The Joys of Chruch Planting!

The last year and a half of my life has been immersed in planting a church. Not an easy task to say the least.  It has been an adventure full of disappointments, frustrations and triumphs.  The challenge of church planting was not something I was fully prepared for, yet it has been richly rewarding.  Several amazing things have happed in the last few months that could only have been orchestrated by the hand of God. Allow me to share them with you not as a means of gloating or bragging, but to humbly acknowledge that we serve an amazing and sovereign God.  And if you are a church planter or part of a church planting team, hopefully this will be a means of encouragement.

After much preparation and very little success in recruiting people to buy into our vision and love for church planting, the nine of us that made up the core team of New Beginnings Christian Ministries decided that rather than a public launch we would just launch out of my home on Sunday mornings.  We had already had several unsuccessful “trial” services along the way, but on Sunday, September 4, 2011, NBC Ministries was official launched out what we called “The Living Room” with a total of 19 people in attendance.  For the next four weeks we averaged 15 people.  Yet, even with low attendance numbers there was a sense of excitement in the air that God was about to do something amazing.  At the end of September I placed an add in a small local paper advertising our services.  Two weeks later ten visitors showed up and the majority of them stayed!! At that point we were averaging about 25 people and my little living room became jam-packed!

Here is where this gets even more exciting for us.  We were now in need of a building.  However, I was having trouble locating one in our area that was big enough for what we wanted to do, yet affordable.  Of course God already had the right building for us, we just didn’t know it yet.  About the middle of October I was having lunch with Barry Pinnix, one of the new families that showed up as a result of placing that add in the Byram Banner.  After lunch Barry said, “Come on I want to show you something.”  He drove me over to a building that was located on his property.  He preceded to tell me that he had no idea if NBC Ministries would be interested in this building or not, but he and his wife had been praying and they both felt that God wanted them to let NBC Ministries use it rent-free as long as we needed it! It is a building that could easily seat 85-90 people comfortably.   Needless to say, NBC Ministries gladly accepted the new building!! Wow! God had just provided us with about 10 new people to help us with this vision and he directed one of those families to provide us with the building to house our new growth!  God is awesome!

On Sunday, November 13, 2011 we had 26 people in attendance. Three of those people were first time visitors.  Following the morning service we had our second and final meeting for our first membership class.  Nine people committed to become members of NBC Ministries. And one of those was a homeless guy!  This to me is one of the most amazing parts of our story, because this was a part of our vision from the start.  We desire to be a church that is active in our community and is proactive in loving “The Least of these”.  So how cool is it that one of our church members went down town to pick up a homeless man we had been ministering too, and on his first Sunday with us we happen to have our first membership class, and now one of our very first members is a homeless man? That’s pretty cool! Nothing thrills my heart more than that!  As a pastor it is so exciting to be able to see the vision that God has given me and this core team come to fruition! 

I have no doubt that there will be more bumps and frustrations along the way as we continue to grow and reach the Jackson area for Christ.  We do have an enemy that does not want to see the church succeed (John 10:10). However, I also have no doubt that God will continue to add to our number daily those who are being saved (Acts 2:47), and he will continue to do amazing signs and wonders among our group creating moments of “Awe” like the first century church encountered as they were planting churches (Acts 2:43). 

The greatest lesson I have learned from church planting is simply - obedience! When God tells you to act on something then act on it! He is always faithful to fulfill his promises! And I am thankful for all of those on the core team who have been obedient to God’s call, and who have prayed, fought for and believed in this vision! So I say thank you to each of you – you know who you are! I love you and I am proud to serve along side of you!

Doing life together in Jesus’ name!  - Simple Pastor Tim Burnett

Just Go With It

Ok, so it's been awhile since I have posted something.  I thought the 3 people who actually read this blog might actually like something new.  So here it is.

I am in the process of planting a church, which I am discovering is not an easy task.  Not that I thought it would be, but I was hoping for less difficult.  If anything, I think it has increased my faith.  I have learned the phrase, "Just go With It."  Case in point, last month we were scheduled to have our second public service prior to our launch, in a public school cafeteria.  The band worked hard on learning all songs, each core member had rehearsed whatever their particular task was in order to welcome any new comers who might be in attendance.  We made up flyers and printed them off and handed them out to anyone who would take one in hopes that even one visitor would show up.  We prayed and invited. We were so excited and knew that God was going to do something big that day.  Hopefully, he was going to bring someone to salvation and increase our numbers as we were looking to launch. I did not realize what he had in store for us on that humid, summer morn.

The service was scheduled for 10:30 AM at a local elementary school.  I told the team to all be there by 8:30 so that we could set up and the band could rehearse.  I had secured everything with the school.  I paid the $300 and and we were set.  I arrived at about 8:15 in order to greet all the team members as they showed up.  I noticed that they gates were locked up.  However, no fear because they weren't supposed to be there until 8:30 to let us in.  Gradually, my team made its way to the school.  However, those who were supposed to unlock the gate had failed to show.  5 minutes went by, then 10, then 15, now I was beginning to get really nervous.  Finally, after about an hour in the heat we got a hold of somebody who said they were "on their way".  Now we only had one hour till church began.  We would hardly have time to set up let alone practice. But we said we would "just go with it" and allow God to do something amazing even if we were unprepared.  Another 15, then 30 minutes went by and still no one showed.  We finally got someone on the phone who told us that no one would be there to let us in!!  Ugh! I had 15 people standing outside, sweating like crazy, ready to transform the school into a sanctuary to worship God and we can't get in.

So now what? I guess this is where great leaders are made (or fail miserably).  I told everyone to head to my house.  I left Michael posted at the gates for awhile in case a visitor showed up to explain what happened and to send them our way.  We all got to the house and I stepped back as I watched my team (with joy and and smile on their face) transform my living room into a sanctuary.  Candles were everywhere, the band went acoustic and my TV became our screen.  And you know what? IT ROCKED!  The service was amazing.  We had a time of worship through song, communion and God's Word.  It was very intimate and the Holy Spirit was present leading us every step of the way!

So, why do I share this with you.  Actually, I think I posted it more for me than for anyone else.  I was reminded that hot Sunday morning, that no matter what well laid plans you might have, things can always go wrong.  However, God does not!  He is the same yesterday, today and forever.  So next time you experience something less that what YOU planned, "Just Go With It" because it might be better that anything you could have ever dreamed up!

Balance

The other day I posted the video of a trailer about a film on poverty in Kenya called, This Is My Normal.  And like many of you, I have watched dozen of similar videos, seen pictures or read articles that make us aware of the horrific conditions around the world.  And again like you, they break my heart, move me to prayer and cause me to probe my checkbook ledger to see where my funds are really going.

Then I move onto other things.  You know, life stuff....kids, work, school, problems...life.  And within a few hours those pictures of the slums of Kenya, or the drug addicts and prostitutes in my own backyard escape my memory, at least until the next video comes across my laptop.

So here is my question:  How do we balance these two? Is there a healthy balance between these two dichotomies? What can I do as an affluent American (well, down right rich American when you realize what the rest of the world lives on daily) to live the life that I have been given here in America but yet still be involved in the plight of the poor, downcast and hurting?  What is that balance? Seriously, what it is?  I'm asking you cause I'm not sure.  For example, I was kid free for part of this weekend (which is a rare thing since I'm a full-time single dad with 3 kids ages 7-14), so I took my MacBook, my Bible (one of 13 different translations I have on my shelf), my smart phone, a notepad, a pen and worked on a sermon while listening to one of 600+ bands I have on my MP3 player, while at Waffle House eating a breakfast big enough to feed a village in Africa.  Yet, 20,000 children will die tonight because they don't have drinkable water.  Wow!

So, should I feel guilty?  Should I do nothing?  Should I fast from breakfast and send that money to a country who needs it?  The answer may be yes to all of those. Or, is there a balance?  Because I don't now how to not live my life here in Mississippi.  Don't get me wrong, I believe in sacrifice.  Jesus said take up your cross and follow me.  Really? Do we read that part of our Bible?  Would we do anything for Jesus?  Give up family, friends, Starbucks, computers, blogs, music, house, cars for Jesus?  I want to believe that I would.  I do know Jesus has called me to plant a church in Jackson, MS.  And you know what? I don't really want to.  I would rather live anywhere but Jackson, MS (well until I see videos of Nairobi, Kenya).  No one wants to commit to a church plant, its hard work, very discouraging at times and it doesn't pay much.  Then I am reminded of what I have.  Not just the monetary stuff, but the love of Jesus.  Salvation.  A gift.  So, then its all worth it.  Actually, its really not a sacrifice at all when you consider what He has sacrificed for me!

Okay....I digress.  Back to balance.  So, now what? Can I balance both?  It seems so overwhelming.  But it's possible.  Start small.  Here are a few things my kids and I have done or are doing: As a family adopt a child from a third world country through WorldVision or Compassion International.  Quit buying $4 coffees and put that money away for a whole year then give it to someone in need.  Volunteer at a local shelter.  Take a trip to a developing county instead of going on an expensive family vacation one year (no, you don't have to give up all family vacations.....balance, remember).  These are just some things, and they don't guarantee to eliminate all guilt, but it's a start.  But most importantly, pray and be open to God.  I mean really pray and really listen to him.  If he calls you to do something big or small then be obedient.  To me that's the key to balance: obedience.  Simply be obedient to what God wants you to do.  When you do that then maybe you can have a greasy $8 breakfast with all of your electronics in hand - Guilt Free!

Let me know your thoughts on balance.  What do you do for a healthy balance?  I need help!

Thanks.....Simple Pastor Tim

Amazing Video

This Is My Normal (Trailer) from Rule29 on Vimeo.

Grace House

On Sunday May 22nd, my little church plant went into the heart of downtown Jackson to serve the least of these. This was our second time to go back to a place called Grace House, which is a transitional home for those with HIV/AIDS. Our mission was simple: Just love on people! And we succeeded. We had a cook out, played volleyball and lead them in a time of worship! It was amazing and the Spirit of God was there!

However, I am also a little disturbed. No, not because the residents have made poor choices and now they suffer from an incurable disease, although that is heartbreaking. No, I'm disturbed because the director told me that very few "Christians" will even come to Grace House. "They are afraid," she said. She told me that some of them want to bring food by (I guess this is some ritual to help ease the guilt of not actually loving others) but they will set it on the doorstep, ring the doorbell and then run back to their car, hoping that no one will see them, (or touch them). Sad. Very sad.

I am so glad that our savior doesn't treat us that way. That Jesus doesn't see our sin and our disease (our leprosy) and say, "Well, I'll just pray for them and love them from a far." No, our Jesus loved, touched, healed, laughed, cried, and even partied with wretched sinners!

Church, it is time the church started acting like the church. It's time we quit thinking of ourselves, and just simply love people the way Jesus would. After all, Jesus left the splendor of heaven to became like nothing!

Oh and by the way.....you can't catch AIDS by hugging or shaking hands with someone....Just saying!

Bird Lessons

The other day I was sitting on my back porch working away on my laptop, as I am now, and I learned a valuable lesson about serving "the least of these" by watching a beautiful family of birds.

A few years ago I was given a gift, a little "Alabama" birdhouse (I'm a huge Alabama football fan so this was a cherished gift, even if I don't like birds). I proudly hung this birdhouse out on my back porch for decoration, never once entertaining the thought that a family of birds might actually take up residence there (I know...I'm a little slow).

Anyway, as I was typing away on whatever important task I was on at the moment, I couldn't help but notice that a bird kept nervously flying back and forth above my head. Finally, it found the courage to land on the post outside of the birdhouse resting just inches from where I was sitting. Once it landed, I could hear a chorus of baby birds begin screaming for their breakfast. For a man who isn't a huge animal enthusiast (although, I do love my dog), I was suddenly fascinated by this mother bird caring for her three little baby birds. I watched for over an hour as this mother would fly away looking for a piece of breakfast to bring back to her babies. She must have done this 50 times! And each time she would land on that little post in front of the hole of the birdhouse I could see the babies all open their beaks wide just waiting with anticipation for whatever delight mother would bring back. Each time she landed they would get so excited and be begin screaming for more. Momma would feed one of them and then fly off the get more breakfast for another baby, seeming to never tire in this process.

As I watched this mother care for her birds, I wandered if we really care enough to feed those who are hungry both physically and spiritually, as this mother bird cares for her babes. Take a look around you and you will see many who are screaming with their mouths wide open saying, "Notice me..., I'm hungry, I'm hurting, I'm wounded, I'm desperate." This mother bird never stopped feeding her babies. I'm sure she tired at times, but she understood that her number one responsibility was to care for her young; who are weak, immature, poor, and not yet ready to fend for themselves. This is what Jesus has called us to. This is our responsibility. This is ministry. Simple ministry. Yes, it is hard and tiring at times and many will never appreciate what we do. But we have to continue to love, feed and care for the least of these. After all, this is what being a Christ-follower is all about!

Let's learn from this beautiful family of birds what it means to care for others!

Oh and by the way, the whole time this mother was feeding her young, the "Father" was perched a few feet away on my kid's swing set watching my every move. Hmm.......

Blessings...Tim

I'm Back!

Hello fellow Bloggers! I am back! It has been about two years since my last post (sorry of the delay). A lot has happened in my life since my last post. And I hope to share some of that with you! I also hope that we can share some things together as we all share life experiences and how we can live life to the fullest, loving God with everything that is within us and serving the least of these! So keep watching for daily or weekly posts! And let me know your thoughts or opinions, no mater what's on you mind.

I'm glad to be back!

Love ya, Pastor Tim

One More Thought

Brennan talks about his battle with alcoholism, and how that disease meant failure with no redeeming aspect whatsoever. Listen to his words after he began to "live out of the center" (meaning his life lived in the center of Christ).

"But living out of the center has taught me that every failure succeeds in some way. It provides the opportunity not only to humble the self but also to be gentle with the failures of others. If your life or mine was an untarnished success story, an unbroken upward spiral toward holiness, we might never come to understand the human heart." - Brennan Manning

Wow! How cool is that? I am thankful for my failures! So that I might be able to better understand my life in Christ. And I will be able to be more gentle with the failure of others.

Lord Jesus, thank you my failures. And may I be a little more like you each day as I live out of the center.

Humbly, Tim

A Truly Close Encounter

"Christianity was no longer simply a moral code but a love affair, the thrill, the excitement, the incredible passionate joy of being loved and falling in love with Jesus Christ." - Brennan Manning, The Relentless Tenderness of Jesus

Those were the words of Brennan Manning after a real and life-changing encounter with Jesus. Have you had one? I don't mean do you go to church or do you know who Jesus is? But have you truly encountered him and realize that now you can live life to the fullest. Jesus is not just a set of rules he is life! As the Apostle Paul says over 160 times in his epistles, we should each live our lives "in-Christ". Our emotions are his emotions, our sleep is his sleep, our play time is his play time, our life is his life. Jesus is thrilling, exciting and life-changing. So embrace him and give him your whole life not part of it!

Pastor Tim

Life Is Hard

Life. At times it can be hard, difficult, frustrating, maddening, sad and beautiful. Some call it a mystery. However, it is what it is. And the real question is what are we going to do with this life? We know there will be good times and bad times. Jesus tells us in John 16:33, “…Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” What comforting words. No matter what cards you are dealt in life, no matter how hard things may get, we can still find peace. We can still take heart, because no matter the situation, the failure, the heartbreak or the pain Jesus has already overcome it. Wow, that is powerful!

Do you know that God really does love you and cares about you? Now, I’m not just saying that because I am a pastor and that is the right thing to say. I say that from experience. I know it to be true because I have felt it and experienced it in my darkest times. When no other human words or touch could suffice, God’s gentle, yet firm arms embraced me and I experienced peace. He cares about what you are facing and what you are going through. And actually he wants the best for your life. John 10:10 says that the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus says I come to give life and give it to the fullest.

The holy Trinity is vastly aware of the spiritual struggles and temptations we battle on a daily basis. We are at war, no doubt. But through it all we have a God we can trust. One who loves us and even one who can relate to our suffering, abandonment and temptations. My dad has a framed, rather crude, hand written (or scribbled) picture on his office wall from a 5 or 6 year old boy that reads, “Life is hard sometimes dad, but when you’re around it’s not.” You see, I gave that to my dad some 30 years ago. I wrote it from my heart one day and simple told him how I felt. Already at age 5 or 6, I understood there to be disappointment and hurt in the world, but I know that my father was there to see me through many of the bruises, cuts, tears, heartbreaks and disappointments that life had to offer (and he still does by the way). And of course, the same is true of our heavenly Father. Life is hard, real hard sometimes, but when He is around (which is all of the time), He is there to love us, shepherd us, discipline us and care for us. We just need to stop and take the time to tell him how thankful we are and that we loved. Who knows, He might even hang it on His heavenly wall!

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

A Brief Discussion on Evangelism

The other day a good friend of mine and I were having a healthy discussion on the nature of evangelism. The discussion focused primarily on this question: Has the face of evangelism changed over the past few generations or is it still the same? I’m not talking about the mandate from Scripture to share our faith, nor am I suggesting that Jesus has changed, for he is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). However, I do wonder if our approach to evangelism changes within the context of the ministry in which we are doing. My friend and I had two very different points of views, which of course is okay, yet, I know one day he will eventually see things my way. I’m joking of course, but it was a great conversation and I felt we needed to blog about it.
First off what is evangelism? Does it mean we go out and try to find some person that we can convert to Christianity so we can mark off another name on the chalkboard or does it mean we try to show people the Love of Christ and how he wants them to live? In Matthew 28:19 Jesus told his disciples this: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Almost all Christians refer to this verse as the Great Commission, recognizing what we as believers are called to do. But read it carefully. What does it say we are to do? Nowhere in there does it say to “save” someone. Rather, it says to “make disciples”. As I began to study this Scripture I realized that my perspective on evangelism was all wrong. If our calling is to make disciples rather than converts then our approach has to be different than just knocking on someone’s door and asking, “Hey if you died tonight where do you think you would go? Would you go to heaven or would you burn in the eternal pits of hell?” Okay, okay, some of you might be saying that is a bit dramatic. But is it? How does it sound to those unbelieving strangers whose home we have just invaded? If we are going to truly live out the Gospel mandate to make disciples then I believe it must happen in the context of relationships.
Relationships are everything. As a matter of fact the two greatest commandments have to do with relationships. We are told to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and love others (Mark 12:28-31). Everything boils down to relationships. Love God and love others, this formula is quite simple actually.
As I look at Jesus in the New Testament, I see Jesus involved in peoples’ lives building relationships in order to minister to them and turn them into disciples. Jesus did it with the woman at the well first, by building a relationship with this woman of another ethnic group and secondly, by having a meaningful conversation with her. This was unheard of in that day, yet Jesus set a divine appointment to share truth with her. And he used water, which the woman was after, as common ground to initiate the conversation. Jesus did get to the point of acknowledging her sin put not until he first built a relationship with her (John 4:1-42). I also find this true with the story of Zacchaeus, the most notorious sinner in all of Jericho (Luke 19:1-10). Jesus finds him and tells him that he is going to hang out at his house (or crib - for the MTV generation) for awhile. Later Jesus proclaims that salvation has come to this house because of the life change that has taken place in Zacchaeus. And there are numerous other Scriptures that tell of Jesus hanging out with liars, cheaters and other sinners, building relationships with them and making disciples.
I realize that there is no “one way “to do evangelism. Each person has their own personal style. My friend that I mentioned earlier feels that it is best to just approach anyone and bring up their spiritual walk immediately, kind of like, “Hey do you know Jesus and if not do you want to”? On the other hand, I feel it is best to build a relationship first and ease into the conversation about Jesus. My friend commented on the story of the rich young man in Matthew 19 that came to Jesus and asked him what he needed in order to have eternal life. Jesus told him to obey the commandments and then sell everything and follow me. The rich young man went away sad because he loved his wealth. My friend argued that there was no time for a relationship there, Jesus simply gave him the plan of salvation and the man went on his way. True, but the difference between this story and the two I mentioned is that this man approached Jesus with a direct question. With Zacchaeus and the woman at the well Jesus went to them. Don’t get me wrong, I believe that there are times when you know “now” is the time to ask about their spiritual well-being, and there are times when you realize that “now” is not a good time.
The point is this; if you are a believer then you are called to share your story. You don’t need a specific game plan or the four spiritual laws memorized. Simply, know where you were before Christ, where you are now because of Christ, and where you are going because of Christ, and then tell someone. The one thing my friend and I do agree on is that it is essential that we share our faith with an unbelieving world. Figure out your style, and then go and make disciples for Jesus!

Any thoughts, comments or questions you have please blog them.

Blessings – Pastor Tim

One final note: A special thank you to my “friend” in this story. If it was not for him I would not even have this blog. He set it all up for me because I have no idea what I am doing when it comes to computers. Thanks friend and keep on sharing your faith!

"The Least of These"

Matthew 25 tells us that we are to serve “the least of these.” So, who are the least of these? What does that mean exactly? If you look around you will find them everywhere. A hurting neighbor or co-worker, the homeless guy at the corner, the teenage girl who had an abortion, the couple who is going through a divorce, or could it be the person looking back at you in the mirror.
Within the verses of Matthew 25 we find that serving others is not a suggestion, rather it is a command! Actually, Jesus uses some pretty strong language here. He tells us that we are in danger of hell if we refuse to serve others! Look at Matthew 25:41-46, “Then the king will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his demons! For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me anything to drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me no clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’
‘Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or in prison, and not help you?’ And he will answer, ‘I assure you, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” Jesus tells us that there is more to our salvation than just going to heaven. We are to spend our lives serving others. We know it is not ‘works’ that saves us, it is the grace of God that saves us, but after we are saved we need to ‘work’ out our salvation as James tells us in chapter 2, verse 26 of his epistle to the church. James tells us that a faith without action is useless, and Jesus says it leads to eternal punishment. Therefore, I think the New Testament is pretty clear that it is our job to serve the world.
Both my generation (I’m 35) and the one behind me, which the Barna Group defines as Mosaics (born between 1984 and 2002) and Busters (born between 1965 and 1983), have become hostile towards Christianity. It is imperative that we find a way to reach them with the love of Christ. The problem is that they are tired of hearing about Jesus - they want to see Jesus! And I believe that it is our job as Christians to actually be Christ-like. We need to show people who Jesus is. We need to practice what we preach and quit being so judgmental toward a lost and immoral society. It always intrigues me when believers are offended by the sin of unbelievers. We shouldn’t be surprised that a society without Christ is going to be a society with sin. We need to learn how to build relationships with unbelievers and teach them about a God who poured himself into his Son so he could relate to us and show us love and forgiveness. We need to first find forgiveness ourselves and then share that forgiveness of Christ with a hurting and desperate world. We may well be the only “Jesus” some needy person ever sees. As a simple pastor it is my desire that we as Christians begin to really embrace the teachings of Jesus and that we become a Matthew 25 people, serving and loving a lost generation!

Spiritual Food For Spiritual Thought

Why is it that ministry has become so complicated? Or has it? Maybe you would argue that it's not complicated. But have you checked out some churches lately? It seems to me that churches have become so busy doing "stuff" that they have lost sight of what the purpose of Christianity is all about. What is that purpose you ask? Well Jesus was asked a similar question by some Pharisees of his day. Matthew 22:36-40 says this, "Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses? Jesus replied, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these commandments."

Did you catch that? Did you see it there in the text? It is the formula for simple ministry. The way God intended it. It is simply to love God, love each other and then serve others. Everything else in life is secondary. How about you? Have you made God, church, Christianity, or your personal faith complicated? Or is it simple? Let me know what you think!

Pastor Tim---Simple Pastor

Simple Ministry to the Least of These

Which one of these guys is simple?