Connections
By Stovall Weems
Jesus begins the great commission in Matthew 28:19 (NIV) with a huge mandate … “to make disciples of all nations.”
It seems more reachable for him to have told us to make disciples of our neighborhoods; yet we are asked to have a vision, a mindset that includes our neighbors yet reaches the nations of the world. Today we recognize that reaching the world and overcoming cultural differences, language differences, and physical distances can only happen through God-ordained connections.
These connections are more than feel-good friendships; they have a very pragmatic function. Through relationships with leaders of other communities, we extend our ability and effectiveness to take the gospel to the nations of the world.
It’s easy to see how God-given connections …
- Multiplies ministry impact
- Unifies us as a body of believers
- Testifies to the world of our oneness in Christ
- Pleases the heart of God
The connections and friendships we form come from a shared desire to make a maximum impact for the kingdom of God and along the way we double the enjoyment through working with and spending time with friends. It’s no wonder we eagerly share relational capital with each other.
God has honored us with great friendships and partnerships with Hillsong Church (Brian and Bobbie Houston), Association of Related Churches (ARC), Children’s Cup Africa, Equip and Empower (Christine Caine), Equip (John Maxwell) and our most recent partnerships with Craig Groeschel and the churches participating in One Prayer.
This list is by no means exhaustive but a small sample of how God has positioned us to make disciples of all nations while helping others do the same. And for that we are extremely grateful.
Update from London…
By Stovall Weems
It was great seeing our friends Nick and Chris Caine here in London. They are doing so much for the Kingdom of God on a global scale. It was great to sit down and talk to them about their A21 Campaign.
A21 is a project they are starting to address the injustice of human trafficking in Europe. I knew that human trafficking was rampant in Cambodia from our work with Joyce Meyer last summer with Hope Cambodia. However, I didn’t realize that Europe was a main destination for human trafficking in the west. So it was eye-opening to find out more about that.
It made me even more glad that Celebration Church supports their ministry. We are looking forward to spending more time with the Caines when they come to Celebration in November.
Hello from London
By Stovall Weems
I had the privilege this past weekend of speaking at Hillsong London. It was an absolutely incredible experience. It is the most diverse, global congregation I have ever seen. As I was preaching there I felt like I was preaching to the entire world because so many colors and nations were represented. Their congregation of 8,000 is full of young people and on fire for God!
Gary and Kathy are doing a fantastic job here as the pastors, and the staff and leadership team are just awesome. Brian and Bobbie have done a great job of downloading the Hillsong DNA from Sydney over here to London.
Kerri and I miss Celebration Church and everyone back home so much and we look forward to seeing everyone soon.
Purpose Driven Conference Update
By Stovall Weems
The conference was awesome. Rick Warren is such a humble man of God and on fire for the Kingdom. I want to learn everything I can from him – he’s such an amazing leader.
I feel very honored having been invited to participate in the conference. It was really great connecting with all the other speakers on the panels – it’s not often we get to do that in such a large setting. Thanks for all your prayers, it was a great trip.
What I’m pumped about…
By Stovall Weems
I feel very honored to have been invited by Rick Warren to be one of the speakers at his Purpose Driven Community Conference this week. I have always looked up to him and admired him as a tremendous leader.
Rick has gathered pastors from all across the nation as well as other countries to attend this summit, and he’s invited about 35 pastors to come and share some of our best practices. I have been asked to speak about discipleship and will share what has worked with us at Celebration Church.
Choose Well
By Stovall Weems
When making a choice put it through the God grid:
What do the scriptures say?
It is amazing how many times we make a choice based on emotions or “following our heart” instead of what is clear in God’s Word.
Is this acting in love?
There might not be anything directly against it in scripture but does it benefit and help others or only you? How is this choice going to affect your family, friends, and relationships with others in the community? If you are a pastor how is it going to affect your relationship with other churches and leaders in the community?
Does this fit my purpose?
Are you sure this fits your purpose in this current season? Is the timing right? Are you settling for a good thing instead of God’s best for you?
A good leader understands that in every yes there is an inherent no. And that every choice has a consequence or reward, even the small ones. Choose well!
Be in prayer for “One Prayer”
By Stovall Weems
This is a guest blog post from my Executive Assistant, Linda Riddle.
Beginning Sunday, June 8, Pastor Stovall is joining with other pastors all across the nation for a simultaneous message series called, One Prayer. Each pastor is recording a message entitled “Lord make us __________” completing the phrase with the prayer God has put on their heart for the church. Each pastor will then upload their message and make it available to be shown in churches across the country.
Other churches and pastors include…
- Dino Rizzo – Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, LA
- Craig Groeschel – LifeChurch.tv in Oklahoma City, OK
- Rick Bezet – New Life Church in Little Rock, AR
- Chris Hodges – Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, AL
- Greg Surratt – Seacoast Church in Charleston, SC
- Ed Young – Fellowship Church in Dallas, TX
- Jentezen Franklin – Free Chapel in Gainesville, GA
- Perry Noble – NewSpring Church in Anderson, SC
Pastor Stovall’s message will be called “Lord, Make Us Unshakable.” Be praying that God does a great work of unity and impact through the Body of Christ as we partner with some incredible churches around the world to bring a greater glory to our God!
Some Well Deserved Thanks
By Stovall Weems
I just wanted to take a moment and commend my wife Kerri on an awesome job with our SHINE Women’s Conference. This past weekend was incredible and the presence of God was so powerful.
I also want to express a huge thank you to all of our volunteers and our staff who worked so hard to make it happen; you all did a phenomenal job. And worship was awesome. It was great to hear our team perform many of our original songs off the new album “Awakening”.
For recaps about the conference and behind the scenes information about our Awakening album, check out Kerri’s blog.
An Eternal Perspective
By Stovall Weems
One of the most intriguing passages in the gospels is the description of the transfiguration.
Matthew 17:2-5 (NLT)
2 As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance changed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothing became dazzling white. 3 Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. 4 Peter blurted out, “Lord, this is wonderful! If you want me to, I’ll make three shrines, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 But even as he said it, a bright cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with him. Listen to him.”
Peter’s response was fascinating. He wanted to set up a shrine (or a shelter) for each of them. Set up a shelter for what? Why would Moses and Elijah want a shelter on earth when they lived in heaven ? This wasn’t home – heaven was their home and in a similar fashion, heaven is our home.
If those closest to Jesus could lose sight of that, it is no wonder we often do too; especially when we go through difficult seasons. We can become consumed in the moment. We sweat the small stuff – working hard to get to a place of ease and comfort; even though most of what we’re working toward will have very little eternal value.
Jesus said that He is preparing for us – the ultimate place. Let’s keep an eternal perspective. Our home is already settled in heaven and there will be plenty of time for ease. Today we must stay focused on our God-given purpose – to bring the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ to our world!
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