Sadly, Christian behavior doesn't always match Christian belief. Working at a church, I'm still surprised, at times, when someone comes to me with gossip, swears, or ends up drinking too much at a function. It happens. I still love them. I know I've probably done some things in the past early on in my faith that had people wonder whether or not I really was a Christian. 

The question always seems to be how do we deal with it? One of the things I love most about our Fellowship Church family is that when someone in a Growth Group slips up and swears, there is no gasp, there is no condemnation, no one kicks them out of the group. They just listen. They also usually get a quick apology. But there's no judgment.....none. We are in this together. If we quickly tell them we will not allow this behavior, what are we doing? There goes the church because the only difference between the person swearing and the others sitting in a circle is that he or she was exposed. Their sin came out while the others in the group were allowed to be perceived as still "perfect".

Whether it's a Growth Group or the church itself, once we start being careful about who we allow in, we've lost complete touch with Who Jesus is. The more I read about Him, the more I see who He hung out with and it was clear no one filled out an application to do so. 

We love people here at FC. We're full of people trying hard to do better. They'll have slip-ups and make mistakes. They may even offend you but all in all their heart as well as ours is for everyone here to draw closer and closer to the only Hope we have Jesus Christ. 

Up and to the right! We're in this together. 

It's the age old question for all of us. What if it's true? By it, I mean the Bible. What if everything it said was true? What would that look like to those of us that are Christians? Would we, ourselves, live differently? I imagine the hypocrisy meter would lessen. We'd have to rid of worry in our life. (that alone,worries me) (Matthew 6:31 and Philippians 4:6) We'd have to trust God fully (Proverbs 3:5-6, John 14:1 and Romans 9:32), not periodically or only on Sundays at church. 24/7. We'd have to make disciples which means we'd have to talk to others about Christ (awkward!) (Matthew 28:19). Most importantly, we'd have to actually love people. (Matthew 22:36-40, 1 John 4:20, and 1 Thessalonians 3:12) I mean, really love them where it showed and it was clear. Actions not just words. (Psalm 119:5, Proverbs 16:3, and James 2:14). It would mean that when some tragedy happened in this world (and there's been plenty of this!) our first reaction would be LOVE, compassion, empathy and a "how can I help?" attitude. Not a need to state our opinion on why the tragedy happened, just sympathy and this unusual amount of grace that this Jesus we're following would have shown in the midst of all this. You see, based on my reading of this Book, isn't He the one we should be emulating?

How about for those of us that are not Christians? If you were told that this book was 100% accurate, what would tomorrow look like for you? To know that God loved you so much that He sent His son to die on a cross for you. (John 3:16) To know that this life is so short but has eternal ramifications. To know that all of these hectic, chaotic and stressful times are temporary. To know that someday, upon us coming to accept Christ into our heart, all of the pain, all of the tragedy, and all of the sadness will soon be gone forever. What would it be like for you to know of the HOPE that comes from Him.  

I truly believe the Word of God. Once I read of all the evidence in Christ rising from the dead, the rest of the stories (the parting of the Red Sea, Jonah being swallowed by a fish, Noah's ark, Samson, the fiery furnace and the lion's den) all of  these seemed easier to believe.

Whether you're a believer or not, what if you commit to reading the Bible for 15 minutes a day? What if you take this chance, and see if it makes any difference in your life.  I believe with my whole heart that it will change your life.  It is the Book that can save you from an eternity apart from God and apart from everyone you've ever known.  

15 minutes a day can have eternal ramifications.

I have been friends with the men in the above picture for over 35 years. That states, first of all, that I'm old and secondly, that they are all great guys. It takes a lot to stay friends for that long. It takes effort. In the busyness and transitions of life (moving, having children, etc.), we need to be intentional in reaching out and staying in touch. 

Do you call your friends without agenda? Do you have a sit down just to get together and talk? Real talk, not just weather and sports. LIFE.

I spoke to our church recently about friendship. I've learned quite a bit over the years-good and bad. I've disappointed friends and have been disappointed by friends. But I've learned that I need them. They encourage me and keep me humble as well. They inspire me and push me to do things I would've never tried. 

In my last sermon, I spoke about just how important it is to be surrounded with friends who want great things for you, friends who have your best interests in mind and friends who will go the extra mile in loving you. I spoke of the 2AM friend, one you can call anytime for help. I also mentioned the "help you move" friend. Both of these are different level friends. Both of these will help you so much along the way. We were not meant to do this alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 "Two are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble."

But how are they influencing you and how are you influencing them? I truly believe we should use caution regarding the people we allow into our lives. If we are leaving these friends depressed or in regret of what we did, maybe it's time we address this. For those of us that call ourselves Christians we are suppose to be living with the standards of God's Word (the Bible). If every time we get together with a friend outside of our faith we are choosing to live a different lifestyle than the one God chose for us, then it's time to either "love from afar" or to start to be the influencer in the relationship. Worse, if the person you are hanging out with is a Christian and both of your behavior is not what God would have you do, then it's time to evaluate what you're doing and the possible damage to those around you. 

I say it all the time, once you "announce" the fact that you are a Christian, some of your "audience" or your non-Christian friends may start looking at you to see what, if anything, changes. You may just be the only example of Jesus Christ they ever see. How alarming is this if when we become a Christian our friends do not see a change in us?!? 

Those friends around you that are not Christians are not to be put to the same standard. They never proclaimed Christ as their Savior so we have no right to judge them. But, if we "Christians" behave in a way that is not honoring to God, we certainly deserve to be questioned. 

Good friends are hard to find. I've been blessed with some great ones along the way. It takes some walls to come down to allow others in. But choosing those we let in is the key to your future - Your Friends Determine Your Future - choose wisely.

There were smiles everywhere and the excitement was palpable.  Children, students and adults were laughing and getting ready. Vacation Bible Camp was about to begin!  Oh, what a week we had…

    I am so grateful for the love our church has for its children and students.  After all, they are the future of Fellowship Church.  Last week was a perfect example of FC’ers giving of their time (and energy!) to show the 162 children that attended VBC how much God loves them and how much we, as a church, love them.

    I loved to hear the stories of how the children’s lives were touched.  One visiting mom was so excited on Tuesday.  She couldn’t believe how much fun her kids had had learning about Jesus.  She said “they were so excited to come back that they set their own alarm clocks and were waiting in the car for me this morning.”  Another mom said, “my children’s enthusiasm coming to VBC is about the only activity they all agree on!”

     Likewise it was so nice to hear how the volunteers were touched through serving God and the children that attended.  One said, “It was so enjoyable watching the kids really understand the gospel message.”  Another said that she most enjoyed “ getting to help teach the word of God to the kids.”

    While VBC is over and we look forward to next year, we still have plenty to do to teach FC’s kids about Jesus and how they are loved.  Many people have the preconceived idea our kids volunteers are just ‘babysitting’ on Sunday’s.  That couldn’t be farther from the truth!  Our Sunday Kidz volunteers have the important job of not only teaching them about Jesus, but making a lasting positive impression while showing them that they are loved and accepted at church.  Our volunteers form relationships.  They are encouraging to kids and families, making guests feel welcome and part of the group.  FC Kidz volunteers use creative Bible teaching to show the kids God’s promises and make learning about Him fun as well!

Call me biased, but I think FC Kidz Volunteers are the best!  We’d love to have you join us as we show the future of FC how much they are loved by God and by us.

If you are looking to make a difference in the life of a child, I would love to talk to you about the opportunities that we have in the Kidz Areas.  Please email me, or find me on Sunday or sign up to help right here!

The word "membership" today means belonging to a select club. Everyone uses the term including credit cards and fitness clubs. It's kind of gotten a bad rap. I know this from working at a fitness club for over 20 years. It's way too difficult, at times, to end a membership!

We feel that 'church world" should be different. Our belief is that every Christian should belong to a local church and take "ownership" of that church. This includes serving, giving, and participating in biblical community. It's a process. Some jump right on while others take their time. I, for one, took my time. It took me a couple of years before I did anything but I still felt welcomed. I was never rushed into serving. Nobody ever pressured me. Ultimately it was me reading God's Word that convinced me, not those at the church. 1 Peter 4:10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

In a perfect church (yes, there's no such thing!) people, much like Jesus, would come TO SERVE, not to be served. Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others. We have a shared cause, a shared mission. Our ultimate goal here is to introduce this community to Jesus Christ. Once you make this HUGE decision for your life to become a follower of Christ, there comes with it expectations. It's written throughout the Bible. We are not called to "sit on our hands". There are responsibilities. We here at Fellowship Church want all of you to love this church so much that you really take "ownership" of it. This means you do anything you can to make people feel welcome, to help make our church look good for those coming here for the first time and to intentionally seek and help out others in their journey. 

In our Membership class on March 26th 11:45AM to 2:15PM, we will be going over our core values, our beliefs, our history and our vision. We will have lunch and provide childcare as well. We really hope you join us and help us make a big difference here in this community. Take ownership of your church and sign up here.

I have a bad habit of venting about people to others. I really do. Yes, I'm a Christian and yes, I'm very aware that this is not what I'm suppose to be doing. The verses are clear in the Bible about gossip and what to do when you have an issue with someone. So far, I have failed. But I'm gonna change that today with the power of God. It's the only way I've changed any behavior in my life. Pursue Him, read from His Word, allow others to advise, and pray. 

I would often start this "venting" by stating I needed to get this off my chest and felt as though it wasn't gossip if I said I was just "venting'. It was almost as if I needed to get this person that I was venting to to be on my side. How unfair is this?!? They only hear my version of the story.

Matthew 18:15-17 says, "If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church."

So I first need to go to the person who offends me not to those around me as to get support. No, to the person first. Otherwise this is gossip. Proverbs 11:13 A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can help keep a confidence. A gossip is not trustworthy. Proverbs 16:28 A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. 

Gossip is sin. Like all sin, we are prone to it and it draws us in. If we can step away from the habit of gossip, we can allow small talk to be deeper conversation with substance and help all of our relationships.

Do you gossip? Do you listen to gossip. Lean into God today as I will. He can replace my gossip with His words of encouragement. understanding and most importantly, love. 

Many years ago, I cheated on an exam. I copied off others and ended up "acing" the test. I was even called up and honored afterwards. It was completely uncomfortable. I thought I didn't hurt anyone but deep down I did. I didn't feel right about it at all. 

I do believe it can come to a point where it does feel right....and that is dangerous! When sin doesn't bother you, there's something deeper going on. When we are not digging deeper into our faith, things that are WRONG seem RIGHT. Our measuring stick is bent. We no longer are aware of the difference of appropriate and inappropriate behavior. We are IN the world and are going along with it in our decision making. We don't stick out, we fit in. Too easy. 

The challenge for all of us, who call ourselves Christians, is to "stick out".....in a good way. Going the extra mile for someone. Loving people differently. 

In order to really convince a friend or a family member that Jesus Christ has changed your life, they need to see evidence. Going along with everyone else tells them nothing. When someone is told that you're a Christian, there should not be a shock in their expression. If there is, there may be some work to do. EVERYTHING we do should point to HIM. When we fail in any realm, we unfairly discredit Jesus. It's not fair but if you, as a follower, continue to swear, get drunk, surf porn, engage in premarital sex, steal from your employer, or even lie, it clearly states to others that you do not really follow this Jesus or this Jesus doesn't have the power to really change you. 

Does your behavior match your savior? Is your lifestyle in agreement with Christ's expectations. If you say YES, would your co-workers, friends and family agree? 

Make HIM famous today. Do something today that clearly points to an amazing God who has saved you! 

I signed up for a small group at Fellowship Church for the first time back in 2000. I knew NOTHING about the Bible. I barely knew anyone from the church. 

I certainly had my assumptions. I felt as though everyone knew the Bible and knew each other. I thought I would be called upon to answer a question. I didn't think there would be any laughing. I was wrong on all counts.

I ended up meeting some great people (most of which I still do life with today!) and I ended up learning more about God's Word on my level. I've been a part ever since. I love meeting new people and I love seeing them take initiative in their pursuit of Jesus Christ. At times, this can be an uncomfortable step in their journey but I believe it can really change their life. 

Sunday's are great here at FC but what if we took it to another level and signed up to one of our many 6 week Growth Groups that start up on the week of May 15th. You can check out our Growth Group menu here. You can sign up here.