The Insomnia Chronicles

Weekend of Insanity

yes, it's true, Hamtramck's 28th annual "Labor Day Festival" is upon us!  what this means, in short, is 20,000+ people getting drunk and crazy(ier) all over our streets.  with famous bands (only to our city) playing on stages late into the night... here's a few of their names: Kielbasa Kings, Swamp Siostrzanys, Danny D, and of course, The Polish Muslims. 

our main street is blocked off and filled with beer tents, sausage stands and carnival rides. the smell of fried dough and cooked pork fills the air (makes me want to belch just thinking about it... not a good belch, by the way... ugh) and the, unofficial, security guard of the city, Tex, is standing on the corner barking out orders at anyone who will look his ways.  hilarious.

each year, we do our best to minister to these people and be a positive influence and witness. but, it's sad to see even our 'city officials' drunk by the first night. we've also had acts of violence the last few years.  honestly, it's out-of-control much of the time. 

so, please pray that God will make us LIGHT in the darkness, that He will provide safety over our city and that lives will be saved in the midst of chaos...  I'm also praying that the beer tastes bad!

Here we go...

Detroit... city of Hope.

our infamous mayor spent the night in jail and was released this morning only to face new felony charges.  this ongoing saga, which includes sex, greed, lies and violence, continues to bring our city into national and international focus - for all the wrong reasons. in addition to the political demise of our cities infrastructure, we are continually facing a financial recession as our three automakers (GM, Ford & Chrysler) post losses into the billions. our housing market has collapsed, many businesses (like Starbucks) are closing throughout the city, and unemployment continues to rise. it's hard to find a positive conversation... 

hopelessness.

...things look bad.  But that's because we are peering through our human lenses and not the eyes of the Almighty.  He has not declared us or our city as hopeless. Instead, He is assembling a team of selfless, sold-out, servant-warriors to stand on every street corner that once sold lies, fear, hate and death; and declare His HOPE! I am one of them, and I am not alone!

When everything was hopeless, Abraham believed anyway, deciding to live not on the basis of what he saw he couldn't do but on what God said he would do... Abraham was declared fit before God by trusting God to set him right." But it's not just Abraham; it's also us! The same thing gets said about us when we embrace and believe the One who brought Jesus to life when the conditions were equally hopeless. The sacrificed Jesus made us fit for God, set us right with God. Romans 4:17,19 msg.

I will not hang my head in despair. I will not complain or gossip.  I will live out my calling with joyful honor and obedience. I will declare, with my words and actions, that no matter how dark the night or impossible the circumstances, there IS hope! Through Christ, and Him alone, salvation is promised. HE is poised and ready to redeem!

God called me to Detroit. He has a plan and it is His mission that will succeed. I believe.

I am a hope-dealer.

Perhaps you're called to join us. IF so, COME quickly - there's work to be done! Perhaps He's asking you to fund us. IF so, GIVE quickly - your gift could be the miracle needed this week. Undoubtedly you're called to pray for us. So, PRAY quickly & continually - you're as close as the mention of His name.

Shouting HOPE, chilly

always evaluating...

I'm continually seeking to express the mission and heart of  Real Church in a way that is reflected corporately and individually. Several years ago, and the beginning of this process, I came across the following list (which I've added to...). Now, as I look back at it, I have to smile as many (if not most) of these statements are being lived-out and expressed in a natural, Christ-like, way...  my church family & team are REAL!

Yet, we still have much farther to go...

Take a look at the list - think about it - and then, in the comments, add a line or two.  Also, feel free to talk about anything from the list that jumps out at you.  I'd really like to get lots & lots of feedback on this...

Dreaming of authentic faith communities where:

• We listen to and are obedient to God
• People who are not Christians become followers of God in the way of Jesus
• Those who are not involved in church would become an active part of it
• People are deeply connected to God in all of life; body, mind, soul and spirt.
• Servanthood is embraced and modeled
• Beauty, art and creativity are valued, used, and understood as coming from the Creator
• Culture is met, embraced and transformed
• Joy, fun and excitement are part of our lives
• The kingdom of God is increased in real ways in the world
• The Biblical story of God is told and contributed to
• Biblical justice, mercy, grace, love and righteousness lead the way
• Truth, honesty and health are a way of life
• We value innovation and are willing to take risks in order to bring glory to God.
• Worship of God is full, vibrant, real, and pleasing to God
• Faith, hope and love are the context for all
• Love is the hallmark
• The next generation of leadership is built up and leaders are servants
• Everyone is equipped to do ministry
• Joyful sacrifice happens in all areas of the believer's life
• God's Spirit takes precedence over all structures and systems
• Christian Community is the attraction to outsiders and the answer to questions of faith
• People participate in the kingdom of God in accordance with their abilities and gifts
• We are connected to, dependent on and serve the global Church
• Living miraculous is the norm
• Discipleship is not a program, it's a lifestyle
• People learn the ways of God and are encouraged to make it central to their lives
• Other churches are valued and supported
• Peoples' visions and ideas of ministry come to life
• Neighborhoods & communities are glad we exist
• Jesus is Lord of ALL

 I'm truly "listening"...   thanks. 

Much love, Chilly

GOD > me

For God so loved the world
that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Most of us have known this little verse forever, perhaps, but do we live it?  Within' these simple words are such powerful truths...not only that, they contain the character and nature of God. This is pretty sobering for me, for as I really study it word by word by word, I can't help but realize how UNLIKE God I really am... 

I have made it my mission to IMPROVE in the God-Qualities found within' this profound verse...  here's 5 things that MUST increase in and through me (maybe you too):

1. Amazing Love
   ... for God so loved the world
   
2. Unlimited Generosity
   ... that He gave His one & only son
   
3. Universal Acceptance
   ... whosoever believes in Him
   
4. Total Forgiveness
   ... shall not perish
   
5. Eternal Perspective
   ... have eternal life.
   

If you're challenged by this, I encourage you to listen to today's podcast to hear the full thought-process and application for this incredible verse... click: Pod Me!

• How long have you known this verse?
• How often do you think about it's meaning?
• Which one (of my list of 5) needs the most improvement?
• Why do we take verses, like this, for granted?

Have a great Sunday!  Thanks for reading this and for sharing your thoughts & prayers with me! 

Humbled and honored, Chilly

It's never about the Tortoise.

What motivates you to serve?  Is it Love?  Guilt?  Bribe?  Reward?  Compassion?  Attention?  Sometimes it feels like I have to be a motivational speaker in order to get the best out of others, including my team (and my team is amazing)... I guess it's really easy to be like the fast little bunny in "The Tortoise and the Hare"... we get ahead and chill - forgetting that we're trying to win a race, not stay ahead of a turtle.

"My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God's Spirit. Then you won't feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness" Galatians 5:16-17.

Our motivation has to be WINNING
...not just competing. 

there's NO small miracle... chapter 2

 So, tonight we were able to visit the young man (see post below) and his family.  We talked with his mom and told her how proud we were of his decision to return the stolen bike. And, then we shared with the boy that someone had heard about him doing such a good thing that they bought him a different bike.  We pulled a Harley Davidson style lowrider bike (pictured) out of the van - his expression was PRICELESS! He was so thrilled - giving big hugs to Brendan and me - I even think I saw tears in his eyes!  We were able to witness to lots of kids, neighbors and the boys family. 

The last 24 hours have been such a fun reminder for all of us here in the trenches of Detroit & Hamtramck. 

There's always hope when you see the light come on inside a child.  So blessed...

there's NO small miracle.

Last evening, several key guys from my church community got together to play a little basketball.  It was pretty ugly - enough bricks were shot to build a portion of the Great Wall of China... ouch!  But, we laughed a lot and got some much needed exercise.  We were playing on a public court that was packed with young people from our city: predominantly African-Americans and Arab-Americans... for those of you unaware, this can be a very volatile mix of cultures.  There is a lot of tension between these two groups of people... unfortunately.  Tonight was not an exception.

Near the end of our time at the courts, we were surrounded by several young kids that attend our amazing kids ministry - the UK. One of the young men has had a lot of trouble with his behavior, attitude and mouth when at Real Church.  He's actually been serving a 'time-away' from our weekly meeting due to his inability to attend without incident. He was riding 'his' bike on the court when all of the sudden he was confronted by an Arab-American mom (in full muslim attire) and several young people of various ages. She was certain he had stolen the bike from her son.  The next thing I know, we are surrounded by a sea of very loud and angry people - all pointing fingers - pulling on the bike - making threats ... very crazy! 

Letter from ONE of US...

I received an email today that really encouraged me - so much so, in fact, that I want to share it with all of you...

I'm doing this by forwarding the email from my inbox to my typepad (blog server) using just my iPhone, so hopefully it will work. 

Check it out...

Pastor Chilly,

 
I just read this article on the Out of Ur blog and wanted to tell you how much I love REAL Church and absolutely drool over our missiology.  I've read a lot of blogs, books, and spent a year at seminary dissecting what it means to be sent people in love with Christ and bounced from fundamentalism to emergent conversations to entrepreneurial church models to organic church models to "no-church" models and ended up mostly frustrated.  This is what drew me to REAL Church.  The more I learned about you and the ministry, met people, read everyone Twitters about daily life in Hamtramck, etc. - the more I saw what I know the Church is meant to be.  We are incarnational (present in people's lives), benevolent (providing for real needs), missional (on mission with Christ to find lost people), and formational (growing as fully-devoted followers of Christ).  I can seriously say that I "use the product" when I talk about our church - I believe it and love being a part of it!  I also love how our church would probably shut up plenty of bloggers and critics out there (if we cared) - Driscoll would be pleased with our conversions (REAL CONVERSIONS), Fitch wouldn't be able to deny our incarnational nature, McClaren would see our love for people and each other above everything.  Heck, I think Bono would go to our church!
 
I guess all of this is to say - THANKS!  Thanks for following the Lord and planting this ministry and for inviting me and my family to join in.  I look forward to dirty hands and much joy as we WORK under your ministry for the glory of God!

• Does this sound like 'church' to you?
• Why, do you think, most churches miss this?
• Are you a part of the solution or the problem?

Living the Mission,  Chilly

Bullseye!

Ever been sitting in a church, camp, conference, etc. and thought to yourself, "whoa, this person is speaking right to me - I'm busted!" ... you wonder IF anyone else is even getting anything from the message cause this Word is just for YOU... 

We had one of those moments at Real Church yesterday, half-way through my message a woman jumped to her feet, grabbed her teenage son and stormed out.  On her way out the door, she exclaimed to my wife how I had no right to talk to 'her' like that - it's her business.  Well, I obviously did not know the details of this woman's life and certainly would not design a message to confront someone personally - that's a face-to-face kind of thing. 

Eventually, this lady called one of my staff and admitted that she was so convicted and that she needed to change.  She promised to return to church this week.  We love her and her family SO much!  I'm so happy that she realized that it was God speaking to her!

1 Thessalonians 1:5 says, "... our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction..."   - I'm so glad God can make something general become personal. I'm so glad that when I get a word from Him, He adds Holy Spirit power to it.  I'm so glad that He still changes lives.

• Ever feel like you're wearing a bullseye in church?
• When was the last time God's message hit you?
• Were you offended or open?  What happened next?

shameless promotion

I wanted to make all of you aware of a couple of super cool opportunities available to you. Real Church has two amazing programs that will equip you as you strive to become a dedicated disciple, sold-out servant, and powerful prayer warrior. Whether you're fresh out of high school OR recently emerging from college/mc, there is a place for you in the Motor City!

X-MIN, student ~ post high school (18+)

A post-high school hands-on ministry training and discipleship program like you have NEVER seen or experienced before... GUARANTEED.  God's call on YOUR life is unique and specific... our new and improved X-Min program gives you the opportunity to receive specific training, discipleship & ministry opportunities EVERY day! We have partnered with Global University to provide every student with a solid, Biblical foundation for life and ministry.  And, after completing your training with Global, you are free to go on into deeper studies with them OR literally choose from over 30 schools in the area or across the country.  In today's church, "ministry" should not be restricted to just Bible School graduates - no way - a relevant, culturally aware church needs people from all walks of life and training. This isn't a new concept - it's an Acts thing...

Students may choose to take one year, to simply to get grounded in God's Word & Prayer prior to going on to college, university or vocation. Or, they may choose to stay and do a second year which will prepare them further for specific ministry. 

X-MIN, intern ~ post college (21+)

It's here. A new opportunity for YOU to join the team at REAL Church. This is for grads... college/university, MC, and, of course, X-MIN. Custom designed for the "20 and 30 something" postmoderns of America that burn with passion for the lost, that want to make a difference in the lives of those around them EVERY day... that want to know Him more intimately... that want to BE the church and not simply attend one... you in? Come and experience LIVE ministry in one of the most culturally diverse cities in America.
X-MIN Intern Program offers valuable opportunities for ministry to people in these three categories:

1. Those who are considering a career in ministry and would like hands-on-training and experience before pursuing full-time church employment.
2. Those who sense God calling them to ministry for only a short period of time prior to other secular employment.
3. Those aspiring/ interested in becoming a church planter or being part of a church planting team.

I'm personally committed to raising up disciples - I spend hours & hours with the students every week for times of training, prayer, encouragement and love.  My amazing team is also very involved in every aspect of XMIN.  We're in it, to WIN IT!  Note: we have seen 11 young adults go into full-time ministry in the last 3 years...  IF you were to sum up, "the XMIN experience" into one word, it would be: RESULTS.

But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - the work of telling others the Good News about God's wonderful kindness and love. Acts 20:24

• Have any questions? Email me or ask here (maybe your ' ? ' will help others too).
• Have any testimonies?  Current students or alumni jump on this!
• Want to come for a weekend visit?

Note:  We purposely keep student count lower so that we can really invest in each one on a personal level, therefore anyone interested should begin the application process asap.  The next XMIN year begins in September '08, and the cut-off is July 1, '08 (some exceptions may be made).