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How Can I Say Thank You?

jake — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:39:19 +0000

Leading up to this week, Satan was attempting to place doubt in my head and heart. As I have envisioned what God is doing at Arcade and around the world, I have felt a strong compulsion to join God specifically in loving the unloved, the overlooked, the oppressed, and those heavy-burdened by religious people. I felt like, even though I felt strongly that we must respond and join God in His work, I doubted the circumstances were right at Arcade to do something more. In all practical thinking we have enough to tackle for the next 10 years! I kept thinking how little faith this thought held, and directly next to this thought was, “God is a big God. God can do more than we could ever ask or imagine. Trust me. Join me.”

It was with this conviction that we stepped out on the water Sunday in partnering with Greenway Church in Vinnitsa, (more…)

The Mark of Disciples: Persecution

jake — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:57:04 +0000

I received this e-mail from one of the mission groups we support in India. As I read the story I was reminded of the cost of discipleship: persecution. These men and women in India are so committed to the Great Commission that they are willing to die for the cause. It is the fire within them to walk in the footsteps of Jesus that is moving many people out of the darkness and into the light. We must never forget that God uses us, His children, to continue to spread His love and hope to our world. As you’ll read, Satan is not all that excited about this movement. Read and then pray for our brothers in India and for HBI.

“Last night was a very difficult night and a challenge to three of our staff. Praise God they are still alive. (more…)

Redefining Ministry Success

jake — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:18:17 +0000

In my study of true biblical discipleship I have come across a lot of great truths that will radically transform the church in N. America. Some of the truths are difficult to swallow and require further prayer and processing, while others seem very plain and simple. One of the truths I have been wrestling with is the need to create a new scorecard to gauge the success of ministry. In many churches, whether they will admit it or not, the main scorecard to the success of the church is attendance and budgets. How many people are coming to the church gathering and how much money is the church collecting? In light of the call to discipleship, these are not necessarily very good measurements. Isn’t it true that you can have a full church and yet have minimal to no spiritual growth? (more…)

thinking about heaven

jake — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 21:42:26 +0000

I left yesterday for 10 days of vacation, and it seems thoughts are already beginning to fill my mind about various things unrelated to productivity as a leader. This is odd for me because it normally takes anywhere from 5-10 days to let go of all the things on my mind, and by then it’s time to return to those responsibilities; I know, not all that healthy! However, I must be at a good spot as I have unplugged in a hurry! Hoorah!!

I was looking through some 1,800 pictures on my wife’s computer when I came across this one: (more…)

Urgent Prayer Needed

jake — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:13:20 +0000

I received word today about a tragic accident involving our partner church in Folsom Lakeside Church. Yesterday morning a member of their team Kathy Sturgeon was riding her bicycle in El Dorado Hills when she was struck by a car. She is in need of prayer and I would ask all people from Arcade to stop right now and intercede on her behalf. Continue reading for more information.

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Hot Issue: Emerging vs. Emergent

jake — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 22:46:33 +0000

At Arcade and at churches across the country there are numerous discussions taking place regarding the emerging and emergent church. This topic has caused panic throughout many churches in N. America, and unfortunately has caused divides among evangelicals who actually agree on the foundational theologies of the church. It has been my experience as a young leader that people are quick and eager to label me with a title. Since I am young and use language that people of my generation use, the church has gracefully labeled me at times emergent — wait, emerging; actually, they don’t really know the difference between one or the other. So, lucky me, I get placed in both camps. (more…)

Jesus Loves Porn Stars

jake — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:53:01 +0000

Erotica LA – June 2008

This last weekend I had the opportunity to step out of my comfortable suburban life and into a world very different than my own. The amazing thing I discovered was that in this world was a God who was alive and speaking…busy drawing people to himself. I was reminded once again that there is no place God does not go to love his creation. Here is my recap of the weekend.

What was it like? That was a question I had asked for many years of Craig and others on the team as they returned from previous porn shows. In my mind I imagined a struggle beyond what I ever experienced before with women barely dressed, if dressed at all, walking in front of me, and the onslaught of temptation that would certainly follow. (more…)

A New Door For Ministry

jake — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:46:45 +0000

I’ll give you a hint about it; re-read the blog post “Walk Across the Street.” Also, here’s a picture. Any ideas?

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Quote

jake — Wed, 28 May 2008 20:15:48 +0000

“God did not create a divine subculture and then wait for humanity to wise up and join in. God joined a story. God got dirty. God entered. God engaged. And this is the calling of the church as well — to join in and participate in God’s story at work in this world. In that sense, to be incarnational is to live in the world the way God lived in the world.” — Tim Keel, Intuitive Leadership

What do you think? Agree, disagree? I will weigh in with my thoughts soon.

100-Mile Run — Building the Kingdom

jake — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:39:48 +0000

Today my friend Jasen Harper begins his 100-mile run in 26 hours to raise $100,000 to pay for healthcare for children at Oak Ridge Elementary School in Oak Park. He was expecting the weather to be in the 70’s; however, today is set to be 100. I have attached his running itinerary and also the website to check out what he is doing. He needs our prayers, and I would ask that every hour today, you would stop for a moment and pray for him. What he is doing is Kingdom work and sets a Christ-like example for our world. Thanks for praying for him today; your prayers will make a difference. Continue reading at the link for more information. (more…)