"action-based worship"

For our newest blog discussion, please post your comments about this quote from Louie Giglio, founder of Passion, and the following thoughts to ponder:

"It is clear to me that something significant has absolutely shifted with this generation. I think it is God's great kindness stirring our hearts to show his great kindness to the world. With this behind us, the students at Passion aren't the ones who look good, and this generation doesn't look like a hands-on, get-involved, do-something generation. God looks good. And God looks like a hands-on, get-involved, do-something God. I think that is what this generation wants - an action-based worship. There's nothing wrong with jumping to a David Crowder tune and telling God he's great - that is worship. But worship is also doing the right thing and sharing with others in need. Those are the things that make God happy, and this is a generation that wants to make God happy. They demonstrate this by moving in action to touch the last and least of these in the world."

Thoughts to ponder:

What would it look like if we as individuals practiced action-based worship more often? (Dream with me a little . . . )

How can we be the innovators among our spheres of influence in serving others? (If I could lead people to do something tangible for God, it would be to . . . )

What does this look like if we apply it to the Life Groups of Crossroads Church? (If we tried, I bet we could make a real difference in the lives of . . . )

I've been brainstorming too, but I don't want to box you all in with my ideas. Share your biggest
"hands-on, get-involved, do-something" dreams in a comment below . . .

Hello, my wonderful Life Group Leaders,

As promised, here are your awards:
(please see me on Sunday for the symbol of your reward and "medal" of achievement)

Pastor Kris: Sword of Truth Award - for clearly, boldly, and consistently speaking and teaching the word of God to further life-transforming change among people in New Journey, Chase the Lion, and Crossroads Church

Pastor Jamie: Flexibility Award - for being willing and able to lead two different groups of our choosing (Contagious Christianity and Chase the Lion), and for doing so with passion and excellence

Fred B.: Most Creative Group Award - for coming up with the idea of and pursuing a Bowling Life Group, and for leading people closer to Jesus through the vehicles of fun, laughter, and a little friendly competition

Melinda B.: Crucial Support Award - for helping to organize the Bowling Life Group, supporting the leader, your husband, in his endeavors, and for being the quiet, yet boldly visible model you are of God's righteousness and peace

Teresa K.: Cheerleader Award - for being a prevalently encouraging presence on the Life Group Leadership team, and for spurring us all on to love and good deeds.

Tim C.: "Least of These" Award (see Matthew 25:35-40) - for giving a helping hand and leading others to give to and serve those in need through the Food Bank Group

Andrew H.: Passion for the Lost Award - for sharing in Jesus' passion for the lost, and for being bold and willing to reach them at their level of comfort and place of contact in the context of your life and through the Parent's Night Out group

Amanda H.: Perseverance Award - for being resilient to discouragement and for pushing through a difficult scheduling issue and hosting the PNO group with passion, despite of all of the obstacles you faced. (Amanda also wins an honorary creativity award for a very innovative idea for a group)

Annette S: Most Time Given Award - for dedicating several hours every Tuesday morning at the Beth Moore Ladies Bible Study, for many hours spent on daily homework for your study, and for attending the most monthly Life Group Leadership meetings on Saturdays; thank you for the sacrificial love offering to serve God in this way and for being an example for all of us to do the same

Mark P.: Redeeming Technology for the Kingdom Award - for utilizing a video (Nooma) series that was culturally relevant and generated discussion as you led people of your sphere of influence to seek God in new ways

Jen S.: Step up to the Plate Award - for answering God's call on your life to serve the elderly through the Nursing Home Outreach group and for stepping out of your comfort zone to lead and organize others to serve alongside you

Andy V.: Most Willing to Suffer for the Kingdom Award -for being so willing to reach the youth of this community and so passionate about competitive sports, that you would suffer bodily injury for the sake of the Youth Sports and Game Night; may we all be as willing to give so sacrificially of ourselves

Adrienne V.: Spotlight Award - for your gift and passion to see each person's unique need, and to do what it takes to push the crowd aside and minister to the individual, in youth ministry, children's ministry, and in the way you live your life

If you would like to leave an encouraging note for a fellow Life Group Leader on this blog, please feel free to do so. I'm also looking forward to adding a few new leaders to our team, and would appreciate your prayers over these new groups and leaders, as we finalize our preparations.

Thank you for your time and dedication for this ministry,

Robyn