Last night's message was from Ephesians 4:11-16, entitled, "It Takes a Team." 

11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (ESV)

The main idea of the message was that, in order for Creekstone to fulfill its mission to glorify God by helping people come alive to the wonder of the gospel, it will take a team.

Here are some of the key thoughts:

1. God has given various offices in the church, one being the teaching pastor (v. 11).

2. The teaching pastor's primary role on the team is to function like a coach, equipping the members through teaching (v. 12a).

3. Every member has a role/position to play on the team (v. 12b). The traditional model of "hiring a pastor to do the ministry" is tragically unbilbical. Actually, ordinary Chrisitans ("saints") are to be equipped by the teaching pastor so that they can fulfill their own various ministries in the context of the church.  Each role is significant and necessary in order to see the mission fulfilled.

The five Ministry Teams that we have right now are:

• Music & Worship
• Tech (Audio/Visual)
• Greeter / Welcome
• Set Up / Clean Up
• Children & Nursery

You may sign up for a team on our website (www.creekstonechurch.com)

4. We can know that the church is making progress as a team when "there is unity of purpose and mission (v. 13) based on the gospel (vv. 13b-14) that leads to relationships that are governed by grace (vv. 15-16)."This means that there will be plenty of opportuntiy to repent to each other, forgive each other and encourage each other as we pursue mission collectively and individually.

5. The theological unbrella under which the team approach takes place is that the Christian's relationship with God is one that is governed by the gospel (truth and love displayed in the cross), giving us a framework of grace from which to function as we live out our roles on the team.

If you were present and have any questions, comments, suggestions or reflections, your comments are welcome.

Last night Creekstone met for our weekly Sunday Night Fellowship (dinner and Bible study) at the Lumpkin Co. Community Center. It is a fantastic location, and thankfully, folks showed up. As I've reflected on the evening together, I've had some thoughts:

1. Serving as the church planter for Creekstone, in this place and at this time, is a huge privilege. Having the opportunity to help people come alive to the wonder of the gospel through teaching and community is a dream come true.

2. There are gospel-loving friends in other places whom I wish could be here to partner with us in person. Many of them are participating through prayer and giving, but as this ministry begins to pick up momentum, I really miss them.

3. Preaching and teaching is an art that is never perfected—at least not by me. Each time I teach I think, "This time I'm going to get it right." Well, I have never gotten it right yet. So I might as well let go of the pressure to be perfect- or even really good. If I can just be regular ole, terribly imperfect me (who sometimes talks too fast and slurs words on occasion) who is coming alive to the wonder of the gospel myself, that will be enough. God uses the foolish things...

4. I'm thankful to be teaching folks who are so receptive, teachable and encouraging.

5. I think that the music ministry is going to be the best thing we have going. Last night's first-time, informal rehearsal blew me away. Not in my wildest dreams did I think we'd have this kind of talent and heart leading worship. Maybe in year ten, but not in week 2. God is at work... going before us... parting the waters.

6. I'm thankful for folks who are willing to pitch in and help out. It's remarkable to see people serve so gladly.

7. I think God is at work in me. Not because I'm getting better, but because I am seeing just how inadequate I am. I'm coming to realize that people do not need me. They need Jesus. Almost as much as I need Jesus. So part (most?) of my job is to live like I really do need Jesus- not as a helper, but as a Savior. In order to do that, I've got to stop being religious, and start being real. Will you pray for me to that end?

After Creekstone's first gathering last night, I have had a few thoughts. I'm sure as the day wears on, I'll have more clarity. Or maybe not. All that matters today is that Jesus lived for me, died for me, rose for me, reigns over me, and is returning for me... and that, by sheer grace, I am his and he is mine. I am forgiven and accepted and loved. The gospel is true. I have hope.

Here are the Monday morning reflections:

1. I am so thankful to be doing what I am doing. Thank you, Jesus, for letting me be a church planter in Dahlonega. It is such a huge, huge privilege to be called upon to lead in the planting of a new church community that focuses on the God's grace/the gospel like a laser. I am already waiting for this coming Sunday! Of course, the guys' fight club on Wednesday is going to be my mid-week gospel oasis. So looking forward to hanging with y'all again in just two days!  And I've been looking forward for weeks to teaching for Campus Outreach this Wednesday night. You students fire me up with you enthusiasm to know, live and celebrate the gospel.

2. I am stunned by the number of people who are showing interest... and showing up. God is at work. That is the only way I can explain this.

3. I am so completely unworthy.

4. I am a foolish vessel for God to use in this role. I would not choose me. So maybe God will be glorified in this thing after all.

5. The greatest gift I can give these folks as a leader/mentor/pacesetter/example is my own need for Jesus.