Mark Conner's Space

Surrender Conference 2010

Thinking about next year already?

Looking for some fresh motivation in your life?

Wanting to catch God's heartbeat for the poor and needy?

... then don't miss the upcoming Surrender Conference at Belgrave Heights Convention on the weekend of March 5-8th, 2010.

Since it first ran it in 2004, the mission of SURRENDER has been to invite, inspire and inform an emerging generation to respond to the radical call of Jesus. The name SURRENDER is an identity that invites a joining with the Jesus who pours out his life in loving the lost and least. As followers of this Jesus today we must be his hands and feet in a hurting world, giving a voice to God’s call to be good news to the poor.

For full conference details, click here. Click here to watch the conference promo video.

Erwin McManus

This weekend (August 15-16th) we are privileged to have Erwin McManus speaking at our church. Erwin is the Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church in Los Angeles and God is using him as an influential thinker, speaker, author, and leader in our generation.

Erwin will share some thoughts from his new book, Wide Awake. If you live in or near Melbourne, you're more than welcome to be our guest at any of our weekend meetings on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Check out our church web site for times and locations.

Mothers - Love Them While You Can!

To all the mums (or 'moms' as my American friends say) out there, Happy Mother's Day!

We wouldn't be here without you. What amazing people you are.

My mother passed away almost 19 years ago and I still miss her.

Nicole's mother, affectionately known as 'Oma' passed away almost 18 months and we are really missing her. Mothers are very special people!

[The photo to the left (click to open) is an old one of my dad and mum (in the red top), and Nicole's dad and mum (light blue top)] 

Here are the lyrics to a song I heard many years ago called Love Them While You Can by Chris Christian (available from the iTunes store) ...

Verse 1

They tied our shoes, took us to school, patched our worn-out jeans

They soothed our tears and calmed our fears, and listened to our dreams

Somewhere along their golden years, their hair has lost its sheen

The notes to hymn one hundred ten crackle when they sing

And now they are alone, no children's voices fill their empty homes

 

Chorus

We must love them while we can, we must love them while we can

For time just seems to hurry by, and the days slip into years

And the moments that we have will disappear

So love them while we can

 

Verse 2

The folks that taught us our first words, still have much to say

The silver secrets of the world, lie beneath those crowns of gray

As they approach the end, we change our role from children to best friend

Bridge

We always thought they'd be around

Until the end of time

Until day we wake and find ...

Chorus

We must love them while we can, we must love them while we can

For time just seems to hurry by, and the days slip into years

And the moments that we have will disappear

So love them while we can

Think about it!

Easter 2009

Easter is here again and with it comes: an increase in church attendance (for those with any sort of faith), a four day weekend (got to love that!), the mega sales to tempt any credit-card carrying shopper, hot-cross buns, the Easter bunny and chocolate Easter eggs in all shapes and sizes.

Easter is an annual event celebrated in most parts of the Western world. Where did this celebration come from and what’s it all about? Here are some interesting facts about Easter (historical trivia):

1. Christians have celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ since the beginnings of Christianity. Sunday, or the Lord’s Day, came to be regarded as the weekly celebration of the resurrection.

2. Around the 2nd century, this weekly observance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ turned into an annual one for the Christian church, much like a Christian Passover (an Old Testament feast which Israel celebrated for centuries after their exodus from Egypt).

3. The exact date to celebrate this event has been a subject of debate within the churches throughout the centuries.

4. This annual celebration eventually came to be called “Easter”. The English name Easter is of uncertain origin. The Anglo-Saxon priest Venerable Bede in the 8th century derived it from the Anglo-Saxon spring goddess Eostre. “Easter” is not a Christian word.

5. Easter has collected many folk customs along the way, many of which have been handed down from the ancient ceremonial and symbolism of European and Middle Eastern pagan spring festivals brought into relation with the resurrection theme. These customs have taken a variety of forms, in which, for example, eggs have been prominent as symbols of new life and resurrection and the Easter rabbit is seen also as a symbol of fertility, accredited with laying eggs (often brightly coloured or decorated).

So we see that Easter has developed into a festival that now has a lot of things that have nothing to do with its original meaning, which was a celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

What should we do as Christians – kill every Easter bunny we see or boycott Easter eggs?

That’s an option, but I think a better approach is to capitalise on this weekend and use it as a time to reflect upon the events of that Passover week when Jesus Christ suffered a cruel death for our sins but rose triumphant from the grave three days later. Easter is about Jesus Christ. It's an excellent opportunity to share this good news. That’s the focus we take at our church.

April Fool's Day

Today is April 1st, commonly known as April's Fool's Day.

The online encyclopedia, Wikipedia, outlines the history of this light-hearted day and you also might enjoy a list of the Top 100 April Fool's Day hoaxes of all time, pulled off on this day throughout history.

Watch out for any tricksters!

P.S. For a few extra morbid laughs, check our the Darwin Awards, which are awarded to people whose demise is achieved in some infamous ways.

Christmas Day

I pray that each one of you have an enjoyable Christmas Day celebration time and a refreshing and relaxing holiday season.

I've enjoyed blogging and interacting with so many of you on a variety of issues and topics. Thanks for a good year!

 

"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." [Isaiah 9:6. NLT]

 

A Drummer Boy?

Some random Christmas musings from my mildly cynical wife, Nicole ...

"This morning to my great horror I was humming that Drummer Boy carol ... This might have to do with the outstanding job that our creative arts team did with it at our recent Christmas production. As I was contemplating my fallen state of singing Christmas carols, I realised how weird some songs are ... A Drummer Boy ... In the middle east ... dressed in stripes and all????

Ok, let’s get past that hurdle ... to the fact that he is drumming down the streets of Bethlehem at around midnight? He would never have made it to the stable alive. I'm sure he would have been stoned (semi-automatics were not around at that time, despite the militant theology of some Christians).

Anyway, he makes it to the stable. Mary and Joseph have just gotten rid of the pesky wise guys and now here comes a ... drummer boy! Joseph rolls his eyes. Mary adjusts her halo and smiles ... sweetly. The baby has just settled, everyone is frazzled from the events and the drummer boy wants to ... START DRUMMING!!

The animals go hysterical. There is bellowing, baaing, and growling (the inn keeper’s dog wasn’t going to miss out on the entertainment). The baby begins to wake up, and unlike all popular choruses, screams his lungs out. Joseph grabs the broom and is about to beat the living daylights out of the drummer boy, but Mary gives him a stern, matriarchal look, pulls herself together and nods through clenched teeth at the time-traveling drummer boy. He begins a rendition of “God save the King”. Everyone stares in disbelief, then Joseph ushers him out of the stable, patting him on the back, and encourages him not to call ... they’ll call him ... on their new Nokia ... from the wise guys!"

Merry Christmas everyone!

What Would Jesus Say to Santa Claus?

Have you noticed that Santa Claus has gradually been taking centre stage at Christmas of late and that Jesus has been forced to take more of a back seat?

Who is this Santa guy and where did he come from?

Christmas is the most widely celebrated holiday in Western world. It was Pope Gregory that established December 25th a the supposed birth of Christ. "Christmas" literally means "mass of Christ". Christians after the time of Constantine converted a number of pagan festivals, adding Christian elements to them. To the December winter solace and various harvest festivities, they added a nativity crib and the singing of Christmas carols. Eventually, the Santa Claus image emerged - with sled, reindeer, and a sack of toys. It was an American invention that first appeared in a 1868 drawing. However, the Father Christmas legend was based somewhat on a fourth century bishop by the name of Saint Nicholas.

So anyway ... what would Jesus say to Santa Claus? Here's what I think he might say ...

1. Thanks for encouraging the spirit of giving (yes, I think Jesus would have something positive to say to Santa Claus). We live in a world of increasing selfishness. Christmas is a time when we think more about others, which is a good thing. Like God, we all need to adopt more of a giving attitude in life, as well as one of gratitude, affirmation, and encouragement.

2. True fulfillment is not found in things. Santa’s focus at this time of year is based on a belief that more things will make people happier. But people need more than mere things. Things may be nice but ultimately they are empty and they never fully satisfy. We need love, peace, and joy that only God can provide through a relationship with him and with other people. Love people and use things - not the other way around.  

3. Good works aren't enough. Santa's game is one of getting rewarded for what you do - for being nice rather than naughty. The truth is that none of us are ever good enough. Our efforts fall short. That's why Jesus came - to live and then to die for our short-comings ... and then to offer us eternal life ... as a free git, not as a reward for our good deeds. Christmas is not about what we have done but about what God has done for us ... in Christ.

4. You're not the reason for the season. Christmas is about Christ. Jesus came to earth as the Saviour of world. He is the eternal Son of God who arrived on earth 2000 years ago. Santa Claus is a recent addition, an add on. This celebration isn’t about him. Jesus Christ is the most influential person in history. We mark time by his very arrival. Jesus is the "hinge of history". Let's keep the "Christ" in Christmas. Remember, HE is the real reason for season!

5. You're not real, but I am. Santa Claus is a figment of people’s imagination, a mythical hero. Sorry kids, but Santa isn’t real (parents, ease it to them slowly!). He's merely a character - like Mickey Mouse or Buzz Light Year. Jesus is real. You can’t see him but he is alive. He is not a myth or a legend or an imaginary person. He is not only real, but he’ll be back. However, his second coming won't be like his first coming. He will come in power and glory and every eye will see him.

Can you see that the Gospel of Jesus is quite different than gospel of Santa Claus? Where’s your faith? In Santa Claus or Jesus Christ? Jesus is knocking at door of your heart. Do you have room for Jesus? I believe that he is the true and living God, the Prince of Peace, the Saviour of the world, offering us forgiveness and real life. Turn to him and place your faith in him today. Follow him and live for him.

Christians: don't picket Santa Claus. Don't become an old scrooge or a humbug Christian. Just because Santa is an anagram for Satan doesn't mean that he is the devil! Jesus Christ is the true meaning of Christmas. Let's bring him back to centre stage!

The Christmas Season

In a few days we will celebrate Christmas together.

The early Christians did not celebrate the birth of Jesus and Jesus never asked them to. They focused on his death and resurrection, as well as his promised return. Christmas Day as it is celebrated today did not begin until the fourth century. Interestingly enough, Jesus was most likely born in October not December. Shepherds don't have their sheep out in the December snow in the northern hemisphere!

Many of today’s Christmas traditions (including Santa Claus and Christmas trees) have nothing to do with the message of Christ as portrayed in the Gospels. Nevertheless, it is a great time for Christians and the church to make the most of the opportunity to focus on the coming of Jesus Christ to earth as a baby born in Bethlehem.

No other person has influenced the world like Jesus Christ. Let’s worship him together and make him known this Christmas season.

P.S. For an interesting article on the increasing secularisation of Christmas by Barney Zwartz, the religion editor for The Age, click here.

Volunteers Appreciation Night 2008

Tonight we held one of my favourite events of the year - our annual Volunteer Appreciation Night. This is a special time for all of our church staff to thank and honour all of the many volunteers in our church and each of its ministries. Currently, we have 2185 volunteers!

Our theme this year was a Back Yard Barbie. Little did we know that today was also National BBQ Day here in Australia, celebrating that great Aussie icon - the BBQ! We had lots of fun, lots of laughs, and lots of food.

I shared briefly about why I LOVE our church. It's because of our church's ...

1.    LOVE for people. The measure of a great church is not its size, its facilities, its talent, or its programs. It is all about love.  That is what Jesus said (John 13:35) and that is what the apostle Paul looked for in the churches he oversaw (2 Thessalonians 2:3. 1 Corinthians 13). How the people in a church treat each other, as well as the visitor and the outsider is very important. I love that our church welcomes and loves all people.

2.    OPENNESS to change. Churches must preserve the core of our Christian faith but be willing stimulate progress to advance the cause of Christ in the world. Many churches resist change. Our church welcomes change and is ready to step out and take a risk for God. There is a pioneer spirit, that was very much imparted by our founding pastor, Richard Holland - a true Caleb in our generation. May his tribe increase!

3.    VOLUNTEER heart and spirit. Psalm 110:3 says that God's people will be willing on the day of his power. They will volunteer freely. Volunteers give of their time, energy, and talents for the benefit of others. They serve with joy, faithfulness, and commitment. They have a team spirit - shunning competitiveness (no prima donnas!), ladder climbing, celebrity status seeking, or a hierarchical leadership attitude. Though having different gifts, our volunteers are of equal value, united around a common purpose. They have an "all for one, one for all" heart. I love that. 

4.    EXCELLENCE. Our volunteers are committed to doing everything they do to the best of their ability - in order to bring glory to God and to reach people. They are constantly improving and looking for better ways to do ministry. I love that.

CityLife volunteers - thank you! You rock!

DARE 2008

This last weekend we held our two DARE women's conferences at CityLife Church. It was a terrific time with around 2500 women attending. There was lots of fun and enjoyable moments, as well as many insightful thoughts from a variety of speakers (including Nicole Conner, Mark Sayers, and Lisa McInnes-Smith) on the theme of JOY. The Melbourne Gospel Choir also made a guest appearance, singing songs from their latest album, from which a significant portion of the proceeds will go to the Royal Melbourne Children's Hospital.

Joy, unlike happiness which is dependent on external circumstances, is a deep abiding sense of God's goodness in our life, no what may be happening around us.

Joy was the theme of the apostle Paul''s life and he desired it to be the theme of other people's lives too. In a letter to a church community in Philippi he said, "Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him!" [Philippians 4:4. Message Bible]

How do we do that?

Willow Creek Leadership Summit 2008

The Leadership Summit hosted by Bill Hybels and the Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago is one of the premier leadership training events in the world. It always includes top class leaders from the church and business world, communicating principles that help develop the gift of leadership. This year's event is this week, August 7-8th.

The Summit is definitely worth attending 'live' if you can, or at least getting to one of the follow-up global summits (click here for details for Australia), or purchasing the DVD of the event a few months down the track.

Highly recommended!

P.S. For some insights from the Summit as it happens, check out the Summit's 'next steps' section..

2008 Festival of Praise - Singapore

 

Last weekend I was privileged to be the main speaker at the 2008 Festival of Praise in Singapore. This annual event involved people from 142 churches who gathered together in the Singapore Stadium for worship, prayer, and teaching. This year the worship was led by Reuben Morgan from Hillsong and the Parachute Band from New Zealand. They really complimented each other as they led us in times of celebration and worship.

I gave three messages over the three night gatherings – on Ingredients of a Healthy Church, Growing Old or Growing Up? and Living in the Light of Eternity. I was very encouraged by the response to the messages and I pray that they will bring about great fruit in the lives of those who were there and the churches represented.

This coming week Singapore celebrates its 43rd anniversary as a nation. Singapore is one of my favourite cities. It is clean, well organised, and contemporary, and the people are warm and friendly. I’m sure that the future is bright for this tiny island nation.

P.S. MP3s of the messages from the 2008 Festival of Praise, as well as previous ones, can be ordered through Attributes.

Christian Schools Australia

This morning I was privileged to speak to 750 teachers whose schools are a part of Christian Schools Australia. Today's event was a state conference with a theme of 'Hope and Future'. I spoke on 'Our Mission: Bringing Hope', something especially important in a world increasingly charcterised by fear, uncertainty, and hopelessness.

I have a strong appreciation for Christian education. I spent a number of my high school years in a Christian school, which helped lay some good foundations for the future in my own life. Our three teenagers have also spent a number of years in a Christian school. Then as a pastor, I appreciate the contribution that Christian education makes to children and young people. No doubt, the home, the church, and the school each has a powerful influence on young people and their development.

Christian Schools Australia fosters leadership, growth and excellence in Christian school education. Its membership includes 150 schools nationally, with more than 60,000 students and 3,000 teaching staff. CSA’s commitment is to see Christian beliefs and values impact on all aspects of practice and community life in its member schools. With Biblically based beliefs as a foundation, CSA provides leadership, services and, resources for its members, and generally works to advance the cause of Christian schooling.

For further thoughts on education choices for parents, see my blog post on Schooling Choices.

Redline Men's Conference

This coming weekend is our annual Redline Men's Conference. We have two great speakers - Tony Campolo from the USA and Paul Scanlon from the UK. It should be a terrific time.

Richard Holland (1919-2008)

Yesterday we celebrated the life of Richard Holland, the founding pastor of CityLife Church (formerly Waverley Christian Fellowship). Richard passed away peacefully last week at the age of 89. He lived a full life and what a legacy he left.

At the Thanksgiving Service, Richard's daughter, Hilary VanNettan, and his brother, Laurie Holland, gave the eulogy. Then tributes were given by Peter Sheahan, Dan Coates, Carolyn Boyd, Philip Baird, Bernie Hartog, and Joe Liow. Family members shared special songs and we enjoyed a visual presentation of some of the highlights of Richard's life.

Richard lived his life in the light of eternity. He loved God, he loved people, and he invested his time, talents and resources to make the world a better place. I'm sure he is now hearing the ultimate commendation from his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ - "Well done, good and faithful servant - enter into the joy of your Lord!"

Richard, thank for who you were and for all you did for us. We will never forget you. Your life and impact will live on through the many seeds you have sown into our lives.

Until we meet again ...

P.S. For a copy of Richard's eulogy, written by his daughter Hilary, click here. For a copy of a press release concerning Richard's life, written by Carolyn Boyd, click here.

Erwin McManus

Last weekend we were privileged to have Erwin McManus speaking at CityLife Church. Erwin is the Lead Pastor of Mosaic, a community of Christ followers in Los Angeles. He is an outstanding thinker, a creative speaker, and a best-selling author.

His messages over the weekend were drawn from his book, Soul Cravings. Deep inside the heart of every human being there are cravings - for intimacy, for meaning, and for destiny. We search to find fulfillment for these cravings through many things. Ultimately, these cravings can only be satisfied through a relationship with the living God.

The Passing of an Era

Richard Holland, the founding pastor of CityLife Church (formerly Waverley Christian Fellowship), passed away peacefully this last Monday evening, May 12th. Richard was an amazing man - a giant of the faith. Our church would not be here without him and eternity alone will tell his personal impact on thousands of people all around the world. He lived a full life (89 years worth), and although we will miss him greatly, we rejoice that he is with his Lord and Saviorr, Jesus Christ.

On Tuesday, May 20th, we will have a special thanksgiving service in honour of Richard. It will be helf at CityLife Church - Knox at 12.00 noon. All are welcome.

Our love and prayers go out especially to Richard's family and close friends at this time.

Here's what one person had to say about Richard ...

"He knew Jesus in such an intimate way. He accepted Jesus as He truly is; he accepted Jesus completely. This man believed that Jesus still saves and He still heals today. He believed God wanted to use him and God did. He lived a life of unashamed commitment to the One he loved and lived for. He never missed an opportunity to talk to Jesus, whether it was to say grace or to pray for a person who was sick. It was never under his breath or with any hint of embarrassment. He prayed as he lived; with boldness and conviction. He taught about boldness and trust in Jesus and our lives were enlarged by knowing him. He went home to be with his best friend Jesus last week and is now the happiest he has ever been. He has the ultimate revelation of Jesus; he now sees Him face to face! We thank God for him and our prayer is that you will know Jesus as he did here on earth and that one day you too will have the joy of seeing Jesus face to face."

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15.

Here is a photo of Richard and his wife Margaret ('affectionately known as 'Garry'), who is also with the Lord ...

Happy Mother's Day!

Today is Mother's Day, a day to honour mothers all around the world. Mother's are special people who we owe so much to - in addition to our very existence!

My mother, Joyce Conner, was an amazing person who had a huge impact on my life, before she passed away very suddenly back in 1990. We miss her very much but her life lives on through her influence. Anything God does through me during my lifetime, I see as her reward - for all the seeds she planted in my heart and life.

If at all possible, be sure to lavish lots of love and appreciation on your mother today ... and every day.  After all, as I found out, they won't always be around.

Here are a few thoughts about how we see our mother ...

THE IMAGES OF MOTHER

At 4 years old we say: "My Mummy can do anything!"
At 8 years old: "My Mum knows a lot! A whole lot!"
At 12 years old: "My Mother doesn't really know quite everything."
At 14 years old: "Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either."
At 16 years old: "Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned."
At 18 years old: "That old woman? She's way out of date!"
At 25 years old: "Well, she might know a little bit about it."
At 35 years old: "Before we decide, let's get Mum's opinion."
At 45 years old: "Wonder what Mum would have thought about it?"
At 65 years old: "I wish I could talk it over with Mum."

[Author Unknown]

REVEAL

The Willow Creek Association has recently conducted an extensive research program called REVEAL. In today's contemporary world, it is easy to focus on 'how many' people attend a church but we also need to focus 'what quality' of people we are producing. After all, Jesus calls us to 'make disciples' not just grow churches.

REVEAL seeks to enagage in an honest and open conversation about spiritual growth. Check out their web site for more details. It's a discussion worth having ...

ANZAC Day

Tomorrow is ANZAC Day here in Australia. ANZAC Day is commemorated in Australia and New Zealand on April 25th every year to remember members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who landed at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I.

ANZAC Day is one of the most important days on the Australian calendar as we take time as a nation to honour those who courageously gave their lives for the freedom of others.

As Christians, ANZAC Day reminds us of Jesus Christ, who left the comforts of heaven to come to earth and give his life for the freedom of all.

For more information on ANZAC Day see the following web sites:

• Australian Government information on ANZAC Day
• Australian War Memorial web site
• ANZAC Day Articles from the Australian Christian Lobby (Jim Wallace)
• ANZAC Day Commemoration Site (QLD)
• NSW government ANZAC Day resource web site

Why not consider attending a dawn service in your local area?

The Willow Creek Association

Yesterday, Ray Henderson (Chairman of our Board of Elders) and I attended a Willow Creek Association event in Brisbane with Bill Hybels from Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago and David Loveless from Discovery Church in Orlando, Florida.

It was a gathering of about 50 church leaders from around Australia for a time of mentoring and training. Topics included things such as: creating Biblical community, cultural relevance, spiritual practices, succession planning, courageous leadership, fighting for your family, creating compelling sermons, church attendance patterns, and making better disciples.

I always find in inspiring and insightful to listen to great leaders such as Bill and David share what God has been teaching them and what they have been learning through their life experience. There is always something you can learn that can help you be a better person and a better leader.

The Willow Creek Association does an excellent job at adding value to the local church and to church and business leaders. Check out their web site for details of training events and resources, including the Global Leadership Summit coming in October.

Easter

Easter is here again and with it comes the hot-cross buns, the Easter bunny, the delicious chocolate eggs in all shapes and sizes, the mega sales to tempt any credit-card carrying buyer and the coveted long week-end holiday. But in the midst of the rush, what does it all really mean?

For the Christian church, Easter is a time to reflect upon the events of that Passover week when Jesus Christ suffered a cruel death for our sins but rose triumphant from the grave three days later. Easter is about Jesus Christ.

Jesus came to bring us good news. There is an answer to our problems and a way to be at peace with God.

Jesus came to bring us life. We can experience a higher quality of life filled with purpose and meaning by living for others rather than ourselves.

Jesus came to bring us hope. There is a future and comfort even in the midst of suffering and pain.

Good news, life and hope can be yours as you turn to God, believe in Jesus Christ, and accept the free gift of his love. May this Easter be a time when you reflect on what Jesus Christ has done for you!

What's So Good about Friday?

Over this weekend, Christians all around the world will celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Today is called ‘Good Friday’, a time to remember the suffering and death of Jesus Christ.

What’s so good about Friday?

Firstly, Good Friday reminds us that God is a loving God. He loved us so much that he sent his Son into the world for our benefit. He loves and cares for each one of us just the way we are, whoever we are, and whatever we’ve done.

Good Friday also reminds us that we don’t have to earn God’s forgiveness or a way to heaven. Eternal life is God’s free gift offered to us - not just for eternity, but also for our life right here right now. Yes, Jesus Christ came to bring us a higher quality of life, a life filled with purpose and meaning, living for the benefit of others rather than just for ourselves.

Finally, Good Friday also reminds us that God suffered for us and that he understands our own pain. He comes to offer us comfort and hope in our time of need.

I hope you enjoy your Good Friday!

CityLife Church Manningham Launches

This last Sunday morning we launched a new campus of CityLife Church in the northern suburbs of our city of Melbourne. We already have 100s of people living in the area who have been traveling to our Knox campus, as well as 17 local Life Groups, so we knew we'd have a good response. However, we were unprepared for what took place. Around 750 people showed up! We only had seats for 450 people, so we had to have quite a few people standing, others sitting on an outside veranda, and about 150 people in the foyer/hallway area, let alone the many who were turned away.

As a result, we made an  on the spot decision to go to two Sunday morning meetings next weekend, as 85% of those attending said they would be making this their regular meeting to attend (others were visiting from Knox for the launch).

Needless to say, we were all overwhelmed by the response. God is truly able to do exceedingly abundantly above what we could ever ask, think or imagine. The most optimistic of us (my wife, Nicole!) were expecting around 400 people. Oh, we of little faith!

In our We Have a Dream statement we have a line that says "... growing so fast that buildings can't contain it." Well, we literally experienced that this last weekend. I'm sure God was having a chuckle!

Almost eight months of preparation has gone into this new initiative and Joe Liow, our Lead Pastor for Manningham, has done an excellent job leading the team. See his report below, as well as a few photos of the launch (click to enlarge).

All glory to God!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

May 2008 be a year of God's favour and blessing on your life in every way!

Mark

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Today, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Although, his birth probably took place in October rather than December, we take this opportunity to honour and worship Him.

Obviously, the Christmas story has accumulated a lot of extra trimmings over the years, with the addition of things like Santa Claus, Christmas trees, cards and holidays. These had no place in the original story. However, we should be thankful for the opportunity to take some time off, to gather as families, to focus on Jesus Christ and what he means to us, as well as to reach out to people who don't yet know Him.

I hope you enjoy this special day as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world!

Peace on Earth

“Peace on Earth” - now there’s something I’m sure we’d all like to see more of, especially in an age of increasing conflict and tension. According to the Gospel of Luke that’s the message that the choir of angels gave when they announced the birth of Jesus Christ: “Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth and goodwill toward men!” 

When you hear the word “peace” you think of things such as harmony, rest, tranquillity and quietness. The opposite of peace is hostility, tension, conflict or even war. God’s desire is that each one of us experiences peace in our lives – whether we’re young or old, men or women, black or white, rich or poor, single or married.

John Bevere

We are privileged to have John Bevere ministering at CityLife Church this coming weekend. John will be speaking at a Leader's Seminar on Friday evening and Saturday morning, then at two of our weekend church meetings.

John was with us back in early 2006 and his ministry was very good . His messages were quite life-changing and had an ongoing positive impact in the lives of so many people. I witnessed some long term offences being resolved between people and people sincerely repenting of negative attitudes towards others.

Two of his messages were on The Bait of Satan and the principle of Honour. I've attached a summary of the key points from each of these messages, along with some discussion questions we used in following them up with our staff team (click here to download the Microsoft Word file).

I'm looking forward to an excellent weekend.

A Prophetic Message for CityLife Church

1. In the book of Revelation, the apostle John had an incredible vision of the risen Christ. Jesus was seen as moving amongst his churches and then giving John a message for each local congregation. This included commendations and challenges, warnings and blessings (see Rev.1-3).

I wonder what Jesus would say to the local churches in Melbourne (or your city) today? What message would he give? What would he commend us for? What would he challenge us with?

I've been giving this matter some prayer and thought for a number of weeks now and last weekend I shared three challenges I sensed God wanting to give to CityLife Church. Here they are:

1. Evangelise more intentionally. I'll never forget the first time I heard Bill Hybels speak from Luke 15 about how 'lost people matter to God and therefore they should matter to us.' Heaven's priority is seeing people far from God found and so should ours (Luke 15:7, 10). Our church needs to continue to make a 'priority shift' – from inreach to outreach. Evangelism is everyone's ministry. Evangelism is also a process – like a chain with many links – and pre-evangelism is important (Luke 10:1-9). We should be a blessing to our community, build relationships with people far from, God, meet people's needs, and then be prepared to share the good news about Jesus Christ. Evangelism is God's will and God's heart for our church. He is with us and He will help us. Will we respond and take up the challenge? If we do, we will see amazing things happen and great joy as a result. It's time to evangelise more intentionally.
2. Give more generously. God has given us a huge vision for our church and it will require a larger amount of resources to fund the future growth of our ministries and facilities. However, the money is already in the church. If every person simply honoured God with the first part of all their income (Prov.3:9-10), we would have 'more than enough' for what God has called us to do. It's time to give more generously.
3. Pray more strategically. Knowing God is the most important thing in life – not just believing in him, or knowing about him, but knowing him personally, as a close friend. This requires time together and conversation, as well as learning the things that he likes and dislikes. In addition, God wants to partner with us to bring about his will and purpose on the earth. John Wesley once said that, "God does nothing but in answer to prayer." Is this true? Scripture seems to say so. In the context of the sovereignty of God, he has ordered the world in such a way that he wants to partner with our prayers (see (2 Chron.7:14. Mattt.7:7-8. Jas.4:2). We told the story of Kenyan evangelist Thomas Muthee and the incredible community transformation that took place in the city of Kiambu because of strategic prayer (click here to read a detailed description of the whole story). It's time to pray more strategically – for our unsaved loved ones, for financial increase, and for our communities and cities to be transformed by God.

As we do these things, I believe we will see a greater release of God's blessing and a greater positive impact on the world around us.

What about your church? I encourage you to take time to hear from God and then simply obey his promptings.

P.S. For a more detailed outline of this message, plus a few discussion questions, click here.

Ministry at Willow Creek A2 Conference

In October 2006, Nicole and I were privileged to speak at the Willow Creek A2 Conference in Chicago. This unique conference featured a variety of churches, including our church, The Dream Center led by Matthew Barnett, LifeChurch.tv Church led by Craig Groeschel, Christ Church led by David Ireland, Gateway Community Church led by John Burke, and a look at the future of Willow Creek as seen by Gene Appel.

The conference used a 'case study' model that included a 5 minute video profile, a 30 minute verbal presentation, then an extended time of interaction with a panel of church leaders and thinkers, including people such as Bill Hybels and Erwin McManus.

Nicole and I were asked to share on 'Ministry - On Purpose or by Default?' We focused on the various changes we have made since assuming the leadership of CityLife Church back in 1985. We shared about how we have endeavoured to lead those changes in as healthy a manner as possible. There was also a special focus on leading change when both former senior pastors, including the founding pastor, are still in the church. There was a lot of interest in the issues we raised and the interaction time with the panel was very lively.

A CD or DVD of this session can be ordered from the Willow Creek Association