Not To Us Results

Here is my announcement from this past Sunday. God is on the move. I love what he is doing in this church. Can’t wait (CAN’T WAIT!!!) to announce our next steps by the end of June! Stay tuned and keep praying. . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBIlNoU1cFQ

Some More Ramblings. . . This Time on Sacrifice

When we started this church, twenty-one short month ago, I, along with several other church leaders (11 families in total), had to take a risk everything and quit ours jobs. Some from that initial team took new jobs in the marketplace, and others came to work here at Northgate—though they didn’t get paid for some time. For me and my family, quitting my job was a really big deal financially. My wife is a stay at home mom, for which I’m grateful. She works very hard and she holds the craziness of our lives together. However, because she stays at home, we don’t have any other income whatsoever. And, back in those first months, when I finally got paid, I didn’t receive a full paycheck, but experienced a 30% cut in my overall compensation. It was tough.

Now, before that time, Sarah and I had made an agreement with God that we would increase our giving every year by one percentage point of our income. . .  every year, no matter what, so long as we were working. Within the first few months of starting Northgate, we had a decision to make. Do we increase our giving or do we just go back to the tithe (10%)? It was a tough decision. We didn’t know how we were going to pay our bills. We didn’t know if we’d be able to pay our mortgage.  And, the idea of giving something like 17% of our significantly reduced income back to God seemed literally impossible.

And so, I said to Sarah in a moment of weakness, “Let’s go back to 10%.  Let’s go back to the tithe.” But my wife (who is more faithful than I) said to me, “No. We made a promise to God. God’s provided for us in the past.  He’ll provide for us in the future.”  And so, together, we prayed an impossible prayer and God provided.

Now, of course, we did our part too.  We cut back. We cancelled our season tickets. We went to less plays and games. We bought cheaper food at the grocery store. We went out to dinner hardly at all (unless we had a gift card from someone). When we went on dates, we took walks instead of going to coffee. We cancelled our annual summer vacation, indefinitely postponed our 10 year anniversary trip, and held onto one of our cars longer than we would have. Still, we paid all of our bills on time and we were in the black every single month.

And, when I stood a few weeks ago on the stage at Northgate on Easter Sunday and watched over 40 people give their lives to Christ in one morning, and 225 people in the past 21 months do the same. . . let me tell you, it was worth every dollar sacrificed.

Before God do an impossible work in your world, he has to do an impossible work in you. For me, it was in the area of giving. As we wrap up our building project, “Not to Us”, ask God what he wants you to give over the next three years. It just might surprise you. When he tells you, don’t just laugh it off. Write that number down, do what you need to do, make the necessary sacrifices, and watch God do the impossible. See you this Sunday for Celebration Sunday—a milestone in Northgate’s short history!

Not to us. . .

Some Reminders from Ethiopia

So, here are some reminders from my time in Ethiopia with the people of Debre Zeit Mekane Yesus Church. Three points:

1.  The local church really is the hope of the world.

Not government. Not NGO’s. Only the local church. Jesus promised, “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it” (Matthew16:18). Northgate Church and Debre Zeit Church are the hope of the world.

2.  Jesus is the same Jesus everywhere.

I’ve worshipped in North America, Central America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Jesus is same everywhere. Revelations 5:9, “And they sang a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” Jesus is not a western idea. He’s global!

3.  We cannot waste any time. People need Jesus now!

If the local church is the hope of the world and Jesus is the center of that church, then Northgate Church must continue to move forward boldly in the future. We’ve got to focus only on Jesus and leading others to him. We must go after a bold, white-hot vision and believe God for the impossible.

The Body of Christ in Ethiopia gets this—the church is doing remarkable things there. And I know the people of Northgate Church get this too. So, on Sunday, April 1, we’ll take our next big step in reaching people for Christ. . .  we’ll launch our building project, “Not to Us.” Stay tuned. . .

“Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory. . .” (Psalm 115:1)

Some Ramblings on Anxiety

One of the things I’ve given up in my life these past several months is anxiety. I don’t mean chronic anxiety (like a diagnosis), but every day anxiety (like worry). Peter writes, “Cast all your anxiety upon him for he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). I can tell you, it hasn’t been that easy giving up anxiety. After all, I’ve worried most of my life. For a few years in the recent past I lived in a constant state of anxiety—not my own anxiety, but other people’s anxiety. Worry became part of my personality. I went to bed worried, and I woke up worried. I totally lost my sense of humor. But no longer. I laugh all the time now… even when inappropriate. And, it’s not that I don’t have things to legitimately worry about… I do.  Things like managing a brand new, rapidly growing church, raising $3 million plus for a new facility, bringing up three kids in an increasingly busy world, people problems, etc.  It’s just that I just don’t find myself worrying like I used to. It’s hard to explain why… it has been a work of God… but here’s what’s been working for me:

1.  I honor the Sabbath and keep it holy. Sounds basic, but I ALWAYS take a day off EVERY week, no matter what. And, I encourage my staff to do the same. There’s something liberating about disconnecting from my leadership role at the church at least one day a week. After all, in God’s eyes I’m not a pastor. In fact, I’m pretty sure he’s not at all impressed by my position. In God’s eyes, I’m just a deeply loved child of God. I enjoy getting together with God apart from my role–even if it means facing my own demons.

2.  I pray. Prayer is a tricky thing. To be honest, there are many days I just don’t feel like praying. But I’m leaning to pray whether I feel like it or not. So, most days, after I drop my kids off at school, I pull my car off to the side of the road for 30 to 40 minutes, and I pray. I pray in the car because I can’t pray at home… too many work and family distractions. I keep a pen and paper in my car, and every day, almost like clockwork, God shows up. It’s beautiful and it’s a whole lot easier to give up worry, when you’re hearing from the one who controls the future. Anxiety is just the fear that God won’t be in the future.

3.  I surround myself with positive, Christ-centered  people. As a pastor, I used to spend more time with problem people than positive people. It was literally exhausting and incredibly unfulfilling for me and the problem people. I don’t do that anymore. For one, Northgate is filled with some really positive people. But also, I try to surround myself primarily with people who are excited about what God is doing at Northgate, not people who are negative about it. I’ve found I can rarely help a negative person become positive. Also, I get to spend 5 hours every Wednesday with my staff. I’ve worked at a number of places, and I can tell you, I have never worked with such positive, can-do, God honoring people in my life. I thank God every day for the unity and shared vision on our staff.

4.  I hang out with my family. People who enjoy their jobs don’t always do a good job at home. Let me tell you the truth: It’s lots more fun to hang out with people who put you up on a pedestal (or even respect you) than it is with your family who doesn’t always drink the Steve kool aid. But for me, my family is complete happiness. I’m more in love with my wife than ever before, and that’s saying a lot. I’ve always been smitten with her. I just like to be around her and breathe the same air as her. My kids are sources of happiness too. My son understands me, my daughter likes to talk to me and make me laugh, and our baby lights up my day with his smiles and giggles. Also, my parents (who I talk to several times a week) are a real source of encouragement. While there are some very anxious moments in my family life, for me, my home is primarily a sanctuary—a place of peace. I can’t stand being away from them. (I’m going to Ethiopia in March for 5 ½ days. People think I’m crazy. But, for me, spending any more time away from my family seems crazy.)

5.  I only do what God wants me to do. At Northgate, I have the unique pleasure of working in my sweet spot. Unlike many pastors, my days and nights aren’t filled with endless committee meetings, putting fires out, and solving unimportant problems. God has given me the opportunity to pray, read the Bible, read books, listen to online messages, meet with people hungry for God, and focus on the vision of the church. It’s easy not to be anxious when you get to do what God wants you do. I’m grateful that I get to serve God at Northgate in such a unique way.

So, that’s what is working for me these days. Will I get anxious again? Probably. I’m pretty sure of it. I’m human. But, I don’t think I’ll ever live very long again in the land of anxiety. Cast all your anxiety upon him for he cares for you.

Passive Optimism vs. Dynamic Optimism

If you know me, you know my passion around leadership. Some people like to hunt, some like to fish, some like to golf. . .  in my spare time, I like to think, read, and listen about leadership. And from time to time on this blog, I like to reflect on some leadership principals that I’m learning through my life experience and from others.

A few years ago, I was able to hear Colin Powell, former statesman and retired four-star general, speak on the subject of leadership. He had many good things to say, especially about optimism. In Oren Harari’s book The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell, he reflects on the difference between passive optimism and dynamic optimism in Powell’s life. He writes,

For Powell, the value of optimism is its capacity to spur bold action and extraordinary results. He would not condone what some researchers have called “passive” optimism. Passive optimism is little more than a “don’t worry, be happy” attitude. People will passive optimism tell themselves to stay mellow, that everything will work out fine, whatever happens is okay, and others will solve the problems.

In contrast, “dynamic” optimists apply their optimism to attain goals and help others attain goals. They take action. That’s the kind of optimism Powell espouses. Don’t whine passively about a problem, and don’t just smile and shrug it off either.  Take responsibility, and do something with the hand you’re dealt. “If you get the dirty end of the stick,” he says, “sharpen it and turn it into a useful tool.”

Sounds a lot like what Jesus said in Matthew 17:20, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Passive optimists “hope” the mountain will move (e.g., “I sure wish more people would come to Christ.”) Dynamic optimists “tell” the mountain to move (e.g., “Let’s ask God for 100 people to come to Christ by Christmas Day”). And, as of today, 111 people have to Christ through Northgate in the past 90 days. That’s what I call God’s dynamic optimism at work!

New Year’s Update

Serve the LORD with gladness; come before his presence with singing. Know that the LORD, he is God; it is he who has made us, and not we ourselves. Psalm 100:2-3

What a year at Northgate Church—2011!

• In December, nearly 800 people walked through our doors in a given week… 70% growth in 17 months!
• Almost 1,100 people attended our spectacular Christmas Eve experiences! Thanks for your help and for inviting your friends and family.
• 105 people made first time commitments to Christ! And, three more since New Year’s Day.
• We ended our fiscal year $14-15,000 in the black, thanks to the staff’s responsible budgeting and your generous support.
• Northgaters made financial commitments of $470,000 last year. You committed $658,000 for 2012. Wow! That’s a 40% increase! Unthinkable.

What’s up with building? LOTS.

• On January 1, we announced that Northgate’s Board of Directors sent a letter of intent for the purchase of land from the city of Ramsey across the street from the Ramsey City Hall and an 800 car public parking ramp—a few blocks from PACT Charter School. To watch our January 1 announcement online and to see drawings, go to http://www.ngatechurch.org/#/connect/messages-online and click “January 1″.
• We began active negotiations this week with the city and hope to sign a formal purchase agreement in the next few months. If not, we have some other really good options, as well.
• Also, the Board of Directors has authorized us to go forward with a building project that will include a fund drive for land and a building which culminates this spring. If you have any questions, concerns, or different ideas, please let me know. I want to hear from you.

How can I plug into Northgate this winter?

Just go to our website and you’ll see! Look for information on the Alpha Course, the Marriage Course, a date night, a men’s retreat, and more!

God is doing so many IMPOSSIBLE things here at Northgate. It’s such a joy to be a part of God’s kingdom work and watch Jesus build his church in every way. Thanks for being a part of Northgate. Here’s to a great 2012!

Northgate Church is passionate about helping people become who God purposed them to be.

It’s Always Been This Way

From Seth Godin’s blog (www.sethgodin.com):

The only standard is impermanence.

It’s very easy to believe that the world we live in has always been this way.

Your ethnic group has always had a similar standing.

Technology has always permitted certain kinds of interactions and is always improving.

Real estate values always rise from decade to decade. (Until it didn’t).

A job has always been the standard way to make a living.

Your chosen religion has always been practiced the way you practice it.

People in positions of authority and leverage have always had degrees from famous colleges.

Information has always been widely available.

As soon as you accept that just about everything in our created world is only a few generations old, it makes it a lot easier to deal with the fact that the assumptions we make about the future are generally wrong, and that the stress we have over change is completely wasted.

I Will Build My Church!

Jesus promised his followers, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18b). At Northgate Church, we’re witnessing his promise firsthand. It’s hard to believe how a 17 month old church can be making such an impact in our community.  To be honest, I don’t get it. It’s nothing we’re doing, believe me. Jesus is just building HIS church, plain and simple. It’s for his fame, not ours. And the gates of hell are not prevailing!

Here’s just a sampling of what God is doing in this 17 month old church this season:

• This week nearly 800 people walked through our doors at Northgate. Compare that number with our very first month’s average attendance of 458 in August of last year and you get a 70% growth rate in just 17 months. That’s staggering! Thank you, God!

• Since the start of Northgate, 70 people have made first time commitments to Christ! 90% of those commitments have happened since June, and over half since November, 2011. What a joy! Our staff and board are praying for 60 more commitments by Christmas Day.

• Our financial giving is looking good too. In November, we asked for financial commitments for our 2012 general fund and our people responded BIG TIME. I’m proud to say that Northgaters committed 35% more dollars for 2012 than they did for 2011. That’s a huge increase for our general budget! Miraculous! Thank you.

• Our building plans are speedily under progress. God seems to be opening new doors and opportunities, doing the impossible. We hope to make an important announcement sometime in the near future. Keep praying!

Wow! Wow! Wow! It’s SO much fun being a part of God’s kingdom and watching Jesus build his church. I can’t wait to see what he has in store for the next 17 months! Ups and downs, for sure. . .  but Jesus will build HIS church. Hang on tight! It’ll be a wild ride!

And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:47b).

Happy Thanksgiving, Northgate!

Happy Thanksgiving, Northgate! I have so much for which I’m thankful this year.

I’m so grateful for…

• the blood of Jesus Christ. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John1:17). Thank you, Jesus.
• the people I love the most: my wife (Sarah—so faithful), my kids (Isaac, Emma Grace, and Elijah—so joyful), and my family (my parents, in-laws, and siblings—so encouraging). This is Eli’s first Thanksgiving with us “outer uterine.” He is a little turkey! Gobble, gobble! “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Happy is the man whose quiver is full of them” (Psalm 127:4-5).
• the faithful people of Northgate Church. It is a joy to serve alongside you. There are more of you than ever before. In fact, we just celebrated our largest Sunday in 2011 this past week (excluding Easter, of course, which is another killer holiday). “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity” (Psalm 133:1).
• Northgate’s gifted and loyal staff and leaders. To quote Ross Perot, you make going to work a real “hootenanny.” It feels good to have the right people in the right seats on the bus. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).
• the nearly 60 people who have found new life in Christ through our Church in the past 15 ½ months. You’re the reason we started Northgate and we’re humbled that you’ve joined us. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here” (1 Corinthians 5:17).
• provision. Need I say more? God has provided for my family’s needs and our church’s life this year in impossible ways through the people of Northgate. Thank you for your generosity. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew6:34).
• the God of the impossible. Have you noticed that nothing is too hard for God? Nothing! “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God” (Luke 18:27). Thank you, sweet Jesus, for taking me on a deeper walk with you—kicking and screaming the whole way! I can’t wait to see your next surprise unfold!

So, I’m thankful. If you’re reading this, I want you to know, I’m so thankful for you. Thanks for partnering with me in the Gospel! Sarah and I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving! To God be the glory, great things he has done!

Goodbye Matt Patrick. . . See You Around.

On Sunday, Matt Patrick, Northgate’s worship leader, announced his resignation effective January 1. Matt’s departure is bitter-sweet. It’s bitter because I’ve worked with Matt for four-plus years at two different churches and will miss him very much—his talent, his heart, his loyalty, his character, his HAIR! It’s sweet because God has given Matt an opportunity to realign his life and priorities as a Christ-follower and husband. I applaud Matt for making that choice. Also, Matt, along with Maureen Armstrong (Northgate’s Worship Arts Director), have done a great job of raising up Will and Tracy Wojcik  to lead Northgate’s worship in the future. Matt will continue to guest lead in Will and Tracy’s absence, which is pretty cool, and will pop in from time to time.

Well, I’ll have much more to say about Matt in the days to come. . . but that’s it for now, except to say, “I love you, Matt, and I’m grateful for you. Thank you for leading our church in worship.”

Here’s Matt’s announcement in his own words from Sunday:

As many of you know, I spend the majority of my time outside of Northgate producing records in my recording studio in Northeast Minneapolis. For the past three years I have been working a minimum of six, sometimes seven days a week in order to pay off a substantial build-out loan for my studio. Well, I am pleased to report that the loan was paid off just two months ago.

My wife and I are breathing a huge sigh of relief and have been wondering at what point should I be done working six to seven days a week. I wanted to let you know this morning that the time is coming very soon.

It is with mixed emotions that I announce to you that after the first of the New Year I will be stepping down as worship leader here at Northgate Church. I say mixed emotions because I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here with you all. I have grown in immeasurable ways and will take away life-long friendships from this place. . . These things most definitely make it sad for me to leave.

There are a number of things, which make it a happy and joyful thing for me. First of all, it brings me great joy that I am choosing to leave based solely on the timing of my life, and on good terms with the people of Northgate. Far too often, people in the church step down based on conflict. I am thrilled to say that this is not the case here. It has been a personal goal of mine, in whatever form of employment I have had, to LEAVE WELL and I commit to doing so through the remainder of my time here.

I am also very pleased to leave you in the capable hands of Will and Tracy Wojcik, who will take over for me when I am gone. We have had several encouraging discussions leading up to this point and I have also offered a continued mentorship to Will after I leave.

It is also my hope that I will be called on to come back and lead in their absence (which is another thing that doesn’t happen very often in a church). Again, because I just want to do things with a kingdom mentality, which means things are done differently here than what is normal for the world.

But the thing that makes me the happiest, is the fact that I have never once, in the two and a half years of my marriage, gone to church with my wife. I am most excited to devote more of my time to the spiritual nature and nurturing of our relationship.

Northgate, it has been an absolute honor to lead you in worship, and will continue to be through the remainder of the year. Thank you.