Review: Jesus Revolution
Last week, Shana and I took our daughter to see the movie, Jesus Revolution. I’ll admit, when a Christian movie comes out, I’m not typically very hyped to go see it. But hey, we traded Kirk Cameron for Kelsey Grammar. So, I thought, we’ve gotta go check this out. I’ve always been interested in the “Jesus Movement” of the late 60’s and early 70’s. Being a child of the 80’s, some of my early musical influences were Keith Green, Phil Keaggy, Larry Norman and Petra. Watching the movie made me realize how much of my early years as a Christian were shaped by pastors and Christian leaders who were saved during this incredible move of God.
It’s quite out of the ordinary for me to do a movie review, but I want to share 4 things I truly appreciated about the film:
1) They did not whitewash hippie culture like many Christian films tend to do. Drugs, music, and culture in general were on display. In fact, in the movie Lonnie Frisbee pointed to these elements of hippie culture as proof that the hippies were actually searching for God. He said, “There is an entire generation right now searching for God…I know we must seem a little strange. But if you look a little deeper, if you look with love, you’ll see a bunch of kids that are searching for all the right things, just in all the wrong places.” Jesus Revolution is a beautiful redemption story.
2) The movie also fairly depicted disagreement from within the church. As we’ve seen in our own context recently, it can be an embarrassment when Christians publicly disagree. However, this too is an accurate depiction of real life. We read stories of disagreement within the early church in the Bible. We’ve all experienced it. The relationship between Chuck Smith and Lonnie Frisbee is no exception. Lonnie was the charisma and source of energy, Chuck was full of wisdom and the source of Biblical depth. There was a great scene where Lonnie tried to re-create the mysterious work of healings in the church. It’s not uncommon for church leaders to seek a formula to re-create experiences from the past. In Chuck’s wisdom, he held Lonnie back from trying to manufacture these supernatural elements of the faith. Sadly, this was the beginning of the end of their ministry relationship.
3) My favorite part of the whole movie was the scene when Lonnie Frisbee led Greg Laurie to be saved and baptized. I’m sure some Christians watching might have wondered if Greg understood enough about salvation to engage in baptism. But that’s exactly what defined this movement: a simple, raw, and mostly un-discipled faith. Its simplicity was beautiful. As I watched, I sat with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. Greg Laurie recently wrote, "God used Lonnie powerfully at one time in my life, and I told him so. God often works through ways that surprise me, ways that I’d never choose.”
4) Lonnie Frisbee was honored despite his personal failures as a Christian, a husband and a church leader. At the end of the movie they told a little more from the stories of the main characters, including Lonnie Frisbee. While he had his struggles, he was also a major player in establishing the Vineyard movement of churches. Lonnie’s story is a beautiful reminder that God, always has, and always will, use flawed people. Greg wrote, “We came for Lonnie, but we stayed for Chuck. Lonnie Frisbee was the magnet that drew us; Chuck Smith was the stabilizer who kept us and grounded us in the Bible.”
If you have an opportunity, go check this movie out. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, but more than that, you’ll likely leave with a renewed passion for sharing your faith with those who are far from God.
WARNING about JRC Week of Power
With a pastoral concern, I write to advise you against participating in James River Church’s “Week of Power.” When the Spirit of God burdens my heart with something, then multiple people inquire of me concerning the same thing, I simply cannot ignore it. Remember, I have often defended JRC. I do not need to be in perfect alignment with their church to recognize their contribution to our community. You might remember the article I wrote, “Yoga, Yoga, Yoga” in defense of Pastor John Lindell’s sermon dealing with the occult while many others took aim at him. I have no axe to grind against my brothers and sisters in Christ. However, I am deeply concerned about Bill Johnson’s and Randy Clark's false teachings. Like Paul to the Corinthians, I do not desire to hurt anyone, but I will not apologize for sharing this warning (2 Corinthians 7:5–9). I love my fellow believers; I do not want to see Christians being led astray. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1, ESV)
In our current sermons series: “Colossians, Christ Over All Things,” we are being confronted with the “Colossian Heresy.” We understand the false teachers of their day were teaching legalism, mysticism and asceticism. And while it is not in my purview to label every pastor I disagree with a “heretic,” it is a biblical mandate to point out heretical teachings. It is my warning that the extreme charismatic views of Bill and Randy could be damaging to your spiritual formation. Mysticism is at the heart of much of their teaching. Some examples are “grave soaking,” “private revelation,” “falling angel feathers,” “talking to their angels.” The list is long and I can’t address all my concerns without writing a book. But what you need to know is that they are adding to the work of Christ, when Christ himself was and is sufficient.
[8] See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ…[18] Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind,(Colossians 2:8,18 ESV)
If you know me, you know I am not a cessationist. I believe in miracles. I believe in all of the gifts of the Spirit. As I’ve studied the scriptures and church history, I’ve come to believe in a “Now, but Not Yet” view of the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is “Now” from the day Jesus appeared. He lived a perfect life, received a brutal death, was buried, resurrected and ascended to the Father. At the same time, the Kingdom is “Not Yet” fully realized by Christians until we have been gloriously resurrected with Him in our death. We will indeed do "greater things” as Jesus told us we would do (John 14:12-14). After all, he started the movement, but left us to fulfill the great commission (Matthew 28:18-20). That’s why Paul rejoiced in his sufferings for the sake of the gospel. “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church," (Colossians 1:24, ESV) What was lacking? The greater things of the Great Commission. Yes! Some received physical healings as the gospel went out! But millions have been saved and are still being saved. The gospel is still in the process of reaching the ends of the earth.
On Sunday morning, in his sermon, Bill Johnson said “I love the ‘now, but not yet’ view” (of the Kingdom). But he never developed a view of the “Not Yet.” He only went forth espousing a fully realized Kingdom where every Christian can and should fully participate in this full reality. If this were true, I hardly believe Bill would be packing out worship venues to teach about healing. If this reality was true, he would be in every hospital, like Peter allowing his very shadow to bring healing to the sick as he passes by them (Acts 5:15). In fact, Bill has a long history of making dangerous claims of the Kingdom, only to back-peddle later saying, “we don’t believe that at Bethel Church.” However, his teaching continues in the same vein.
Here are the dangers with believing that the full realities of heaven are available to every believer, all the time. If one subscribes to his beliefs, they will inevitably believe 1 of or all 3 fallacies:
There must be something wrong with God. Often times, these false assurances of healing lead to disbelief. Many have walked away from Christ and His church concluding, “He must not be real.” God will not be mocked; do not make a mockery of His healing works. (Galatians 6:6-7)
There must be something wrong with the person who prayed for healing. If healing does not occur, one logical conclusion is, “the healer lacks what it takes in the Spirit to impart healing to someone in need.”
There must be something wrong with me. “If God did not heal me, I must lack the faith required to receive healing.” This was the very problem Paul was addressing in his letter to the Colossians. Some Christians were being made to feel inferior to those who were claiming to have special revelation and experiences beyond the gospel.
These are all thorns and thistles of false teaching. They bring damaging outcomes by choking out the fruit of the Spirit. It often leads to pretending and performing the supernatural elements of the faith. The fake elements choke out the belief of lost people when miracles truly happen.
Here’s the truth: I agree with much of what Bill Johnson teaches. He preaches many truths. But that’s what makes his teachings so dangerous. It’s the small departures from the truth that do the damage. A great example comes from his message on his visit to JRC in 2021. When describing the baptism of Jesus, he described the Spirit of God descending on Jesus “as a dove.” But the word of God says, the Spirit descended upon him “like a dove.” (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10, Luke 3:21, John 1:32) In other words, it reminded the gospel writers of a dove lighting upon him. But the word never implies that the Spirit is a dove. So he moved to Genesis 8:6-9, telling the story of Noah sending out a dove. But Noah actually sends out a Raven first. Then a dove, 3 times. On the third attempt, the dove found a place to land. Bill somehow interposes the Holy Spirit into Noah's dove. As he moved to John 20, where Jesus suddenly appeared with them in a room that was locked, Bill acknowledged the fear of the disciples upon seeing Jesus and concluded “the dove” (meaning the Spirit) couldn’t find a place to land on the men in that room because of their fear, or supposed lack of faith.
Can you see the subtle danger? This is an example of eisegesis. He was making the text say what he wanted it to say, not what the biblical writer intended to say. In this case, it is the over-spiritualization of a passage which is part and parcel within mysticism. When preachers build a case for their pet theologies, in Bill’s case a healing ministry, they are ignoring “the whole counsel of God.” (Acts 20:27)
My warning is simple, stay away from these teachers. It is not my desire to bash a man or a church. It is simply my purpose to shine the gospel light on dangerous teaching. So instead, if you are seeking the Lord for healing, rather than going to see an itinerant “Word of Faith” preacher, I recommend going to your local church. Call on your pastor/elders for prayer. If you need healing follow the words of James: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. (James 5:14, ESV)” As I write this, I look at a vile of oil situated on my desk and I am reminded of God’s faithfulness. But as I look at my Bible situated next to it, I am also reminded, there are no formulas to attain God’s will. Don’t impose your will on our heavenly Father. We should always seek miracles. But we should always trust His will. His good and perfect will is what you desire…whether in suffering or in healing. Praise be to God!
Advent 2019 - Week 2
Family Advent Devotion - Week 2
PEACE
Reader: Today marks the second week of advent anticipating the coming of Christ. Last week, we focused on the HOPE we have in Christ. (Light the first purple candle.) This week we celebrate the PEACE we have in Jesus as our Savior. (Light the second purple candle.) Jesus came to make us complete by saving us from our sin, giving us the gift of spiritual PEACE. We can have PEACE for our future, knowing our souls can never be separated from Him.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:6
Prayer: Father, thank you for giving us the gift of PEACE through your Son, the Prince of Peace. This season, help us to remember the peace we have in Christ. Let us not get distracted by the busyness of the season. Instead, help us to carry your PEACE in our hearts and extend that PEACE to others.
Optional: Sing or listen to the song, “Silent Night.”
Advent 2019 - Week 1
Family Advent Devotion - Week 1
Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation anticipating the coming of Christ. We spend this time together celebrating how God came near to us in the birth of Christ. We invite you to celebrate this time with your family each Sunday as we anticipate the celebration of Christ’s birth.
Preparation: Make or purchase an Advent wreath. An advent wreath contains four candles (usually purple) representing the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. A white candle can be placed in the middle representing Christ.
Week 1, Dec 1: HOPE
Reader: Today marks the first week of advent, and this week we celebrate the HOPE we have in Jesus as our Savior. (Light the first purple candle.) Jesus was the answer to a promise made long ago to God’s people. As we are in this season of waiting for Christmas to arrive, we also have HOPE as we wait for the day when Jesus returns as Lord of all.
Scipture Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16
Prayer: Dear God, fill our hearts with HOPE this Christmas season as we wait expectantly to celebrate the coming of Christ. May we always put our HOPE in you. Send your Spirit to remind us that You are always faithful to fulfill your promises.
Optional: Sing or listen to the song, “O Holy Night.”
The Word for a New Year
Yoga, Yoga, Yoga
Who would have thought such comments could become a major talking point in Springfield and beyond? The local media covered it, it's been picked up nationally, it's taken social media by storm. For two weeks, almost daily, I've been asked for my thoughts on Pastor John's sermon. So hear you go, YOGA'tta hear me out on this one.
Elder Candidates
Story Church,
On Sunday, October 21, we introduced our first 2 Elder Candidates to join Pastor, Chris Ballard as "Shepherds" of this movement called Story Church. For more information about their biblical role with the church, you can listen to Clay's sermon HERE. Please read their bio (below) and prayerfully consider your willingness to follow their leadership as they have prayerfully and humbly accepted their calling to serve you. We will affirm them in this calling next month after a period of examination of this matter.
Elder Candidate: Seth Bunn
Seth received Christ as a teenager at First Baptist Church in Eldon, MO. Growing up as the oldest in his youth group, the Lord immediately gave him a passion for youth/children and seeing their faith mature. The Lord called him into the ministry as a sophomore in college. God has called Seth to teach, lead, and serve the saved and unsaved so that they might come to know Him or mature in their faith. God has equipped Seth to disciple and foster spiritual development in the lives of His children.
Soon after receiving his bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry, Seth married Nicki in 2005. Around the same time, Seth became the Youth Pastor at First Baptist Church in Humansville, MO. After a fruitful and maturing time, God called him back to his home church in Bolivar to implement Explorers, where he coordinated and led a team of volunteers in a children’s worship service and small group bible study.
After the family moved to Ozark, God called them to join a team of church planters. Seth was named the Pastor of Family Ministries for that church plant, called Missio Dei (Mission of God). Missio Dei Church decided to merge with another church after about a year of ministry, but Seth and the family felt called elsewhere due to their passion for church planting. In February of 2016, Seth and his family joined the movement of Story Church and Seth became Director of Children and Families. He also serves as a chapter group leader and an advisory team member. Seth’s passion and desire is partnering with parents to minister and disciple children and students.
Seth and Nicki have 3 children: Noah, Bella, and Sophia. Seth is a Career Services Manager with Bryan University. He develops and provides career counseling services, resources, and workshops for students and alumni.
Elder Candidate: Dan Igou
Dan and Suzanne Igou will celebrate 28 years of marriage next July. He is a "One Woman Man." They are a blended family: Dan has 3 children, 2 boys & a girl and Suzanne has 2 boys. Together, they have 11 grandchildren & 1 great grandchild. With this experience, they’ve been able to help many blended families survive the early years of marriage. They both have had 50 hours of instruction to become Stephen Ministers in the Methodist Church, a Christian Counseling ministry.
Dan is a Past President of Vietnam Veterans of America and works with fellow veterans in raising money to help other vets with a hand up (not a hand out). He served 2 tours in Vietnam as a Navy Radioman, Search & Rescue Helicopter Squadron & USS Ranger, an aircraft carrier.
Dan & Suzanne own an investment company in Springfield servicing municipal government retirement plans in many cities in Missouri with a partner in Cape Girardeau, MO. Suzanne is "mostly" retired.
Dan grew up in a house with only one recollection of his parents going to church; they weren’t church people. While in Navy boot camp, he was required o go to church on Sundays. He doesn’t remember a particular sermon, but there was a song that touched him “It Is Well With My Soul.” Dan said, “This was probably my 1st introduction to God in my life; I felt moved.” During 2 tours to Vietnam, I would call upon God to keep us safe. It was funny, that some of my friends would say they grew up Baptist or Methodist, I grew up a heathen. In my early 30’s, I would send my kids to a Baptist Church. The church and my kids would keep asking me to go to church, eventually I went, got involved, developed a close personal relationship with Christ and was saved. I’ve always felt led that Christ was calling me to serve my brothers & sisters in Christ and to reach out to the same people who are just like I was. I desire to make a friend with them and bring them to Christ, just as it happened with me.”
Dan and Suzanne came to Story Church, having been friends with Chris and Shana Ballard for over 12 years. Chris was a pastor at their previous church where he and Suzanne lead a small group for 14 years. When we started Story, they would attend their church in the morning, then Story in the evening. He and Suzanne also started a group for older members called the “Legacy Group.” Because of its success they remained at their church for an additional 5 months in order to train their replacements before joining Story on a full-time basis. Dan and Suzanne have been faithfully serving Story Church ever since.
The Next Chapter of our STORY
Story Church,
God is writing the next chapter of our story. After much prayer and conversation with our leadership team, architects, coffee shop owners, other churches and friends of Story, we sense God leading us to step out in faith and stewardship by moving into a new facility and opening a coffee shop, Story Time Coffee Co.
After 2 wonderful years at the Hall of Fame, we feel it is time to have a launching pad for our movement; a place we can call our own. While The Hall has been an incredible place for our worship gatherings, our Story Kids and Story Tots have had to make due with meeting in a sports museum. We believe we can provide something that meets their needs and serves our families better. Yet, in keeping with our vision, any facility we utilize must fulfill the purpose of serving the community as well. We refuse to have a facility that sits empty the other 6 days of the week. After all, one of our core values is MOVEMENT: We value movement over locale; a people on mission, sent from one location.
We are proposing an approximate $110,000 to $130,000 (edited 10/1/18) build-out and furnishing of 3 units in the Jamestown Plaza at 203 Jamestown Boulevard, Rogersville, MO. We will lease those 3 units on a 3-5 year agreement with The Source Ministries Inc. who own the facilities. The Source will be creating an “Event Center” called “The Honor Co.” with a seating capacity of 210 people. We will rent this space on Sundays, much like our current arrangement with the Hall of Fame.
Story Time Coffee Co. will be an environment that encourages a sense of community for the people of Rogersville, MO; a place where people can come and escape the daily stresses of life. A comfortable place to meet friends, family or clients, read a good book, and of course, enjoy a great cup of coffee. With the growing demand for high-quality gourmet coffee and great service, Story Time Coffee Co. will provide this need for the Rogersville Community. This will be a coffee shop that is not only a place to get great coffee, but also a destination.
Here’s a snapshot:
Unit “K” will house Story Time Coffee Co., a gourmet coffee shop that will operate as a non-profit business under the umbrella of Story Church Inc. It will be open Monday through Saturday. On Sunday, it will serve as the lobby for Story Church. On Sunday Evening it will become the home of Story Youth.
Units “I” and “J” will be the “Event Center/The Honor Co.” owned by The Source Ministries Inc. and will be rented by Story Church for our Sunday Worship Gatherings.
Units “G” and “H” will be the Ministry Center for Story Church including: Reception Area, Story Kids, Story Tots, Office space, Storage and Community Pantry.
We believe this will address our 3 most pressing needs. We will be adding:
A “Tent-making ministry” Coffee Shop that serves our community every day of the week, with the potential of raising funds to support our mission.
A suitable space for Story Youth/Kids/Tots.
A ministry home for the church.
This will allow us the space to minister to the de-churched and the broken-hearted as well as the new incoming residents moving into the area. It will provide an discipleship space for our children to learn and grow. We will broaden our ability to serve our community, not just on Sundays but throughout the week by creating a space the community of Rogersville has been asking for.
How can you help?
First, please PRAY. We want to continue to walk in alignment with God.
Second, please consider how you can contribute. Some of the infill will be completed by our church and friends of our church on a volunteer basis. Some of you have the skills and experience to help us. New teams are forming as our ministry expands. Seek God concerning your involvement.
Third, please consider how much you can financially commit. We need to raise as much of the $110,000+ as soon as possible. We want to be good stewards and avoid a paying too much interest on a loan payment. We currently have around $60,000 designated to spend, plus a build-out allowance from the landlord, leaving $50-70,000 to raise or borrow. We would love to raise that amount before the construction loan is converted to a conventional loan.
As a partner of Story Church, we are asking you to prayerfully consider what you can contribute. For some, it will simply be a matter of continuing in the faithfulness of your monthly support to Story Church. For others, it might be time to begin making a monthly contribution to support our movement. And yet others will be able to contribute a designated amount to the “Building Fund” above their regular giving to Story as a lump sum or spread it out in monthly gifts. Please do not substitute this gift with your current giving; We appreciate your faithful giving to the ongoing ministry of the church.
Hopefully, this information is helpful in describing our need and how your family might contribute. We only ask that you remain in step with 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Please don’t give in any other manner. We want this to be your joy.
Please pray, consider, and commit to what you can do to help. You can give directly to the “Building Fund” through Text-To-Give and through our online giving system. Online giving can be done through our website by clicking this link. Or Text "give" to (417) 296-9662 and you will be directed to the page. You can make a "One Time" or "Recurring" contribution. Once you have entered your information (bank account or credit/debit card) you will be able to simply text the amount you want to give to this number and use the keyword "BUILDINGFUND".
Your generosity is paving the way for our Jesus movement to endure to the ends of the world with this Love Story.
In Jesus Name and for His Glory,
Story Church Leadership Team
Holy Week Devotionals
Holy Week - Devotionals
This is Holy Week, the week before Easter; A time to reflect on Jesus’ final week on earth. As you read along, you will have an opportunity to place yourself in the story and experience the week with our Savior. Each day you will experience something new as the Story comes to life. I pray this daily experience prepares your heart to celebrate with us on Easter morning, April 1, 2018 at 10 am - Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
Below are 3 options. If you were not with us last year, you can use the guided expedience that I wrote for Holy Week 2017. You will find a short recap with Scripture and experiential suggestion for using one of your 5 senses each day to experience Holy Week.
Also listed is a short daily devotional from Jess Connolly and a more in-depth devotional from John Piper. On Palm Sunday, Seth Bunn will be handing your children a family devotional that parents can facilitate with their children in addition to your personal experience.
Pick one and follow along:
Chris Ballard, Story Church, Holy Week (2017 Devotional):