jroelive

As I continued my jog through Germantown, I began noticing closed, empty church buildings. It was like a bone yard for dead church buildings. I had to have passed at least four dead churches. I stopped at one that looked a good bit better than the others and looked in the windows and the glass doors. Everything looked clean—just empty. I began to tear up as I prayed for God to allow the Axis Church to pick up where these other churches left off. Just at that moment I heard dogs—mean dogs—behind me. At least there was a fence between us. Nonetheless, I continued my walking and praying.

About two blocks away I noticed the Morgan Park and Gymnasium. It is at the center of Germantown. It is the place we would like to rent out for a season as The Axis Church begins to grow. I knew that a guy named Mike was in charge of the park, so I decided to try to meet him. I approached the stairs leading up to the entrance and I began to tear up again. I prayed, “God, please allow people to walk up these very stairs to hear your true gospel and may they be saved from hell—rescued to heaven.” The stairs were covered in leaves from last fall. The park itself is altering its hours because of lack of interest. This is very sad because it is an extremely nice facility and very clean. I entered and asked for Mike. I spoke with him about renting the building and he seemed interested in helping us out. A friend of mine has already been talking with Mike regarding the fees and such to rent the facility. It was great connecting with Mike.

I continued my jogging/walking until I realized I needed to use the restroom. I know this seems random but I believe it was ordained. Was I to return to Morgan Park that is two blocks away at this point or do I try to make to my room that is nearly a mile away? I decided to go back to Morgan Park. On my way I thought, “You know, it has been a while since I have played basketball or ran, but I need to connect with the men in this neighborhood. I am going to go into the gym and just see what happens.”

I walk into the gym. I noticed four men who were all in their mid-twenties…and all eyes follow the white guy who is already soaked with sweat. I made my way to the other end of the court and removed the stuff from my pockets. The moment I pick up a ball, one of the men calls out to me, “You wanna ball?“ I thought “NOPE! But thanks for asking”—but my mouth replied back, “Sure!” Why did I do that?

I walked over to the three guys and we all introduced ourselves. I met Rip, Wee, Derrick and one other guy I can’t remember. Then I said, “Now I want you guys to know—I am horrible.” They said that they were terrible to. Then I said, “Nah, see—I am white-terrible. There is a difference between black-terrible and white-terrible.” They all cackled. I felt better knowing that they laughed with me—or at me. We played a game of “36 straight-up” which is much like “21” except without the free throws. I knew I was going to be terrible.

What happened next I cannot describe, except by saying that God helped me play basketball—really well. I have never played so well in my life. I made four jumpers in a row twice! I made reverse layups that I couldn’t make in college much less with twenty-five pounds of extra baggage. I ended up losing which is no surprise to me. I did represent myself well—though I doubt I will ever play that good ever again. Out of the four of us (one guy didn’t play) Rip had 36, I had 30, another guy had 22 and Derrick had 12. Afterwards I exited with them and walked to their cars. We all laughed and talked smack about the game. They really enjoyed my company and laughed at me picking with them. I told them I was moving my family in from Charlotte, NC to live in the neighborhood to which Rip replied, “That’s what’s up.” I didn’t share with them my “plans” for The Axis Church…yet.

As I was walking away after chatting and joking for a couple minutes, Derrick yells out to me, “Hey, Jroe! You coming back tomorrow?” I told him I would do my best. That encouraged me more than words in a blog can tell. These guys come from much different backgrounds than I do. Their homes are much different than mine. They need Jesus and I have Jesus. I am experiencing the gospel and they need to experience the gospel. I am here to love these guys and God in His providence had me know the sport of basketball in order to connect with these particular men.

I left Morgan Park and Gymnasium with nothing less than a heart that was rejoicing. The very people I feared the most God has allowed me to connect with at the beginning. I was so very excited—still am!

I then talked a few minutes with Jordan, a valet attendant for The Germantown Café. I asked him for a pen so I could write the names of my new friends down before I forgot their names. I told him about The Axis Church and of my family moving in. It was a good conversation.

Then I finished my jog leading back to my room. In total I walked or jogged over 2½ miles and played basketball for 45 minutes. I met several people and I prayed a good bit for the Germantown inhabitants and for the gospel to manifest itself there and in all of downtown Nashville. I listed the names of the people I met so that you too could pray for them. Please do.

In closing, I realized yesterday that what this neighborhood needs is simply for us to love Jesus, the gospel and the people. It is quite simple. As my friend Joe said two days ago, “Remember, love God…love people…keep it simple.” Thanks Joe.

admin Prayer Walking, The Gospel, church planting Basketball, church planting, Germantown, Prayer Walking, The Axis Church, The Gospel

Today I was able to spend some time after working two separate jobs to go prayer-walking/jogging through the area we believe The Axis Church will “land”—Germantown (Downtown Nashville.)

As I begin I must confess that it has been a while since I have ran or jogged AT ALL. I am working on that, beginning today. As I walked and jogged down the road leading to the back of Germantown (Germantown is contained within the interstate and the Cumberland River) I felt such heaviness in my heart—no, it wasn’t a heart attack, though it felt possible! It was a burden for this area of Nashville like I had never experienced before. My heart broke over the poverty, the arrogance of the rich, the closed buildings that haven’t been used in over 20 years, and even the new buildings that are sitting vacant.

I was listening to conversations as I walked and jogged. I noticed a large group of men piling out of four or five cars—WITH A FOOTBALL! I was eager to here their story. They were using the large field behind the community center as their practice field. They are a semi-pro football team. I approached one of the men and asked if they were practicing full contact or simply helmets (that was the best I could come up with as a conversation starter). Then is when I met a man that goes by the name Immanuel (Immanuel Church is where I am worshiping as we begin The Axis). I ended up talking about The Axis moving into the area. He seemed pleased and even mentioned that some of the guys would be glad to hear that. As I left he shouted back at me, “Hey! You know my name means ‘God is with you’, right?” I was overwhelmed. I jogged away with tears welling up in my eyes.

As I continued my walking/jogging and praying I noticed a feeble, older lady with a huge gardening hat on. She was trimming her hedges. As I walked by I said, “You have a lot of work to do.” She replied back, “Oh, you are so right.” I continued my walking—but IMMEDIATELY I felt this conviction slam me in the heart. My thoughts were something like this, “Keep jogging…NO, go back and help her…NO, keep going…NO, you are a strong guy (though breathing as if I just finished a marathon), go back and help her—AFTER ALL, this is why you are here today.” Wow. I turned, removed my sunglasses and told her, “I have 5 good minutes. Do you need any help lifting anything or picking anything up?” She said, “Well, I have this cinderblock here that some kids threw on the sidewalk. Could you take this somewhere?” I placed it at the curb and waited for the next kid to ride his bike by and then I threw it at him. Just kidding. I told her I would come back by within a couple hours and take the block somewhere else—it’s still in my front floorboard of my car. I asked her for her name and she said, “Mrs. Jones.” I introduced myself and told her what I was planning for the neighborhood. This 80-year-old lady began to tear up as I was discussing The Axis. She has been praying for this. Thanks Mrs. Jones.

I continued my jog and a WHOLE lot more took place but I must retire for the night and send out the rest of the info on my day in Germantown tomorrow.

admin Prayer Walking, church planting church planting, Germantown, Prayer Walking, The Axis Church

admin Christian Life, Materialism, The Gospel John Piper, Materialism, The Gospel, Treasure

This reading list was emailed to me from my friends at Monergism. Please check it out and get to reading!

admin Study Tools Bible study, Theology

This has become my favorite hymn. Please do not be distracted by the poor quality of the video or even the talent of the singers. Simply sit back and think deeply about the powerful words penned by Charitie Lees Bancroft (1841-1923).

admin Hymn, Music, The Gospel Hymns, Music, Shane & Shane, Theology

This includes the more gripping, practical and conficting truths I have heard.
Be blessed–be challenged.

admin Marriage, Men Driscoll, Marriage, Men

admin All things for good, Economy Economy, John Piper

On Monday, March 30th I visited Liberty University as a guest lecturer for their Youth Ministry Emphasis Week. I gladly accepted the opportunity. I have been involved with youth work for over thirteen years. I am “leaving” youth ministry this year to plant and pastor The Axis Church in Nashville, Tennessee.

Below is the challenge I gave to over three hundred youth ministry students in the three hours worth of lecturing that I had with them.

—————

I began my time by apologizing. You see, I had lectured at LU several other times over the course of the previous five years. I apologized for the previous five years worth of guest lecturing at LU. You see, I would do my best to get people to laugh, think I am cool, make them want to be like me and have them leave the time together wishing they could be like me and serve with me. I apologized for previously wasting their time and for being arrogant, deceitful, wrong—sinful.

Then I asked a question. What will you do or not do in order to say Acts 20:26-27 as you leave a church youth group (church hopping is a different subject for a different time)? Acts 20:26-27 says (Paul speaking to the Ephesians),
“26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.”

My question could have been worded, how do you leave a place saying this? As I presented this, I challenged them to think through the term “whole counsel of God.” What is that exactly?

I then read to them 1 Timothy 6:20, “20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called ‘knowledge.” What is the “deposit”?

The whole counsel of God and the deposit are both speaking of the reality—the truth—of Jesus Christ; better, the gospel! What we have done in America today with youth ministry is nothing short of selling or giving a false bag of goods. (I know this is not every youth ministry but it definitely covers a solid 90% of them…my estimation) When we do not deliver the complete truth of the gospel, what we give is nothing short of unbiblical.

However, focusing on games, videos, gags, jokes and skits (not necessarily wrong in and of themselves) will grow a youth group—a pretty good sized one at that (I know this!). However, giving kids fun and “growing” a “successful” youth ministry is not what we are called to do. We are called to DEPOSIT the WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD to these teens and their parents so that we are innocent of their blood. We can say that we gave them the Truth, the WHOLE truth and nothing but the Truth.

I cannot honestly say that I have done this. In my 13 years of youth ministry I can say I did it very wrong for nearly 11years. It is extremely freeing to know that I did it “right” or biblical for at least 1½years. This is very humbling and sad but also true.

After my honest beginning, I asked another question…
How do you deliver the whole counsel God that has been deposited to you? I offered three ways. (Of course there is more—this is my three)
1. Know the whole counsel of God yourself
2. Live as if the gospel is living, powerful and real (because it IS!)
3. Allow the truth of the gospel to so burn within you that you begin to apply the gospel to every part of your life

You see, if we want to produce kids who burn for Christ, we must first—as leaders—burn for Christ. The problem with youth ministry today isn’t the lack of programming (we are great at that) it’s the lack of passion and hunger for the gospel—which is rarely gained through educational training. Youth pastors/leaders would rather sleep, play Halo (and consider it ministry, which it sometimes is—but will it cause kids to burn for Christ or just YOU?), look at porn or make out with their boy/girlfriends.

When you, as a leader, do not burn for Christ and when you stop studying the Word in order to accurately deliver the whole counsel of God you…
• Do little “cute” things (that will not cause Christ to burn inside them)
• Rely on creativity (to draw kids—which will not cause Christ to burn inside them)
• Shortcut the sermon and just become a funny guy/girl (humor, if they are laughing they are with me and they like me!)

Music, games, porn, humor and snacks WILL NOT teach your kids to burn for Christ—especially during suffering (suffering must be in our conversations with the students after September 11th).
However, YOU knowing the gospel and how it affects EVERYTHING about us and delivering this truth to the students will ensure the fact that your kids will burn for Christ.

Pray over your kids. Weep over their names. Pray for their parent(s), their future spouses and children, their ministries and their education/career. Also pray hard for your life to be dissected by the precision tool of the Word of God. Pray for your life.

1Timothy 4:6-16 says,
6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Did you get that? Did you even read it? Read it again—several times. Let this weigh on you. See your responsibility as something more than just the “fun pastor” on staff.

Closing & very random thoughts…
• You are not hired to set/change policy
• Be loyal to your staff—especially your lead/senior pastor
• Guard your family life (even if you are not married or have children yet

This is basically what I shared. Pass this along but please don’t forget about it.
-Jroe

admin The Gospel, Youth Ministry humility, Liberty University, The Gospel, Youth Ministry

Cardboard Stories from The Austin Stone on Vimeo.

admin Uncategorized The Gospel

I remember back when I was 17 years old, standing in the registration line at North Greenville College. I was leaving the simple years of high school and leaping forward to the long awaited college years. I was so excited when I first arrived onto campus, but after being sent to three different lines to try to enroll and register I was getting very frustrated and more fearful with every second. I remember calling my parents on my very first cell phone (Nokia w/ a UNC Tarheel cover) and begging them to let me come home and try the college thing next semester. I am glad they made me stay and stick it out but I was very upset back in 1997.  I remember walking around the corner of the library and crying. I felt so insecure and awkward.

Today is my last day in the office here at West Cabarrus Church. My family and I have been called to start a new church in the urban center of Nashville, Tennessee. I am leaving the comfort and ease of a consistent paycheck, a really nice office, great fellowship with other believers and an established church—to leap forward to the long awaited and great unknown of church planting with only a clear call and a grand vision of things to come. I feel the same awkwardness that I did twelve years ago. I am certain that we are to do this, but at times I still have fear and restlessness in my heart. Will God really miraculously provide for us as He has in the past and all throughout history for His people? This is my prayer. Will we sell our home and find a decent home in downtown Nashville for our family to live in…safely? This is my prayer. Will we find a good, safe and healthy school for our children to attend? This is my prayer.

Please pray for us through this awkward transition as we look to the LORD to provide our needs. As you pray for us please know that we are confident in this calling but still are at times trying to find a library to walk behind and cry because we feel insecure and awkward.

Our great encouragement comes from a clear understanding of the gospel. The gospel tells us we cannot do this…alone. The gospel tells us that Christ died—defeating fear, insecurity and awkwardness that comes from us trying to place ourselves in control of our lives and our situations. The gospel tells us that since God has called us, we can be at peace with our circumstances because it is God that works everything out for our good because we are His and we are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

The prayer that needs to be uttered is one that begs God to help us understand daily that we are nothing and He is everything (John 3:30)—a prayer that begs God to teach us how to better apply the gospel to our every need and situation.

A great encouragement is to know that we have people praying this for us and over us. Grace to you.

admin The Gospel, church planting church planting, fear, The Axis Church, The Gospel, vision