Reflections on Relevance

Last Thursday was my first opportunity to attend the Eagle Brook Relevance Conference.  I was encouraged to see how God is working throughout our five-state region.  Here are some reflections from that experience.

– Outstanding church leaders.  Relevance provided an opportunity to become acquainted with some of the church leaders in our area.  I’m impressed with the desire these individuals have to reach others for Christ.  Our speakers at the conference reminded us that we’re not competing with each other; rather, we’re on the same team working together to impact our communities for Christ.  Many of the Relevance attenders come every year—I’m eager to serve alongside them in the days ahead.

– A mutual learning experience.  Relevance is a time to learn from one another.  While Eagle Brook certainly doesn’t have all the answers, we’ve been lavishly resourced by God to serve His Church.  Jesus reminded His followers, “When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.”-Luke 12:48NLT.  Though Eagle Brook made the largest contribution to the conference, it was enriching to learn from our peers.

– A fabulous team of staff and volunteers.  Relevance offered a snapshot of the splendid team of staff and volunteers that serve at Eagle Brook.  Watching everyone come together to host our guests made me proud to be one of the players.  I’m continually amazed at the gifted people who unselfishly invest themselves at Eagle Brook for the sake of God’s kingdom.

The Relevance Conference is sure to top my list of highlights for the year.  I can hardly wait to attend the conference next year.

 

Worship

I’ve been thinking about worship.  My thoughts came by way of a book loaned to me—a book I thoroughly enjoyed reading.  The book, Who Stole My Church by Gordon MacDonald, uses story to portray the struggle of modern worshippers—people like you and me.  One generation comes to church with a set of expectations.  Another generation arrives at the same church with different expectations.  Too often, the result is disharmony.  And the reason for discord is the same with both generations: “My needs aren’t met.”

I’ve also been re-reading Matt Redman’s book, Facedown.  In it Redman states, “When it comes to worship, the throne always sets the tone.  Each time we gather together, we don’t just journey to a church building—we journey to the very throne of God.”

Whether it’s attending a weekend service, gathering with our small group, or serving as a volunteer, the focus cannot be on self.  Authentic worship is at stake, and for worship to be real all our attention must be on God.

More often than I want to admit, I find my gaze drifting to the wrong object of worship.  When entering the worship center it’s tempting to think I’m going to church rather than I’m gathering as the Church.  It’s easy to forget that I’m not the audience; God is, and He alone is worthy of our adoration.

Those the Apostle John saw gathered around the throne of God in the Bible book of Revelation understood the meaning of authentic worship: “And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.’”  Revelation 7:11-12ESV

Redman observes, “When a soul is so captivated by the Almighty, to bend low in true and total surrender seems the only appropriate response.”

A Weekend to Celebrate!

SLP experienced another first-our first baptism!  Nineteen people gathered in the worship center to profess their faith publicly through baptism.  We worshipped together, studied the Bible and celebrated the faith stories of those who wished to tell them.  Check out these pictures:

In addition, Bridging was a huge success at SLP as well as across our three campuses.  Though it was cold and wet, hundreds of Eagle Brooker’s dropped off tons of household goods at the semi trailers in our parking lots.  We’ll announce the winner of the contest between SLP and our White Bear Lake campus as well as give a report of what Eagle Brook donated this coming weekend.

Let me say thanks to all the volunteers and donors who made our Bridging event possible.  Many families in transition will have what they need because of your generosity.

Let the Contest Begin!

It’s time for our second annual furnishings drive to serve families in transition.  Many of us have usable stuff that we no longer need—household goods that could make a difference for others.

 

Bridging Inc. is a Minnesota nonprofit that helps families in transition get back on their feet by fully furnishing a home with furniture and other household items.  You can learn more and take a video tour of the warehouse where their clients get to “shop” by clicking here.

 

Bridging will place semi-trailers at each of our campuses Thursday through Sunday (April 24-27).  You can drop off household items in good condition 4-8 pm Thursday and Friday; 8 am – 8 pm Saturday; or 8 am – 4 pm Sunday.

 

If you would like to serve during one of the four-hour drop-off shifts, please email Lynne Jeffers to sign up as a volunteer.

 

Pastor Don Graffam at the White Bear Lake campus issued a challenge to the Spring Lake Park campus—“Our campus will fill more semi-trailers than your campus!”  Of course we know that the SLP campus, though smaller in number, has a big heart and generous spirit. 

 

According to the challenge, the campus that fills the least number of trailers will see their campus pastor wear the “I love ____” shirt of the other campus one weekend in May.  So, through the generosity of the SLP Eagle Brooker’s, we will all watch with delight as pastor Don wears this shirt:

 

 

Four Big Events

Well, it’s time for another first at Spring Lake Park—our first baptism!  Baptism is one of four big events coming to SLP this month.  Check it out:

Be Baptized

If you’ve said, “Yes!” to Christ and you’re ready to be baptized, you can be baptized at 1:30 pm on Sunday, April 27.  You’ll need to register–you can get more information and register using the Eagle Brook Church link to the right. 

Get into a Group

If you’re ready to get into a group, you can do so by attending our next SLP Grouplink on Sunday, April 20 at 5:00 pm.  You’ll need to register using the Eagle Brook Church link to the right.

Join the Prayer Team

Have you ever asked, “What happens to all the prayer requests that come to Eagle Brook Church?”  Well, those requests are emailed to a team of individuals who begin praying for them immediately.  If you’re interested in receiving the prayer requests, you’ll need to attend prayer team training.  Trent Anderson will offer the half-hour training at SLP on Wednesday, April 23 at 6:30 pm.  No need to sign up, just show up.  If you wish, you can stay and pray at our weekly open prayer gathering at 7:00 pm.

Take the Next Step

Whether you’re new in your faith or a long-time Christ follower, Next Step is for you.  You’ll discover God’s big plan for people and your purpose in his plan.  Next Step will be offered on Sunday, April 13 at 10:10 am.  Please check for the room location at the information booth.  You can register for Next Step using the Eagle Brook Church link to the right.

It’s great to see how God is transforming people at SLP.