Our Simple Easter

Easter, when you think about it, is really the most important holiday we celebrate as Christians. We were excited to share this time with our spiritual family. We started with a big pitch-in brunch in our home. (By now you’ve probably noticed how much we like to eat together.) Then Matt led us in some worship songs with his guitar before we went a cappella for some kid-friendly ones. Finally, we read the Easter story together as well as some other scriptures pertaining to Christ’s resurrection, and discussed its significance as well as its impact on our lives today.

We love these folks so much, and we were happy that a neighbor’s family also joined us. We hope you had a blessed Easter as well. He is risen!

USA Today: Christians Celebrate ‘Simple’ Easter

USA Today’s front page article covered the growing trend in America of people seeking simpler, smaller expressions of church.  Read it HERE.

Tentmaking Time

We have spent many hours recently discussing and praying about our long-term future, and specifically how best to financially sustain our family’s expenses while continuing to do what God has called us to.  It seems clear that TreasureField will not be able to provide Marty a salary anytime in the foreseeable future, and we don’t believe we’d want to take one even if it could.  We’ve always wanted TreasureField to be externally focused and able to give generously to the needs around us.

After weighing and praying about several options, we’ve decided to start a property management company.  We’re familiar with the business due to Marty’s mom, and have a valuable resource in her expertise.  The real estate market in Denver has been relatively stable through the recession, and Marty’s natural networking abilities will be a big asset in this type of business.  Marty is excited about being a “tent-maker” like Paul to assist in his ministry calling.

While we anticipate that starting up a new company will be time- and labor-intensive at the beginning, we are optimistic that this business will accomplish several things:

• It will allow us to become self-sufficient rather than being dependent on missionary support forever.
• It provides an opportunity for the two of us to work together—something we’ve always wanted.
• It enables Jaclyn to continue being a stay-at-home mom (a priority for us) while also working from home.
• And most importantly, once this business is up and running, it has the flexibility necessary for Marty to continue doing the real work of making disciples who make disciples.

We are excited and nervous about this new venture, but we feel peace about the decision.  We believe it is the best thing we can do long-term for our family and for TreasureField.  Please pray for us as we follow the Lord down this new path.

District Pastors Event

Jaclyn and I are enjoying the annual “Ministers & Mates (M&M)” gathering of Colorado & Nebraska Wesleyan pastors in Estes Park.  The event was kicked off by a message and Q&A with Dr. JoAnne Lyon, General Superintendent of The Wesleyan Church.  JoAnne – as she prefers to be called – is an incredible woman of God, sharp, funny, and inspiring.  She gave a brief update on The Wesleyan Church including statistics and stories as well as where God is leading our denomination.  Here are a few of my notes:

• In 2010, The Wesleyan Church had higher weekend attendance, more salvations, and more baptisms than ever before.
• According to a recent study by Ed Stetzer, two of the ten fastest growing churches in the US are Wesleyan (12 Stone and New Hope)
• God is moving powerfully in Mozambique through the Jesus Film to introduce thousands to Jesus.  And get this… according to many witnesses a young boy was miraculously resurrected from the dead which, of course, was a powerful force for more conversions.
• The current president of Sierra Leone is a loud and proud Wesleyan Christian.

7 Ways God is Leading The Wesleyan Church

1. Leaders live authentic Christian lives.
2. Filled with the Holy Spirit
3. Ethnic (and gender) diversity
4. Urban urgency – 80% of US population now lives in cities
5. Church health
6. Church multiplication (100 million “unchurched” in US… plus those who only go once a year)
7. Prayer – this is how it all happens

So there you go.  As a side note, I know many folks are not keen on denominations – seeing them as hierarchical and divisive.  While I can understand and even partially agree with their perspective, we have a very good relationship with The Wesleyan Church and are happy to remain connected with this network of churches.  We’re blessed to know these folks and we’re excited to spend the next couple days catching up and learning from them.

Dr. Lyon on facebook and twitter.  The Wesleyan Church on facebook, twitter, and youtube.

Where will your money go in 2011?

So often we go through life without a plan for the things that matter most.  No real plan for raising our children, no spiritual growth goals, and no family budget.  It’s fairly common to have long-term financial goals and plans, but the annual and monthly budgets seem to fall down the To Do list next to diet and exercise.

What if it were different this year?  What if we each sat down, spent some time with the Lord and asked Him what plans we should make with our money?  Perhaps He would lead us to scriptures like Ecclesiastes 5:10, “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.” or perhaps Proverbs 13:11, “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”.

Let’s submit our money to the Lord this 2011 and see what happens.  Let’s sit down with our spouses (if applicable) and make a budget that lines up with our values.  And let’s feel good about where our money goes this year.