is just humbling to watch. This service was prayed over and the passage was studied relentlessly to provide a good flow around the focal text of the day. 5:1 Come now, …

READ MORE

What a Savior [Storytellers]

“What a Savior” was written for “The Word” project to cover the Passion of the Christ. “The Word” is a project by North Side Worship telling the grand narrative of the Bible.  It is available at North Side (May 3, 2015) and iTunes (May 5, 2015). We discussed early concerning the pivotal nature of this song in the whole project.  In our “Knowing Jesus” event, we spent …

READ MORE

The Will of God

What a special day to worship Jesus.  What a fantastic time with our church family committing ourselves to submitting ourselves to the will of God. I led worship today but in a different way.  I wasn’t in the band, but I led people to focus upon God by introducing the focus for the day. I wasn’t in the band for …

READ MORE

Don’t Simply Go on Missions – Partner with Missionaries

When I was growing up, I envisioned missionaries to be super spiritual people who were impervious to normal spiritual struggles that the rest of us endured.  They were so holy that they never had family issues, crises of faith, or bad days. Then I got to know missionaries and discovered how far off from the truth that actually is. As …

READ MORE

Enter His Gates [Storytellers]

“Enter His Gates” was written for “The Word” project to cover the Psalms and the organization of worship for the nation of Israel in the Old Testament. “The Word” is a project by North Side Worship telling the grand narrative of the Bible.  It is available at North Side (May 3, 2015) and iTunes (May 5, 2015). This song is actually a few years old around …

READ MORE

The Word

“The Word” is a project by North Side Worship telling the grand narrative of the Bible. It became available at North Side (May 3, 2015) and iTunes (May 5, 2015). Track Listing Let There Be (Creation) How We’ve Fallen (The Fall) No One Like Our God (Exodus) The Ten Commandments (Law) Our God Is With Us (Covenant) Enter His Gates (Psalms) Return to Me (Prophets) …

READ MORE

A Critical Spirit

I am just absolutely overwhelmed at all the Kingdom goodness happening with our North Side family right now! I tried some different things in our services today concerning order and elements.  We had a lot going on but it was a powerful time. Reading Psalm 19:7-11 Song – “Your Word” [from “The Word”] Welcome and Intro to Service (I talked …

READ MORE

Faithful and True [Storytellers]

“Faithful and True” was the next to last song written for “The Word” project.  It focuses on the Book of Revelation and the longing for Christ’s return. “The Word” is a project by North Side Worship telling the grand narrative of the Bible.  It is available at North Side (May 3, 2015) and iTunes (May 5, 2015). I was most hesitant about starting this song …

READ MORE

The Heart Behind “The Word”

“The Word” is a project by North Side Worship telling the grand narrative of the Bible.  It is available at North Side (May 3, 2015) and iTunes (May 5, 2015). With every passing year, I watch the decline in biblical literacy. Many people’s understanding of the Bible are based upon recollections of isolated stories or lessons from isolated phrases. As a pastor at North …

READ MORE

Day By Day [Storytellers]

“Day By Day” was written to describe the Kingdom work of the early Church based on the Book of Acts.  It primarily focuses on the description in Acts 1-7.  It is a song on “The Word” project. “The Word” is a project by North Side Worship telling the grand narrative of the Bible.  It is available at North Side (May 3, 2015) and iTunes (May …

READ MORE