The Elephant In the Church

2 Mars Hill Churches

2 Mars Hill Churches - Doctrine - Life

You live in a day of Rock Star Pastors

You live in a day of Rock Star Pastors - Isn't new

…each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ” - 1 Cor. 1

Very American, Very Hip/Trendy

Very American, Very Hip/Trendy Accountable in the local church? Influence or Power? Serving or Being Served?

Rock Star Danger: 1 Fall Multitude or Multiple locations Faith Shipwrecked Rock Star Danger: 1 Fall Multitude or Multiple locations Faith Shipwrecked

MegaChurches? No…anywhere Anytime we organize a church Around a man We've gone off track

Jesus alone is the Rock Star

Christ is the head of the church… - Eph. 5:23 …chief shepherd… - 1 Peter 5:4

He alone died for the church It's his bride He loves his church He's coming back for her

Forget: Build a monument to the Vision of one man

Forget: Exalt men and numbers And money and buildings

Forget: Make a ministry famous Instead of Jesus

Forget: We have power struggles

Church is about Jesus Inhabiting his rescued people In Community And reaching out through them To rescue more

Important Part of Why we Gather:

...since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus...and since we have a great priest over the house of God...

...let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works A Primary Purpose Of meeting together

…not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near - Hebrews 10:19-25

Not a hammer of The Law But a statement of need Yours and theirs

We don't gather around: A rocking band A Rock Star preacher Cool theater seating Free Pumpkin Lattes

We gather around Jesus And the Family to which we Have been called To be an active part

To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good - 1 Cor. 12

Elephant: Sabbatical- 6 weeks away

Elephant: Sabbatical- 6 weeks away And 60% gone

Upon Return… "They were gone… But I was here" Talked to them? "No"

Upon Return… "But I'm upset. I was faithful. And they weren't"

Fellowship and serving Are a labor But also a privilege Ministry of love, privilege to serve Jesus by serving his people

Commitment Is a Core Value

Rabbit Trail: Core Values

Love Unity Faith Commitment Freedom Change

Fellowship and serving Are a labor But also a privilege Ministry of love, privilege to serve Jesus by serving his people

I'm Committed to be Where God places me Until he moves me on (No manipulation…no chasing)

No Rock Stars Who is preaching Isn't the issue Centrality of Christ and Scriptural faithfulness is

We are devoted to…the Fellowship - Acts 2:42-47

I was here and they weren't! You got to serve Jesus By serving his people Through Fellowship and Volunteering

It has to be about Jesus About him, not me - Chore becomes privilege - No one needs to see or thank - Doesn't matter what they do

When it's about Jesus it: - Reflects his calling - Uses your gifts and availability - Is to God's glory

"Yeah, but look at what I did compared to…!"

…when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding - 2 Cor. 10:12

Comparison is a lie That drives Discontent Bitterness and Pride Kill it now…Kill it often… Kill it well- in all areas of life

Apply to: Marriage Job Life Church

But what about That person…?

Jesus shows up On Peter's Beach Trip…

“Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” - Jesus, John 21

Love seeks their best interest …let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works…

In areas of growth, sin And following Jesus Our Chief Pastor says to To speak to one another

…speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ - Eph. 4

TO the Person Not ABOUT the Person

Proviso: Check yourself Before you wreck yourself

…first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye - Jesus, Matt. 7

TRUTH, not flattery IN LOVE, not self-righteousness LOOKING TO RESTORE Not condemn

When I do, I demonstrate That's it's not me I love, but God …And you!

The elephant is What happened when I left The greater issue: How we view one another

- We gather around Jesus alone - We serve to his glory - We spur one another on - We talk to, with the goal of helping to become

Works in Marriage Friendships

Leadership: By God's grace, We will continue to point you To Jesus and to the people You need to speak to

Great moment of Growth Committed to Jesus And his fellowship No Rock Stars Not Pastor-centered

Great moment of Growth Volunteer: I serve Jesus, not men I serve Jesus by serving His people faithfully

Q and A

9 AM Plus…how many services?

Charlotte Bike Trip Saturday, Sept. 20

KVM's Bazaar

Guest Cards