Think about this scripture:
Act 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Act 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
Act 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
Act 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
Act 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Act 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
That was pretty uncommon then, how much more uncommon is it in today’s culture.
In today’s frequency of natural disasters, economic upheaval, and terroristic fears, the world is hoping that the church will “show up.”
As the church, we cannot disconnect ourselves from the community. Their problem is our problem. It's a pretty uncommon way of thinking.
In the last couple of months we have seen outbreaks of Ecoli in a surrounding town, major corporations in Mid America Industrial Park here in Pryor close their doors, resulting in massive lay-offs, and a ever increasing awareness of the uncertain.
What is our response to these misfortunes? I believe the church's greatest days are still ahead of us!
Just a thought for you to ponder today.
God Bless
Darian
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Influence
John Maxwell’s signature saying is, “Leadership is Influence--Nothing More—Nothing Less.”
One of our core values at YPC is influence. In 1 Samuel 22 we read a really cool story about David:
1Sa 22:2 And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.
One of our core values at YPC is influence. In 1 Samuel 22 we read a really cool story about David:
1Sa 22:2 And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.
What makes a person so influential? Why do people choose to follow certain leaders?
David was willing to get his hands dirty first--the lion, the bear, the Giant, and now leading an army.
We have to be people who lead by example.
We can't ask people to do something that we aren't willing to do.
Is God actively moving in our own lives—in a measurable way?
Are we believing God for some BHAG's (Big Hair Audacious Goals!) and seeing them come to pass?
Are you experiencing divine health, success, peace, joy? Or are you sickly, poor, frazzled, and depressed?
People want to follow something that gives them hope.
Our message is not going to be a doom and gloom message--The Bible says “it’s the goodness of God that leads men to repentance,” not the sorrows of man.
In Closing: I believe that our mighty men are the ones God is leading to join our Launch Team now! You may not see yourself as being all that mighty—but neither did David’s men when they were 400 discontented, in debt, and distressed people. All they needed was a place—a place to shine, to be used, to be tapped into—greatness lay in each one of them.
Come find YOURplace in God at YOURplaceCHURCH
God Bless
Darian
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Hello everybody,
I just found the latest and greatest thing....Its called "Twitter." For those of you who think "that is so last week" forgive me I am still trying to stay Tech Savvy and at times it takes me a little bit to discover.
go to www.twitter.com and search for me...click follow and lets do life together
God bless
Darian
I just found the latest and greatest thing....Its called "Twitter." For those of you who think "that is so last week" forgive me I am still trying to stay Tech Savvy and at times it takes me a little bit to discover.
go to www.twitter.com and search for me...click follow and lets do life together
God bless
Darian
Monday, October 20, 2008
Relational
Have you ever ask yourself, “how come I made it?” Think about it. Out of all the people who have begun a life with Christ and then, for whatever reason, have fallen away; why did you stick? What made you continue your life IN-HIM?
When I was still serving in a supportive ministry role, one of my job descriptions was expansion and development. I took it upon myself to research why people “made it.” What made them stick? Well obviously we know that the bible says that in Isa 55:11 “That's how it is with my words. They don't return to me without doing everything I send them to do."
All my research showed that people stuck for one of two reasons:
1.They either had a bottom of the barrel experience and out of a last chance desperation called out to God and He met them there, or
2.They simply had a relationship with someone who believed and was nurtured into a relationship with Christ.
I knew a guy who seemingly lost everything he was working towards. He lost his wife, his job wasn't fulfilling to him, he lost his daughter in the divorce, and with everything else lost his will to live. He had one of those “staring down the barrel of a gun” moments when as a last ditch effort he called out to God for help. Praise God!!! Today he serves on staff at a church and is helping people day in and day out. This is scenario #1
85% of everybody else I interviewed said that it was because of a friend, loved one, or co-worker that they are where they are in their journey today. Think about it, who better to lead someone to Christ then a person you trust. I was introduced to this life by a cute little, dark-haired, curly headed girl that lived around the corner from me. She was HOT!! That is why I wanted to meet her, but ultimately she led me to Christ. She is now my wife, and I thank God every day for putting her in my life.
John 1:42 says, “Andrew brought his brother to Jesus. And when Jesus saw him, he said, ‘Simon son of John, you will be called Cephas.’ This name can be translated as ‘Peter.’”
John 1:45 then says, “Philip then found Nathanael and said, ‘We have found the one that Moses and the Prophets wrote about. He is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.’”
John 1:46 goes on, “Nathanael asked, ‘Can anything good come from Nazareth?’ Philip answered, ‘Come and see.’”
Relationships are a breeding ground for life change. Your guard is down, you have seen God work in their life, you recognize that your life stinks and theirs is better. It sparks questions, observations, thoughts and again ultimately life change.
SO think about it. How are you being relational in your life today? Who are you leading to Christ by your actions? What kind of questions are people asking about God because of you? Be purposeful in your relationships (not flaky-we already have enough of those around).
As the old saying goes “you may be the only Christ someone will ever meet.”
God Bless
Darian
When I was still serving in a supportive ministry role, one of my job descriptions was expansion and development. I took it upon myself to research why people “made it.” What made them stick? Well obviously we know that the bible says that in Isa 55:11 “That's how it is with my words. They don't return to me without doing everything I send them to do."
All my research showed that people stuck for one of two reasons:
1.They either had a bottom of the barrel experience and out of a last chance desperation called out to God and He met them there, or
2.They simply had a relationship with someone who believed and was nurtured into a relationship with Christ.
I knew a guy who seemingly lost everything he was working towards. He lost his wife, his job wasn't fulfilling to him, he lost his daughter in the divorce, and with everything else lost his will to live. He had one of those “staring down the barrel of a gun” moments when as a last ditch effort he called out to God for help. Praise God!!! Today he serves on staff at a church and is helping people day in and day out. This is scenario #1
85% of everybody else I interviewed said that it was because of a friend, loved one, or co-worker that they are where they are in their journey today. Think about it, who better to lead someone to Christ then a person you trust. I was introduced to this life by a cute little, dark-haired, curly headed girl that lived around the corner from me. She was HOT!! That is why I wanted to meet her, but ultimately she led me to Christ. She is now my wife, and I thank God every day for putting her in my life.
John 1:42 says, “Andrew brought his brother to Jesus. And when Jesus saw him, he said, ‘Simon son of John, you will be called Cephas.’ This name can be translated as ‘Peter.’”
John 1:45 then says, “Philip then found Nathanael and said, ‘We have found the one that Moses and the Prophets wrote about. He is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.’”
John 1:46 goes on, “Nathanael asked, ‘Can anything good come from Nazareth?’ Philip answered, ‘Come and see.’”
Relationships are a breeding ground for life change. Your guard is down, you have seen God work in their life, you recognize that your life stinks and theirs is better. It sparks questions, observations, thoughts and again ultimately life change.
SO think about it. How are you being relational in your life today? Who are you leading to Christ by your actions? What kind of questions are people asking about God because of you? Be purposeful in your relationships (not flaky-we already have enough of those around).
As the old saying goes “you may be the only Christ someone will ever meet.”
God Bless
Darian
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Authentic
In a world of fakes, want-a-be's, and masquerades, its hard to decipher what is true, genuine and authentic.
Dictionary.com defines Authentic as:
genuine, real, veritable share the sense of actuality and lack of falsehood or misrepresentation. Authentic carries a connotation of authoritative certification that an object is what it is claimed to be.2Corinthians 6:6 says “But we have kept ourselves pure and have been understanding, patient, and kind. The Holy Spirit has been with us, and our love has been real.”
2Timothy 3:5 says “Even though they will make a show of being religious, their religion won't be real. Don't have anything to do with such people.”These scriptures sum up what we are trying to communicate when we say we are authentic. We are tired of “playing church;” no more “Fake it until you make it.” I am in no means discounting faith in its purest form, I believe that without faith it is impossible to please God, but all to often people are trying to “look the part” so much that they don't allow anybody to know they really are hurting and genuinely need some help!
One of the greatest things I ever heard was by a good friend of mine named Dan. He is a CEO for a large food chain and prides himself on hiring only the best. He said, “Darian, what is the most important part of communication?” Of course all my years of book reading mustered up a complicated but seemingly true answer, only to find out that I was wrong! The most important part of communication is “listening,” and not just listening to hear what they are saying, but genuinely putting yourself in the shoes of the person you’re talking to and seeing it from their point of view.
This form of listening takes effort. It’s not easy, it requires that you put yourself, your beliefs, your thoughts aside for a fraction of time and genuinely see things from their point of view. Easier said than done. It is said that if you were to suck all the air out of this room right now, your greatest need in life would be oxygen---well, next to air alone, the single greatest need in a person’s life is to be “understood.”
At YPC we are Authentic in our worship, in our service, and most importantly in our life. We don't just “Clock-In” when we get to church, we live it every day of our lives. We genuinely want to know people and display the REAL love of Christ to everyone we have the opportunity to meet and talk with.
Take a step back today and ask yourself the question, “Am I living an authentic life in Christ?”
God Bless
Darian
Dictionary.com defines Authentic as:
genuine, real, veritable share the sense of actuality and lack of falsehood or misrepresentation. Authentic carries a connotation of authoritative certification that an object is what it is claimed to be.2Corinthians 6:6 says “But we have kept ourselves pure and have been understanding, patient, and kind. The Holy Spirit has been with us, and our love has been real.”
2Timothy 3:5 says “Even though they will make a show of being religious, their religion won't be real. Don't have anything to do with such people.”These scriptures sum up what we are trying to communicate when we say we are authentic. We are tired of “playing church;” no more “Fake it until you make it.” I am in no means discounting faith in its purest form, I believe that without faith it is impossible to please God, but all to often people are trying to “look the part” so much that they don't allow anybody to know they really are hurting and genuinely need some help!
One of the greatest things I ever heard was by a good friend of mine named Dan. He is a CEO for a large food chain and prides himself on hiring only the best. He said, “Darian, what is the most important part of communication?” Of course all my years of book reading mustered up a complicated but seemingly true answer, only to find out that I was wrong! The most important part of communication is “listening,” and not just listening to hear what they are saying, but genuinely putting yourself in the shoes of the person you’re talking to and seeing it from their point of view.
This form of listening takes effort. It’s not easy, it requires that you put yourself, your beliefs, your thoughts aside for a fraction of time and genuinely see things from their point of view. Easier said than done. It is said that if you were to suck all the air out of this room right now, your greatest need in life would be oxygen---well, next to air alone, the single greatest need in a person’s life is to be “understood.”
At YPC we are Authentic in our worship, in our service, and most importantly in our life. We don't just “Clock-In” when we get to church, we live it every day of our lives. We genuinely want to know people and display the REAL love of Christ to everyone we have the opportunity to meet and talk with.
Take a step back today and ask yourself the question, “Am I living an authentic life in Christ?”
God Bless
Darian
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
YOURplaceCHURCH Promo Video
Check It Out!!! Mr. Rick Martinez does it again. Our YPC video is up and running.
Core Values
Core Values
What defines a church? What are those things that make one church different from another? Is a denomination really what sets us all apart? I beg to differ!!
If you are apart of a denominational church then, rightly so, your affiliation a lot of times determines who you are. Especially if you are held to a strict agenda or way of ministry. But what sets most churches apart are their Core Values. These are not necessarily the great commission items of the Bible that we are all called to do. “Go ye into all the World” or even specifically having a great children's and youth ministry. Most churches will have all of these to some degree.
Core Values are those specific things that God has called your church to do. Though all churches are called to reach teenagers, some churches feel its their sole purpose in life to aggressively pursue this generation. That would be a core value.
At YOURplaceCHURCH our core values are still under construction. We have determined that we do want to be:
Authentic- In our worship, service, and life
Relational-Through Small groups, DNA meetings, and New Peoples classes
Influential- leading by example
Uncommon Hospitality-Lets utterly freak people out by our non-selfish service to them (not inward minded but outward)
Relevant in Communication- It’s not trying to MAKE people hear, but more of HELPING them to UNDERSTAND
Atmosphere- Starbucks meets U2 at a Billy Graham Concert
Our Core Values are what set us apart from every other church in Pryor. We genuinely want to reach everybody who breathes!!! But we feel that god has uniquely called us to do it in such a fashion that is meeting them right where they are. Isn't that what Jesus did?
God Bless
Darian
What defines a church? What are those things that make one church different from another? Is a denomination really what sets us all apart? I beg to differ!!
If you are apart of a denominational church then, rightly so, your affiliation a lot of times determines who you are. Especially if you are held to a strict agenda or way of ministry. But what sets most churches apart are their Core Values. These are not necessarily the great commission items of the Bible that we are all called to do. “Go ye into all the World” or even specifically having a great children's and youth ministry. Most churches will have all of these to some degree.
Core Values are those specific things that God has called your church to do. Though all churches are called to reach teenagers, some churches feel its their sole purpose in life to aggressively pursue this generation. That would be a core value.
At YOURplaceCHURCH our core values are still under construction. We have determined that we do want to be:
Authentic- In our worship, service, and life
Relational-Through Small groups, DNA meetings, and New Peoples classes
Influential- leading by example
Uncommon Hospitality-Lets utterly freak people out by our non-selfish service to them (not inward minded but outward)
Relevant in Communication- It’s not trying to MAKE people hear, but more of HELPING them to UNDERSTAND
Atmosphere- Starbucks meets U2 at a Billy Graham Concert
Our Core Values are what set us apart from every other church in Pryor. We genuinely want to reach everybody who breathes!!! But we feel that god has uniquely called us to do it in such a fashion that is meeting them right where they are. Isn't that what Jesus did?
God Bless
Darian
What's Your Skinny?
Hey everyone, I am still brand new to the Blogging world and I have been here typing my guts out on our new Blog Spot for quite some time now. It’s the place for the 411, the privy, the shake down, the news, the Skinny on what’s happening now and what you can expect in the future at YOURplaceCHURCH.
One thing I do know is that everyone has a voice. If you are a profusive reader, as I esteem to be, then you probably have read Steven Covey's The 8th Habit, the Sequel to The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It's a great read! But I am about to give out the punch line, so if you are planning on reading the book STOP READING THIS NOW!!!
The 8th Habit is about how everybody has a voice. And we want to hear yours. Feel free as you’re reading along to add your comments at the bottom of the blogs. Let’s keep them simple, insightful and above all things positive (and holy!!!!) It does us all good to hear how these blogs are helping people. You may even have a story or your very own “heavy-revy” to add to what we have already said.
So go ahead...Now you have permission.....What's your skinny?
One thing I do know is that everyone has a voice. If you are a profusive reader, as I esteem to be, then you probably have read Steven Covey's The 8th Habit, the Sequel to The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It's a great read! But I am about to give out the punch line, so if you are planning on reading the book STOP READING THIS NOW!!!
The 8th Habit is about how everybody has a voice. And we want to hear yours. Feel free as you’re reading along to add your comments at the bottom of the blogs. Let’s keep them simple, insightful and above all things positive (and holy!!!!) It does us all good to hear how these blogs are helping people. You may even have a story or your very own “heavy-revy” to add to what we have already said.
So go ahead...Now you have permission.....What's your skinny?
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Why "YOURplaceCHURCH"
How did you come up with the name “YOURplaceCHURCH?”
This was one of the questions that were asked at our last LTM's (Launch Team Meeting) The answer is simple. If you know me, then you know that one of my rantings is about your personal gifting from God. You see, I believe there are no accidents. When talking about creation, that would include you being born. God looked down through the expanse of eternity and decided that right now would be the best time for HIM to most effectively use you! So no matter what your parents have told you...."You were an oops, what can I say?”.....It doesn't change the fact that God knew exactly what he was doing when you were born.
So everybody who likes to belly-ache about “Why do I have to live in this city?” , or “I can't wait to move out,” or “why was I born at such a volatile time in history?” the answer is simple.....God strategically placed you here for such a time as this. Your skill set and giftings will show it.
A lot of people have no idea what they are capable of doing. According to Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, every person, saved or unsaved, has been chosen and given awesome and amazing gifts to use for the Kingdom of God.
Now, I believe that the ultimate use of those giftings, which have been so generously allotted to you, is in the local church for furthering the Kingdom of God. That's why HE gave them to you, and that's why we named the Church YOURplaceCHURCH. “Come find Your Place”
So if you ever wanted to know why you were created or what your place is in HIM, then come check us out every Tuesday night at Emerald City. We'll help you tap into everything God has created for you to do in life, and you'll find the unknown fulfillment you have never experienced before.
God Bless
Darian
This was one of the questions that were asked at our last LTM's (Launch Team Meeting) The answer is simple. If you know me, then you know that one of my rantings is about your personal gifting from God. You see, I believe there are no accidents. When talking about creation, that would include you being born. God looked down through the expanse of eternity and decided that right now would be the best time for HIM to most effectively use you! So no matter what your parents have told you...."You were an oops, what can I say?”.....It doesn't change the fact that God knew exactly what he was doing when you were born.
So everybody who likes to belly-ache about “Why do I have to live in this city?” , or “I can't wait to move out,” or “why was I born at such a volatile time in history?” the answer is simple.....God strategically placed you here for such a time as this. Your skill set and giftings will show it.
A lot of people have no idea what they are capable of doing. According to Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, every person, saved or unsaved, has been chosen and given awesome and amazing gifts to use for the Kingdom of God.
Now, I believe that the ultimate use of those giftings, which have been so generously allotted to you, is in the local church for furthering the Kingdom of God. That's why HE gave them to you, and that's why we named the Church YOURplaceCHURCH. “Come find Your Place”
So if you ever wanted to know why you were created or what your place is in HIM, then come check us out every Tuesday night at Emerald City. We'll help you tap into everything God has created for you to do in life, and you'll find the unknown fulfillment you have never experienced before.
God Bless
Darian
Launch Team Location
Well good afternoon fellow bloggers. It's a great day here in Pryor Creek, OK. The temperature is a breezy 70 degrees and there is a hint of Fall in the air. Autumn is my favorite time of the year. It gets a little cooler out, the leaves all begin to change colors, and you break out the hearty soups again!!!
With all the changes happening this is a great time to start Launch Team Meetings. As I mentioned in my last post, YPC has started our Launch Team Meetings. They are held every Tuesday night from 7-8:30 at Emerald City Coffee & Bistro just off Hwy 69 south of Pryor.
Last week we had everyone there that Tyra and I had personally invited. Now the word is out!!! This week I will be sharing along the lines of one of our core Values and being an Authentic church. You'll have to come Tuesday to get the whole story (or wait until next weeks blog). We will also be strategizing on the key elements of the launch.
Launch team meetings are open to the public, so if your in the Pryor area and want to be apart of something significant, join us this Tuesday at Emerald City at 7:00.
I'll see you there.
With all the changes happening this is a great time to start Launch Team Meetings. As I mentioned in my last post, YPC has started our Launch Team Meetings. They are held every Tuesday night from 7-8:30 at Emerald City Coffee & Bistro just off Hwy 69 south of Pryor.
Last week we had everyone there that Tyra and I had personally invited. Now the word is out!!! This week I will be sharing along the lines of one of our core Values and being an Authentic church. You'll have to come Tuesday to get the whole story (or wait until next weeks blog). We will also be strategizing on the key elements of the launch.
Launch team meetings are open to the public, so if your in the Pryor area and want to be apart of something significant, join us this Tuesday at Emerald City at 7:00.
I'll see you there.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Launch Team
Well, it’s August and if you are a part of the YOURplaceCHURCH Launch Team, then you know what that means... It’s time to begin our Launch Team meetings. Some might ask, “What in the heck is a Launch Team meeting?” Well, I am glad you asked. The days of renting a hotel room and running an ad in the paper are over. If you want a church plant to be successful in this day and age, then you start with an awesome group of people who are committed to launching with success.
What happens during a Launch Team meeting? We will get together once a month for the next few months and pray, strategize, build vision, and set team assignments. It is a great time to build relationships as well as get to know the direction YOURplaceCHURCH is heading.
Who can be a part of the Launch Team? Great question...the answer is: anybody who shows interest in being a part. I would say if you are interested, then come and check out a Launch Team meeting. Our first one is scheduled for the end of August. We are working on the venue location now, and I will post it as soon as it is nailed down. Ultimately, when we get moved in to Pryor, it will be in our home.
So all that being said, if you have any more questions about YOURplaceCHURCH or being a part of the Launch Team, feel free to send me an email at Darian.rains@sbcglobal.net.
Until then “Love God, Hate sin, and Live!!!”
Darian
What happens during a Launch Team meeting? We will get together once a month for the next few months and pray, strategize, build vision, and set team assignments. It is a great time to build relationships as well as get to know the direction YOURplaceCHURCH is heading.
Who can be a part of the Launch Team? Great question...the answer is: anybody who shows interest in being a part. I would say if you are interested, then come and check out a Launch Team meeting. Our first one is scheduled for the end of August. We are working on the venue location now, and I will post it as soon as it is nailed down. Ultimately, when we get moved in to Pryor, it will be in our home.
So all that being said, if you have any more questions about YOURplaceCHURCH or being a part of the Launch Team, feel free to send me an email at Darian.rains@sbcglobal.net.
Until then “Love God, Hate sin, and Live!!!”
Darian
Monday, August 4, 2008
Starting Fresh
Have you ever started over in life? A new career, changing cities, new friends, finding out where your new favorite restaurant is going to be. It can all be a little unsettling in the beginning. Tyra and I have moved our family back to Oklahoma, and even though we are closer to home, it’s all new to us. Having to find out where the kids will go to school, where we will do our shopping, and trying to create a sense of home is, at times, different to say the least.
But even though it’s all new, we are so glad that God has directed us to start this rockin, life giving, ministry called YOURplaceCHURCH. We thought about taking the “job” as the new pastor at an existing church, (even was hired at one point to do just that) but once we began to move that direction we had a strange feeling inside. You know the one that’s like taking a shower with your socks on. “Something just isn't right here.” Well, it took a little bit for us to recognize it, but once we did we made the adjustment and carried on.
One thing about starting a brand new, radical to the max, life giving, relevant, cool, relational church that is different from taking over a church, is that we have the freedom to start fresh. The people who come will not have to “unlearn” or change their philosophy of how church should be. We know that some people will like it and others will want that same traditional style that they grew up with. (We just may not be the church for them.)
The other thing about starting a new church from scratch is just that it’s “from Scratch.” We don't have a sound system, computers, over heads, cool banners, and all the equipment (or even a building) that comes when you take over an existing work. So we get to believe God for everything. Especially the finances to provide all that. It takes people who believe in us and what we are doing here in Pryor Creek, OK. People that feel, in some ways, compelled to partner with us in this “new thing.”
If you would like to help partner with us during the launch phase of YOURplaceCHURCH, we would happily receive all that you would like to do. You can follow the link to our website www.yourplacechurch.com and click on “Donate.” All of your giving is tax deductible, and you will receive a follow up email that can serve as your receipt.
Thank you for partnering with us as we help Pryor find their place in the Kingdom of God at YOURplaceCHURCH.
God Bless,
Darian
But even though it’s all new, we are so glad that God has directed us to start this rockin, life giving, ministry called YOURplaceCHURCH. We thought about taking the “job” as the new pastor at an existing church, (even was hired at one point to do just that) but once we began to move that direction we had a strange feeling inside. You know the one that’s like taking a shower with your socks on. “Something just isn't right here.” Well, it took a little bit for us to recognize it, but once we did we made the adjustment and carried on.
One thing about starting a brand new, radical to the max, life giving, relevant, cool, relational church that is different from taking over a church, is that we have the freedom to start fresh. The people who come will not have to “unlearn” or change their philosophy of how church should be. We know that some people will like it and others will want that same traditional style that they grew up with. (We just may not be the church for them.)
The other thing about starting a new church from scratch is just that it’s “from Scratch.” We don't have a sound system, computers, over heads, cool banners, and all the equipment (or even a building) that comes when you take over an existing work. So we get to believe God for everything. Especially the finances to provide all that. It takes people who believe in us and what we are doing here in Pryor Creek, OK. People that feel, in some ways, compelled to partner with us in this “new thing.”
If you would like to help partner with us during the launch phase of YOURplaceCHURCH, we would happily receive all that you would like to do. You can follow the link to our website www.yourplacechurch.com and click on “Donate.” All of your giving is tax deductible, and you will receive a follow up email that can serve as your receipt.
Thank you for partnering with us as we help Pryor find their place in the Kingdom of God at YOURplaceCHURCH.
God Bless,
Darian
Patience
Well, summer time is in full swing. I don't know where you live, but in Oklahoma it’s hot, baby!!! Every day over 100 degrees. But just as quickly as it heats up, it will cool down. And with fall in our future, so is FOOTBALL. Many of you may not be aware of this, but I live with a future Heisman Trophy winner. My son Taylor is going all the way in his football career. Last week he started 8th grade conditioning camp. You know, those early morning drills where you lift so much weight that it seems like your guts are about to explode. Then they bring in some trainer (Taylor's just happens to be a chick) who forces you to do all sorts of weird palates moves using muscles you swore you never had before. And just when you think it’s all over, you spend the last 30 minutes running until you throw up. Literally, the first day I saw kids ejecting their breakfast right there on the football field!
This is one of those experiences that I will never have to face. Though the grueling practice of conditioning camp is abhorred by every football player on the earth, it is still the key factor to why Pryor Junior High football team has gone undefeated in the past. It’s called getting in shape, and when it’s over we all love the results of our persistence.
In some ways we all face those moments when it seems like if we have to go another day like this then we are going to explode! For you maybe it’s working at a job you don't enjoy, or sitting next to that person in class who, quite literally, annoys the crap out of you. Either way it’s conditioning you to be a better person.
For us it’s been starting this church. We have loved the opportunities God has given us to meet people, connect with others in the community and building the thing that, we believe, has been placed in our hearts. However, because we still have properties in Topeka on the market to sell, we can't buy a house in Pryor. We are forced to live 30 minutes away with Tyra's parents and anxiously await the necessary end to our real estate endeavors in Kansas. Don't get me wrong, Papa and G-ma are awesome as grandparents but not having our own space is a little unsettling. And I won't even go into all the thousand$ of dollars we have spent, trying to float two households in two different states.
I guess that’s when you take those scriptures that say, “But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything.” James 1:4 and “having done all, to stand. ...Stand therefore,” Eph 6:14 King James calls it Patience.
When you are forced to embrace patience it can seem like your guts are going to explode, but the results of becoming completely mature and not lacking anything are well worth it.
We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. If you are facing some things in your own life, know that even though it may seem a little tough right now, “this too will pass.” Soon God will deliver you out. He always comes through.
Keep your chin up
Darian
Those of you interested in more info on YOURplaceCHURCH or have a desire to give towards the launch budget go to www.YOURplaceCHURCH.com
This is one of those experiences that I will never have to face. Though the grueling practice of conditioning camp is abhorred by every football player on the earth, it is still the key factor to why Pryor Junior High football team has gone undefeated in the past. It’s called getting in shape, and when it’s over we all love the results of our persistence.
In some ways we all face those moments when it seems like if we have to go another day like this then we are going to explode! For you maybe it’s working at a job you don't enjoy, or sitting next to that person in class who, quite literally, annoys the crap out of you. Either way it’s conditioning you to be a better person.
For us it’s been starting this church. We have loved the opportunities God has given us to meet people, connect with others in the community and building the thing that, we believe, has been placed in our hearts. However, because we still have properties in Topeka on the market to sell, we can't buy a house in Pryor. We are forced to live 30 minutes away with Tyra's parents and anxiously await the necessary end to our real estate endeavors in Kansas. Don't get me wrong, Papa and G-ma are awesome as grandparents but not having our own space is a little unsettling. And I won't even go into all the thousand$ of dollars we have spent, trying to float two households in two different states.
I guess that’s when you take those scriptures that say, “But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything.” James 1:4 and “having done all, to stand. ...Stand therefore,” Eph 6:14 King James calls it Patience.
When you are forced to embrace patience it can seem like your guts are going to explode, but the results of becoming completely mature and not lacking anything are well worth it.
We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. If you are facing some things in your own life, know that even though it may seem a little tough right now, “this too will pass.” Soon God will deliver you out. He always comes through.
Keep your chin up
Darian
Those of you interested in more info on YOURplaceCHURCH or have a desire to give towards the launch budget go to www.YOURplaceCHURCH.com
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Coming soon
Hello Friends, family and potential launch team members.
I can't say it enough..."We are stoked about YOURplaceCHURCH. You got to check out the new site. www.yourplacechurch.com Designed, Created and Inspired by Marcus "The Rang-a-Tang" Rangel at www.topcitywebdesign.com/ He is a creative genius!!!
You will have to check back often and engage in conversations that provoke thought. YOURplaceCHRUCH is not gonna be your traditional "open your hymnal" kind of church. We are going to Rock it. For those of you who know the legendary Bradly Dexter then you know what we are talking about here. Brad & Kelly have joined the YOURplaceCHURCH team and are pumped about the possibilities that lie ahead.
If you are interested in finding out more about what we believe, or what is next at YOURplaceCHURCH then this is the place to be. Check out the site or follow the blogs. It will be an interesting ride.
Darian
I can't say it enough..."We are stoked about YOURplaceCHURCH. You got to check out the new site. www.yourplacechurch.com Designed, Created and Inspired by Marcus "The Rang-a-Tang" Rangel at www.topcitywebdesign.com/ He is a creative genius!!!
You will have to check back often and engage in conversations that provoke thought. YOURplaceCHRUCH is not gonna be your traditional "open your hymnal" kind of church. We are going to Rock it. For those of you who know the legendary Bradly Dexter then you know what we are talking about here. Brad & Kelly have joined the YOURplaceCHURCH team and are pumped about the possibilities that lie ahead.
If you are interested in finding out more about what we believe, or what is next at YOURplaceCHURCH then this is the place to be. Check out the site or follow the blogs. It will be an interesting ride.
Darian
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