Together We Fight - Day 2 Wisdom

Today our focus is on wisdom. James 1:5 says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” The NIV says, “…who gives generously without finding fault.” I love the idea that God is looking, not to rebuke us, but to help us.

Take some time and meditate on the following scriptures: Proverbs 24:3-7; Nehemiah 2:4-8; Ephesians 5:15-17; Matthew 11:12; Psalm 111:10 

Prayer for Self: Lord, give me wisdom to understand Your ways for my life. I want to be receptive and obedient to your voice. 

Prayer for Centerpointe Church: Lord, give the pastors, deacons, leaders and workers your wisdom to guide the church in such a way that you are honored and glorified. 

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. (Psalm 127:1)

Together We Fight - Day 1

This week we are creating additional space in our lives for prayer and fasting. We are in our fourth week in Nehemiah and we must stay sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. To help us be unified in our prayers, the prayer team of Centerpointe has put together a prayer guide along with scriptures to read.

Our focus today is humbling ourselves before the Lord. Joshua 3:5, says, “Then Joshua told the people, ‘Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do great wonders among you.’”

Take some time to read and meditate on the following scriptures: Psalm 91; Galatians 5:24-26; 6:2; Nehemiah 4:20; and Ephesians 4:3-6.

Prayer for Self: Lord, I need the power of the Holy Spirit in my life. I humble myself before you. Examine my life and heart to see if there is anything I need to confess and make right with you and/or others.

Prayer for Centerpointe Church: Lord, cleanse us from anything that is keeping us from serving You and our community. Reveal to us the areas that are working against unity.

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. (Psalm 127:1)

Ready the House - "Make It So"

I am excited about what God is doing at Centerpointe Church. Over the last two Sundays, I have shared the vision of “Ready the House”. God has uniquely and strategically placed CP in Fairfax to make an impact for Christ, and we are making the house ready for increase by:

 - Making our facilities as exciting as our people 

 - Enhancing and securing our children and youth areas 

 - Expanding our influence through media and technology 

 - Creating space for relationships and discipleship pathways 

 - Making necessary improvements 

 - Launching a second Sunday Morning Service

Each week, I have been asking strategic leaders if they are "all in". It's been incredible to see the excitement and hopeful expectation in their eyes. They know it will take prayer, work, unity, faith and extraordinary generosity, but each one has jumped on board enthusiastically. 

I love this church!

Keith 
 

 

The Mission of Centerpointe Church

Before a church can move forward, it must understand what God has called it to be. Yes, all churches should have the same values of Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship and Evangelism, but the expression of those things are unique to each church. Defining that unique mission is a place to start. It lays the foundation for ministry and brings clarity and focus. 

Discovering your mission is a matter of prayer, calling, giftedness and community awareness. It doesn't come by reading another church's website or attending another church growth seminar. There are no shortcuts.

Over the last year, Centerpointe Church has been seeking God's wisdom and direction. We now believe that he has given us direction. 

The Mission of Centerpointe Church is to be a Pentecostal church in Fairfax, Virginia, that brings the One Hope of Jesus Christ, with One Heart in unity, working with One Mission to change our community and impact the world. 

We believe God has strategically placed us in the center of Fairfax County for these reasons:

• To see MANY come to the saving grace of Jesus Christ and become his disciples
• To grow deep in our knowledge and passion for God and our love for others
• To grow broader in our outreach through compassion, evangelism and missions
• To impact the marketplace through leadership and influence
• To restore the beauty of the arts back to the Creator
• To bring healing, vitality and health to marriages and families
• To establish new churches and revitalize existing ones
• To raise up and release an army of trained pastors, missionaries and leaders

Of course, these are simply words on paper if there is no movement toward practical application. As Centerpointe Church moves forward, careful attention will be given to each area. 

May the Lord grant us favor as we follow Him. 

A Band of Brothers

I just spent the last three days with my band of brothers. Over the last ten years, we have met together for three days to tell our stories, have fun and pray. We talk about everything - and I mean everything. Every year, someone is walking through a personal challenge and we give them enough room to talk. We listen, ask questions, pray, read scripture and speak words of encouragement, which many times become prophetic. It's all in a safe, confidential environment. Last year I, and one of the other guys, was on the hot seat. It was a year of serious transition for me, and a family health issue for the other. One year later, each of the prophetic prayers over us were answered: I was led to Centerpointe Church and my friend's daughter was healed. Praise God for both!!  This was a year to celebrate.

This year we took a trip to see Mark Batterson, a friend and author of Circle Maker and pastor of National Community Church. What God has done in his life over the last 15 years is miraculous. We spent the rest of the day in D.C., walking, eating, and in serious laughter. Later, we returned to our hotel for another session of prayer. IT WAS AWESOME!

I give thanks for my band of brothers. I only wish that every man, especially every pastor had a group of other pastors that they could share their life with.

My Band of Brothers with Mark Batterson. What a Day!