by Jim Lyon, Senior Pastor

17 Steps. If you imagine taking just 17 steps, it doesn’t seem like that big of a deal.  If you think of 17 steps as 17 things to do, well, it’s a bit more challenging.  But, still doable.  Still, very achievable.  And, yes, 17 steps can actually take us a long way into the future.

17 Steps. Madison Park has been moving forward on 17 different fronts since early in the year, growing and stretching for Heaven’s sake, preparing to meet the future.  Each step focuses our congregation on the road ahead, on growing (individually and as a family), and on meeting tomorrow’s challenges.

I am thankful to announce that one huge step in our list of 17 has now been taken:  a deal has been signed for the future of our Scatterfield property.  Our last church home (on the north side of town) has been for sale since we moved to Madison Park three years ago.  The building has been maintained—and often used—during that time.  It is sacred ground still in ministry (hosting many weddings, funerals, small groups, mission teams, and our NorthKids Before-and-After School Care program, among other things).  It has been home during the last year to Bethel United Methodist Church on Sundays, as that congregation waited for the reconstruction of its building to be completed (following a tragic fire).  Bethel moved into its new facility as the summer dawned—and we then began negotiating with another church family.  This family, though, wants to buy the place.  And we have agreed.

The New Life Worship Center in Indianapolis has inked the contract (as has Madison Park), moving the property into New Life’s hands beginning November 1.  Here’s a thumbnail:

(1)     New Life will plant a satellite congregation at Scatterfield.  With 3,000 attending New Life’s worship centers in Indy already, the church is anxious to expand in Anderson.  There are many folks from Madison County who already drive to new Life in Indy on Sundays—and they will form a core launch team for the new satellite on Scatterfield.  New Life speaks powerfully into the African-American community especially—and its visionary pastor, John Ramsey, has become an outstanding advocate for the Gospel, Christian living, and biblical values in the Indianapolis metro.  Pastor Ramsey’s theology, spirit, and passion for transformational change in the community match our own.

(2)     New Life will lease the building for seven months.  During that time, New Life will assume full responsibility for the site’s operational expenses and additionally, pay us rent.  During November and December, they will finalize the ministry groundwork for their new launch in Anderson, set for January.

(3)     It is New Life’s intention to purchase the building at the end of the seven month lease; if the new satellite ministry at Scatterfield does not prove viable by March 31, however, New Life can opt not to buy.

(4)     The terms of purchase have been agreed upon, outlined in the contract, and approved by our mortgage company (which had to sign off on the deal, too); Scatterfield, like all our properties, is held as collateral against our system-wide debt; we consolidated our debts when we moved into our new facilities in 2007.  We ordered a new appraisal of the Scatterfield property in June of this year; it came in at $1.65 million.  New Life will pay us $1.2 million, cash.  Our 17 Steps plan included a $1.25 million sale of Scatterfield; with the sale price and the lease income combined, we’re there, matching our projected need.  Given the economic realities of our town and time, this is in the near-miracle category.

(5)     New Life would like to partner with Madison Park, as it expands into Madison County, too.  I am meeting with Pastor Ramsey in a few days to explore the possibilities and finalize plans for a joint service of worship (with mass choirs, shared platform, and a common voice) in January.  The Holy Spirit always does great things when God’s people work together, as one Body.  Our two congregations, side-by-side, have enormous potential to bring folks together.  Awesome.

Thanks to our Scatterfield Sale Team (including Business Administrator Rob Spaulding, Real Estate Agent Tom Seal, Attorney Bill Davisson, Barry Bentley, Dave Crandall, Terry McCardwell, and Dave Whitmoyer—some of the best real estate, financial, and legal heads in the county); the Team represented our Board of Elders, managing the negotiations and disposition of the property.

Another of the 17 Steps targets prayer.  A 14-day, 24-hour-a-day prayer initiative launched the whole 17 Step project in February.  That prayer platform continues.  We’re watching God’s intervening hand move, week-by-week.  Prayer opens the door for God’s power to be displayed among us.  Thanks for praying.  Keep it up.  And, thanks for being faithful!  Even with the long, lazy days of summer, attendance on Sunday mornings at Madison Park is up 5% over summer last year.  We’re praying for 10% by year’s end.  Don’t miss any of the Do Something Sundays (now through October 10).  God is doing something already.  Be encouraged.

Doug Seelbach

Mountaintop Experiences

Living at 11,000 feet in the Rocky Mountains with groups of students studying altitude physiology. Leading canoe and backpacking trips in the Canadian wilderness. Climbing 14,000 foot peaks in Colorado. Sound exciting and adventurous? Doug Seelbach feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to take risks and challenges in outdoor adventures. Most recently he climbed to the summit of Mt. Adams with a “band of brothers” from MPC. He shares, “It is through these adventures that I have learned some of my most important lessons about life and about God. The Mt. Adams climb offered a lasting influence upon my life as special bonds were developed with the MPC men who conquered not only the summit but the many challenges up and down the climb together.”

Brachen McCurdy

Men don’t necessarily tend to need other men,” expresses Brachen McCurdy, “they think they don’t need to share thoughts, feelings and spend time together.” He had  never attended Men’s Fraternity but was drawn to the adventure of climbing Mt. Adams. Brachen says, “We learned many lessons through the rigorous and somewhat dangerous mountain climb and I discovered the value of men helping men. When I returned home I began attending the Friday morning Men’s Fraternity group.” He shares that, “The lessons were really good but I really enjoy the friendships and more importantly the comradery of the men. It is good to be around Christian men.”

Men’s Fraternity offers not only adventure but an opportunity for men to come together and strengthen one another. Several opportunities are offered weekly that combine biblical teaching and interaction. Doug and Brachen are joining together in another adventure. “Wild at Heart” will begin on Wednesday evenings in September. Doug invites all men to “Learn what it means to have a masculine heart for God and perhaps plan an adventure or two where we can live it out.”

Jeff Matas, coordinator for Men’s Fraternity and Senior Associate Pastor, will challenge men in another Wednesday night study, “Winning at Work and Home.” Men’s Fraternity provides an encouraging process that teaches men how to live lives of authentic manhood as modeled by Jesus Christ and directed by the Word of God.

For a complete listing of Men’s Ministry opportunities, classes, small groups visit the Ministries page at MadisonParkChurch.org. Find Facebook Groups and details on upcoming ministry happenings and adventures for men on the News and Events webpage.

By Christa Sterken
Volunteer, Women’s Leadership Team and RefresHer Small Group Leader

Christa Sterken

The line at the BMV was long and full of unhappy faces, mine was no exception. My husband and I and our two children had relocated to Anderson from across the country, struggling to trust in God’s plan to bring us here. This was day two and nothing was going right.

After a few minutes in line, I noticed how the woman in front of me was greeting everyone around her, smiling. It was salve to my spirit. She and I began a conversation and she invited me to her weekly Bible study.

It just so happened to be the Tuesday morning RefresHer group at Madison Park Church.

My first experience at RefresHer was so exciting! Leaving behind a world of deep friendships has left me missing my loved ones at home. It was comforting to see so many new welcoming faces.

As we broke into small groups, we went around the table sharing prayer requests. What had been a lively group dynamic changed as my vulnerability became apparent.

When the leader called my name, my eyes filled with tears as I choked out my heart’s painful state. She looked back with eyes full of understanding and compassion, with God’s love pouring forth through them. A connection began for me that changes my life. It started with one woman at the BMV and spread throughout a community. Now, it is my honor to be serving in womens ministry, not just as recipient but a participant.

New opportunities await!

This summer a new Women’s Ministry Leadership Team was launched under the direction of Kimberly Majeski. One key goal of the team is to create new connection points for women. There are many wonderful women already serving our church, and we hope to complement their existing efforts.

Have you found a place to be personally known in our church body? We urge you to check out all the options available to you this fall. There are Bible studies, Zumba fitness classes, topical teachings, retreats-all designed to refresh your spirit and help you make connections. These are just a sampling of what is available.

Exciting plans are in the works to continue to develop opportunities for connection, the heart behind each outreach. Not just within the walls of Madison Park Church, but reaching out into the hearts of our community. Be watching for the details, it promises to be a powerful year. Join us, we care about you!

For more information about Women’s Ministries, contact any member of the Women’s Leadership Team:  Lisa Bitar, Natalie Farmer, Evie Jacobs, Hillary Novak, Dana Porter, Emily Stottlemyer, Chris Sheets, Christa Sterken, Tammie Suelean, Diane Vosburg.

For a complete list of ministries at Madison Park, stop by the Information Center and ask for a copy of the Ministries Guide or visit the Ministries page at MadisonParkChurch.org. Find Facebook Groups and details on upcoming ministry happenings on the News and Events webpage.

John and Julie Armington

“It literally saved our marriage.” John Armington is not shy about what Financial Peace University did for him and his wife, Julie. “One week before we decided to join the class, we were talking about divorce,” he explains. After three years in marriage counseling, a 6-month separation, and years of fighting about finances, the couple had decided to call it quits.

“But then, my mom offered to pay for us to attend FPU,” John recalls. “I was really reluctant, for many reasons,” Julie confesses. “But we decided to give it a try, and we jumped in headfirst. It was a rough road, with both of us underemployed. But our biggest lesson learned was how to talk about money—to get on the same page—without fighting.”

John and Julie had attended Madison Park—then North Anderson Church of God—years ago. “But we never made a commitment to volunteer or be involved in the church,” Julie says. Now, because of the impact of FPU, the Armingtons find themselves at MPC each Sunday, enjoying new friendships and spiritual growth. “Sometimes God’s plan has more trials and tribulations than we hope for,” John acknowledges. “But He definitely has a plan.”

by Jim Lyon, Senior Pastor

I was speaking at the Church of God Convention for Eastern Canada in Ontario; a crowd of young parents had gathered in a conference room for a “question and answer” session with me; it was August 12. “What four things would you say you and your wife did right when raising your sons?” The question came suddenly, precisely, unexpectedly. I paused for a moment, my mind racing with possible replies.

Like most parents, there are many things I wish I had done differently. The “if only’s” haunt me on some days. If only I had spent more time at home and so on. But, the question wasn’t about the “if only’s,” it was about the right calls. Hmmm. Well, I think I could honestly say that I’m glad that:

(1) We prayed for—and continue to pray for— each of our sons (and now our daughter-inlaw and granddaughter, too), every day, by name, very specifically. As I pray at baby dedications, I pray daily for my family: “Lord, protect Jacob, Peter, Andrew, Nathanael, Nicki, and Makenna, too, from any attempt the enemy might make to touch them, physically, spiritually, emotionally, or mentally. I ask that each of them will choose Jesus as Lord and become a great man or woman of faith.” It’s the devil, after all, who seeks to (as the Scripture says) “rob, steal, and destroy.” I pray a hedge of protection around my family, always. No day is taken for granted; no child is left unprotected without a prayer covering.

(2) We made participation in church activities a non-negotiable and a priority (never the also-ran). From day one, each of our sons knew that we would be at church on Sunday, that they would be in the church’s children’s and youth programs, that they would not be staying home or attending elsewhere. Every now and then, we’d hear: “I’m tired of going to church because you’re the pastor.” And, I’d reply, “We don’t go to church because I’m the pastor, we go to church because that’s who we are as a family; if I worked for IBM, we’d still be going to church.” Occasionally, there was the old, “I don’t like the youth program (or Sunday School, or whatever),” line. Once I heard, “I hate going to youth and I hate the youth pastor.” My reply? “So sorry to hear that, because we’re going to support it anyway. Being faithful and constant is always the key to making things better, wherever you are.” We sometimes had these same verbal dust-up’s about school, cleaning our rooms, and a bunch of other stuff, too. The boys have, subsequently, all grown up to respect and value their local church and are not prone to bail during dry spells or when church life does not meet their expectations.

(3) We read to the boys every day, out loud, from infancy until adolescence. We read them Bible stories, Hardy Boy mysteries, The Chronicles of Narnia, Tales of the Resistance, Good Night Moon, Robert Louis Stevenson, missionary tales, history books, biographies, and more. None of our sons went to sleep between the ages of 1 and 11 without dad or mom reading aloud. I miss those days, sprawled out on the carpet alongside their beds, reading a chapter to them. Filling their heads with values, adventure, truth, and solid literature has propelled all of them into adulthood with a thirst for knowledge and broad interest in the world around them.

(4) We tried to protect our sons from the “he’s the son of a preacher man” syndrome, never pressuring them with the “you’re representing the church and the ministry” argument. We made decisions for our sons (what movies they watched, what games they played, what clothes they wore, and so on) based on our best judgment and not with the opinions of others at church in mind. Sometimes, Maureen and I may have been more liberally oriented than some members of our church family—and sometimes we may have been more conservative. But, we were very intentional in the way we tried to keep our boys out of the fishbowl glare. We learned that others outside of our family may have imposed rules and expectations on them because they were “preachers’ kids,” but my wife and I worked hard not to. The outcome? None of our sons have any angst or resentments about growing up in the church’s front row; they love the church and are very protective of it. For this, we thank God.

We thank you, too. As part of our Madison Park Church family, you also have played an important role in the way our sons have grown into men. Never underestimate how powerful your faithfulness, your support of the church’s many ministries, your anchoring and steadfast presence, your love and sacrifice, your encouraging word, your outstretched hand, and your grace have been over the years. As our youngest, Nathanael, turns 21 in a few weeks, we’re especially conscious of how blessed we have been by you. Thanks for loving and standing by God for you, too.

by Jeff Matas, Senior Associate Pastor

By the time David Garrett was eight years old he was studying violin with the world’s finest teachers, practicing seven hours a day, and making solo appearances with legendary orchestras, including the London Philharmonic. As an adolescent, he studied at the Juilliard School in New York City.

In 2003, for the price of one million dollars, Garrett purchased a Guadagnini, a rare 236-year-old violin made by a student of Stradivarius. But on December 27, 2007, after a brilliant performance at the Barbican in London, David Garrett tripped, fell down a flight of stairs, and landed on the valuable instrument. Though still in its case, the violin was smashed, sustaining damage to the body, neck, and soundpost. Restoration was predicted to take eight months and cost more than $120,000. Experts doubted the finely crafted instrument would ever sound the same.

Because of Garrett’s fall, something precious, valuable and in many ways irreplaceable was broken and damaged. Because of one fateful slip, an incredible instrument—even when restored—would never sound the same as its creator intended.

The story reminds me of the Fall of Man. We are the pinnacle of God’s creation. We are uniquely imprinted with the image of God. We have unrivaled powers of reason. We have souls that are eternal. We were created to use our design to honor God and to fulfill his purpose on earth. When we are in the hands of the Master, we were to create beautiful music. Yet because of one slip of Adam and his fall, we are damaged. As a result, our lives produce notes that are a bit out of tune. We are broken and damaged.

Garrett’s violin can be restored, but it will never recapture its original sound. It will never be as it once was. It will never be what it was created to be. That begs the question: Can we be fully restored? Scripture teaches that restoration is not only possible, it is a certain reality, secured by God himself through the redeeming death and resurrection of his Son and realized in our lives by the power of his Spirit. The gospel is about nothing less than the redemption of fallen human beings and the perfect, complete restoration of our broken world. As Christ himself says in the closing pages of Scripture, “Behold I am making all things new” (Rev. 21:5).

Restoration through the gospel is the hope of all Christians. But the practicality of the good news for personal transformation here and now sometimes escapes us. Someday, everything that is wrong with the world will be made right forever. God will wipe away every tear from our eyes; mourning, crying, pain, and death will be no more (Rev. 21:4). But is genuine change in my life possible now?

The answer is yes! “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold,  the new has come” (2 Cor 5:17 ESV).

Click here for an IYC Photo Album

From the streets of Anderson to the rubble in Haiti, MPC youth have been the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching out beyond the walls of Madison Park Church to touch the world.

Months of planning and fundraising culminated in 14 days of ministry and mission for 37 Senior High teens and leaders.  Groups split up and served different areas, both local and long-distance.

A local team worked for the Christian Center in Anderson, cleaning, landscape and helping the organization to reach some long-range goals. A different team of 30 traveled to Florida and worked in an outreach project in Titusville. They painted, cleaned and landscaped – and even washed a dog – for two needy families. The group also witnessed on the beach then later helped the New Venture Community Church throw a block party to create a warm (100 degree) welcome for more than 900 neighbors. MPC youth joined the other 5,000 youth and leaders in Project Orlando and packaged 60,000 Baggie meals to be shipped to  Haiti.

One MPC student reflected, “The New Venture youth group displayed a raw enthusiasm for God that was contagious. We learned from each other, and became one undivided team. Five different church youth groups came together in one common vision and purpose. That experience reached into the deep crevices of our lives and has caused a change we bring back home to MPC.”

Click here for more pictures

Eric Reeder, MPC Senior High Ministries Pastor, shared, “It’s impossible to put into words ‘life change’. God has been at work through the STW (Spread The Word) project and the International Youth Convention (IYC) theme of Love: God, Yourself, Others, the World to make a life-changing impact on our students.”

Another MPC teen said, “I have been waiting for a confirmation of my call to ministry I felt over a year ago. It came during one of the moving services at IYC.”

Still another explained, “It is such a blessing to be able to serve together – even traveling for 20 straight hours coming home was a blessing.”

A High School football athlete testified, “I committed to living 24-7 so that everyone I am around can see my life is set apart for Jesus. I am going to be baptized here at MPC along with 5 or 6 other students as a statement of my commitment.”

Pastor Eric concluded, “What really matters is the future. Specific ministry, specific vision for the future of what God is calling MPC Youth Ministry to do in our community. When we live daily for God, receiving God’s love and loving him back – then we can love ourselves, others and the world.”

by Jim Lyon, Senior Pastor

In January, I sat with two of Madison Park’s Elders (Kevin Stiffler and Burt Webb) on the Sunday morning platform and introduced the 17 Steps ministry frame to the congregation. Developed in a  four-month process involving over 50 Madison Park-goers, the 17 Steps are designed to help us focus on  growing, developing, and meeting the opportunities our church faces in the next few years.
The 17 Steps are stretching us and building spiritual muscle, even as they help us change the world, for  Heaven’s sake. Each of the 17 Steps has been placed in the hands of a staff member and a key lay leader;  additionally, ministry teams have been formed around each step. Many exciting steps forward have already been taken, since January. Beginning this month, we’ll report on one of the 17 Steps each  month—so you can stay tuned (and be excited, too!). If you’d like to get involved with any of the 17 Steps,  just contact any pastor and  we’ll be sure you get connected.

As our congregation has grown over the years, identifying new leaders has become a critical need. A  completely new initiative for Leadership Development at Madison Park— adding depth to the leadership  bench and preparing both men and women to inspire, manage, and effectively lead others—was launched  in January, as one of our 17 Steps.

First we established an LTP mentoring team. Sarah Trick (our Director of Adult Discipleship &  Education) and I provided staff grounding; Stephen Lewis, Angie Kelich, Gretchen Olson, Eric Reeder,  David Neidert, and Abby Long rounded out the roster.

Next we invited interested members of the congregation to submit applications to be considered for the  2010 LTP. Acceptance  into the LTP requires a year-long commitment and a pledge to follow-through with its many assignments. Over 60 applications were requested; everyone who completed the four-page  application and also submitted two personal references, was eventually interviewed by a member of the mentoring team. In the end, 18 members of the congregation were accepted into the LTP program. They  began meeting together for weekly 90-minute classroom sessions on February 17.

The classroom curricula (delivered over a period of five months) covered a range of topics, including:  basic church history (back to the 1st century), our local church history (back to 1906), Bible survey,  Madison Park’s Core Values and purpose statements, personal spiritual disciplines and accountability,  New Testament theology (adapted from the century classic The Training of the Twelve), leadership and principles of influence (with guest lectures from outstanding global church leaders like Leaderwell  Posghnap and Samuel Stephens), and preparation for a ministry practicum. Each member of the cohort  was assessed using instruments like Myers- Briggs and StrengthsFinder. Pop quizzes and content exams  were introduced. Development of personal testimony and presentation were woven through the classroom course.

As the classroom module drew to a close in June, 17 of the original 18 LTP students “graduated” into the  practicum phase. This phase of the program requires each class member to choose a ministry (from a  catalog of specific needs offered by staff), create a plan and timetable for implementation, solicit others in  the church to work with them on a ministry team to achieve the plan’s goals, and lead the team on an adventure in ministry. All 17 are now at work, in various stages of development, on their practicum  projects.

Practicum projects chosen by LTP students include: investing in our Front Door Ministry initiatives,  conceiving and executing a Small Group Leaders Retreat, developing a transportation ministry for church members in need of a ride (to church, to the doctor, etc.), expanding a “helping hands” ministry  for those who need work done in their homes (e.g. customized adaptations for those with disabilities, home repair work for single moms, widows, etc.), student ministry small group development, enhancing  fourth grade children’s ministry, and more. All of the practicums are to be completed by October’s end. Class sessions will resume then for debriefing and assessment.

In December, the LTP students will be introduced to the staff and placed into the field. And then, a new  LTP cohort will be formed for 2011. In this way, we hope to exponentially develop and train leaders at Madison Park to strengthen and expand the ministry base. Learning from our initial test drive this year,  we’re excited about even more improvements and adaptations to the LTP for next year.

Of course, the church cannot continue to grow without an ever-increasing base of committed lay leaders.  All of us in the Body of Christ have gifts to share; some are called to lead. How about you? Are you ready  to explore the possibilities? Pray and think about applying for the 2011 LTP; applications will be  available in December.

And, until then, thanks for lifting this year’s team in prayer. Our present class includes some who have  been at Madison Park for many years. But, most have come into our church family only in the last few  years. We thank God for each one and know the Lord is blessing this critically important step in the 17 Steps. Be encouraged, folks. God is at things at Madison Park.

Nels T. Bergmark, MPC Troop Support care box recipient, returns home to his father and son while on furlough.

“It arrived at just a time I needed encouragement and connection with home… It gets so lonely here and  sometimes we wonder if anyone at home cares.”

These words, recently written in a thank you note from a soldier, are echoed time and time again from  those who have received care boxes from Madison Park Church.

Ltc Charlynn Saguid, sister of MPC-goer Arlyne Wells, has been serving in Kabul, Afghanistan and received a care box from the MPC Troop Support Team. “Thank you so much for your wonderful box – the snacks were delicious and the personal items were very helpful,” she writes. “Our unit’s getting close to  leaving soon—we should be home in Indiana by mid- July. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.”

The MPC Troop Support Team seeks to extend the arm of Christ to those serving in the military at home  and around the world,” shares Linda Eaton, active member of the MPC Support Team. “It is a critical  ministry because no matter how one feels about political decisions, the people serving need to know  someone is praying for and supporting them.”

The vision began with Susie Davis, who shared with her MPC small group her desire to encourage friends  and relatives serving in the U.S. military. The outreach ministry has become a passion for the Hudson  Small Group and has grown to include many other MPCgoers. Volunteers write notes and letters, pack boxes and pray for each person they come to know through correspondence. Susie shares, “In the first care package send to a person, we include a Bible along with items like socks, soap, toothpaste, sun screen  and other personal items to help meet their spiritual and physical needs.” Care packages, costing about $12 per package to mail, are sent about every two months with special packages sent for birthdays.

Names and addresses of military personnel and families are collected and available at the table in The Commons on the first Sunday of each month. The list is open to more than just the congretation; “we want to reach out to anyone, MPC-goers, other family members, friends or neighbors,” explains Linda.

Everyone is invited to participate by donating items, money or volunteering to write letters and cards. Visit the Support the Troops table in The Commons on the first Sunday of every month for a complete list of items to donate, to sign up a military person or to volunteer.

by Jim Lyon, Senior Pastor

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand  that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Do Something. It’s simple. Compelling. Immediate. And,  it’s an idea you’ll hear more about in the weeks and months ahead, as Madison Park steps forward to bless  Madison County.

Do Something is a preaching series (beginning August 29). It’s a project (to strengthen and open doors for our community). It’s a plan to get something done, for the good, in one huge sweep (during the week of October 10).

Do Something is grounded in the verse from Ephesians above. It builds on three very big ideas captured  there: (1) We are God’s workmanship—He fashioned us, He created us, He imagined and designed us; God  does not make mistakes. You uniquely bear the imprint of the divine, our Maker. (2) We were created for  good works—with purpose, definition, and the power to bless. You are not a child of chance, but a child of  God, brought into this world to do something good—good works. (3) The good works for which you were created have already been prepared; the Lord is always two steps ahead, making a way. Godly  opportunities, circumstances, solutions, and capacity have been supernaturally put into place long before we imagine them. He has a plan for you.

Life (and life lived to its maximums) is hinged  on our willingness to do something for God, to identify and  deliver on the good works prepared beforehand. Our problem? Wesometimes are stopped in our tracks by myths that at first glance may make sense, but that ultimately prove to fall outside of faith.

For instance, have you ever thought, “If I’m scared to do something, God must not want me to do it?”  That’s often the first myth that prevents us from living the life God intended. In truth, our feelings (and  fears) should not tell us what to do. We should expect to be challenged by God and stretched by Him, for the good.

How about: “I’m not qualified to help if I haven’t experienced the pain of those I’m trying to help.” Myth  number two. It’s a dead end marked by flawed thinking like: “Helping always means fixing—or having experience making things better. People need my advice,” and so on. The truth is different: people need  our love; helping is often just about being present with those who are hurting.

Here’s a killer: “I need to wait to do something until: (1) I have learned more, (2) I have grown more, or  (3) I am all done hurting and have myself put together.” This myth (number four in the Do Something series) is fed by lines like: God can’t use me until I’m done maturing in Him, doing something is only the  result of growth, not the mechanism for growth; I have to be perfect (whole) to be really used by God. Nonsense. The good works God has prepared for us not only witness to others of the wonder of His love,  they also grow us up in Christ. Doing something is one of the most important processes by which God matures our faith and heals our brokenness. Growing in Christ and being used of God are not two separate sequential steps, they are simultaneous calls.

We all search for significance. We all want to make a difference. We all want to the abundant life Jesus  promised. We all want to follow Him. Well, then, why don’t we? Perhaps, it’s because we’re afraid to do something. For Heaven’s sake. Do Something is coming to Madison Park. It has been inspired by and  adapted from a pastor in San Diego named Miles McPherson. The church he leads decided in 2008 to do  something for San Diego, as the city faced draconian budget cuts, reductions in services, and worse. After  meeting with community leaders, his congregation agreed to tackle one huge need in town and donate thousands of hours in one week to make the difference. San Diego has been changed. So has The Rock  Church Miles pastors.

We’re already in the process of dialog with community leaders in Madison County, inviting them to tell  us what they think needs to be done—and what we might do if we volunteered thousands of hours. We’ll announce our one hugomongous Do Something project at the end of July; next, we’ll think, pray,  prepare, and stretch for seven weeks until October 10. And then, as one church family, we’ll do  something big for Anderson in the seven days that follow.

Who knows? In the process, you may find a passion and find yourself doing something for God as a way of  life. He already knows what He has created you to do; He already knows the good works He has prepared  for you. How awesome is that? Stay tuned. The clock is now beginning to run: Do Something. It begins  August 29.