Changes, changes

Well, the first thing you may notice is that I’ve changed my blog address. Therefore I’m afraid, if you are interested in following my blog, you’ll have to click on the button down the right hand side to subscribe again.

Secondly you might notice that its been ages since I’ve blogged. Thats because its been a really tough month of God doing a deep work in me as He graciously reminds me of what and WHO all this is about! And also, you may realize that some of us proud church planters/leaders generally only like to publicize exciting news. I mean, which church leader twitters “Flippin ‘eck this is hard work!” or “Someone else left today. Praise the Lord!”?

God has been reminding me that this church won’t grow or be healthy because of my efforts. Its ALL about Him. God is showing me that He’s more interested in an intimate relationship with me rather than any of my responsibilities in the church. He’s showing me that the only way I can truly love people is by first knowing His love for me that was displayed perfectly on the cross. So this month I’ve spent more time than ever before on my knees before God begging Him to break down the walls I’ve created around my heart, and break my heart for Him and others. And that doesn’t make for great blogging!

I was encouraged by this blog by my friend Tim in Manchester who was brutally honest about something he leads. And I realized that so many pastors/leaders only blog the good stuff, leaving others thinking they are the only ones having a hard time. But as I have made efforts to be honest with more people (including many of these leaders) I realize that, no matter what size the church, what the situation, its ALWAYS hard work and there are ALWAYS battles going on its just they choose not to publicize the tough stuff. I realized that I wanted to be particularly open for 2 reasons. 1. So that more people could be aware and therefore pray and 2. Not give a false impression that everything I was doing I was succeeding in and therefore put a little bit more pressure on other church leaders who I know are finding things tough also!

I love what Job says to God in Job 42 after going through amazingly tougher times than I am. “Lord my ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” Its only through the tough times that we really get to know God more. I’m pretty sure that if Catalyst had grown quickly and seemingly been successful, I would be much more proud and arrogant than I am now. Its easier to be humble when you often mess up publicly!

I want to celebrate when things are good AND when they are tough! And I think I’m getting there!

Alpha Course is still going strong!

I have had the pleasure of being part of and leading several Alpha Courses in my time. Its great seeing people discussing deep issues and many of them eventually giving their lives to God. One of my closest friends, Steve Wilson came along to an Alpha course a few years ago, got saved, gave his life wholeheartedly to God and serving the church and has been on staff at The Kings Arms Church in Bedford for a couple of years already. He is an example to me in the way he still lives his life.

He is just one of thousands and thousands of reasons I love the Alpha Course. Here at Catalyst we have just had our first week of our first Alpha Course led by Kel and Sandra Grenga in their house and they had 3 non-churched people come along and love it. If you are interested in coming along then its not too late. It really will make a difference to your life. (even Bear Grylls thinks so and he’s really tough!)