Tim Talk

Tim Talk
from the desk of our pastor...

March 2010

Wow! Isn’t Papa God so good?! If you’ve been part of our Sunday Gatherings, you know that He has really been touching people with His presence—sometimes in fiery power and sometimes in a gentle whisper. We have seen people step into the Kingdom for the first time, we have heard testimonies of physical healings, and we have had people receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. My heart cries, “Yes, LORD…and do even MORE!”

In the midst of all that God is doing, though, I want to make sure that we keep one thing straight: We are hungry for God Himself. May we never lose sight of that most basic principle of worship—it’s about LOVING ONE GOD. Yes, it is true that as we have been seeking to know Him better, He has blessed us in countless amazing ways. However, the day that we become more interested in seeking the blessing rather than the Almighty Blesser is the day we start to lose focus on the “one thing” that Jesus spoke to Martha about: Him (see Luke 10:38-42). Beware: This tiny shift in focus is a subtle weapon of the enemy—straight from the darkest heart of evil—and we must remain vigilant to keep our hearts free from its debilitating effects.

With so many new and good things going on, I find that a lack of clear communication can breed confusion, and I, as the leader of the team of leaders God has assembled here, have a responsibility to keep the vision clear. On the other hand, you, as part of this missional community called New Hope, have a responsibility to read what we send, consistently attend and listen to what we share, and to ask questions when they arise. One area I am trying to grow in is for us to officially commission people who are being released into positions of leadership through the laying on of hands in our Sunday Gatherings. So, if you will are still reading this J, I will bring clarity where it may be needed:

Peter & Lori Moreno – This gifted couple has been released (and commissioned on January 31st) to lead New Hope in the areas of prophetic and altar ministries. They’re job is to train and equip their teams to release the Kingdom of God in our midst (and I don’t just mean on Sundays at the Building…). We have already benefited greatly from releasing them into this stage of their destiny—there has been much fruit, and the first training session was less than 3 weeks ago!

Luke & Helen Laffin – This pastoral couple has been released (and also commissioned on January 31st) into this stage of their destiny, as well, with Luke taking the reigns of our Men’s Ministry and Helen supporting him through organizing regular intercession for the men of New Hope. Back on December 5th it was prophesied that the men of New Hope were a sleeping giant, and that Luke would lead us into “waking up” and taking a stand for our families, this church, and our communities. Guess what? It’s beginning to happen! Our men are taking the first steps in becoming bold Warriors of Hope!!!

Scott & Dayna Boersma – This faithful couple has been our Worship Team Leader since January of 2008…and we still haven’t officially commissioned them! I told you this was a growth area for me…J. These two have brought stability and focus, along with amazing talent, to New Hope and have helped us to better seek God in worship. Their involvement has gone way beyond Sunday worship, with Scott serving on our Church Council and Dayna serving in the nursery and for Women of Destiny, and their family has consistently been involved with HOPE in the Park. You will be happy to know that we will officially commission them on Sunday, March 7th.

Ben & Debi Shreckengost – This courageous couple has recently been released to lead our LIFE Groups (small groups) ministry. They are in charge of recruiting and releasing people to lead/host these super-vital groups. This is where people can start to connect and share life together as we challenge one another to grow in our walk with Christ. Ben and Debi are available to consult any current or potential leaders, as well as providing training opportunities to ensure that our LIFE Groups remain a safe place to connect and grow.

My hope is that you, the people God has brought to this Family, will rally around these couples (and all our leaders) to support them in their obedience to the call God has place on their lives. Pray for them, get involved in their ministries, and get to know them so you can begin to hear their heart for God and for people.

God is doing a great work in our midst, and He will continue to do so as long as we continue to let Him have His way among us. Who knows? Maybe God will surprise you with revelation for your life and the great works He dreamed up for you before time even began! I leave you with this question that a part of history might hinge upon:
What has God destined you for?

Tim