J.R. Lee

I have been guilty of this in the past, but I don’t want to be guilty of it in the future…

Just because one church is “edgier” than another does not mean that they have compromised and/or love Jesus any less. On the flip side, just because a church is a lot more “traditional” than another – does not mean they have their “head in the sand”, are “unwilling to change”, etc. Legalism works both ways!

Let’s join together, realizing that there HAS to be different kinds of churches to reach different kinds of people. Let’s celebrate our stylistic differences, partner together, and make a greater difference together than we ever could alone!

One question I get asked at every single meeting we have is…”What church is Freedom most going to be like”?

Here is the best way that I can answer that…

Are you going to be like Elevation?
Are you going to be like North Point?
Are you going to be like FBC Woodstock?
Are you going to be like MLC?
Are you going to be like Newspring?

The answer is YES! Elements from all these churches (and many others) have made their way into the DNA of Freedom Church. We have learned from MANY great churches. The key is learning from others while seeking God and His specific plan for you. Freedom Church is growing and developing every day. I pray that we continue to do so!

Had a great time today at a luncheon with a church planter from Las Vegas, Vance Pittman. I have known Vance for several years and they are doing a cool thing out West that is reaching across the globe…

Here are a few takeaways…

Jesus didn’t heal people so they would follow – He healed them because they were broken.

In reference to the role of the church within the community - “most churches are not even at the table, much less being given the keys”.

There is one way to get to God – but a million ways to get to Jesus.

They have started a Non-Profit organization that has the potential to be an integral part of city transformation. You can check it out here. Coming to a city near you. Send them an email letting them know you are interested.

Authenticity is a widely used buzz word right now. So much so, that I don’t think I even need to give you an example…

Everyone wants their church to be a place where people can build an authentic relationship with God and with other people. This can and should happen in the context of the local church, but I think it is going to start with the Lead/Senior Pastor.

Authenticity isn’t a weekly event as much as an everyday lifestyle. It’s more than “being real” from the stage, it’s about being comfortable with who you are. Being comfortable with who God has created you to be. Our identity is not found in what others may think or say about us….our identity is determined by what Christ has already declared us to be. There is a lot of freedom in that. Continuously living in that reality is the hard part

We are doing an experiment in the next couple of weeks…

Devin and the girls are going to church alone. I want to see what church is like for a “single” mother and this is the only way I know how to make that happen.

Where do you park?
Is it easy to find your way around?
How are you treated once you get there?
What is it like to walk into a crowded auditorium and sit by yourself?

Devin will answer those questions in a guest blog in the upcoming weeks. This could be pretty interesting.