Name and Location Change

I know this typically only happens to people in the witness protection program, but our church is changing its name and location.  In fact it already has!  As of Sunday 10/3, we are CityPoint Community Church.  Our new location is a Classic Jazz Venue in the South Loop, with lots of history.  We're so excited to be in this new neighborhood and to have such a cool venue.

Here's our address: 
Jazz Showcase
(806 S. Plymouth Ct. -Chicago)
10am and 12n

Free Parking @ Clark/Polk

http://www.citypointcc.org/

A Pastor's Thoughts on Allegations Against Bishop Eddie Long

Of course by now you've heard about the allegations against Bishop Eddie Long, either through CNN or the social media outlets.  If not, here's an article from the Assoc. Press: http://bit.ly/c0m5IH

Please allow me to begin by expressing that I sincerely hope that these claims are untrue.  The role of the body of Christ, must be to pray for Bishop Long, New Birth, and the two young men in the meantime.

Having said that, I need to give you insight from a Pastor's perspective.  As Pastors we face enormous temptation.  Also, we often burn ourselves out with ministry responsibilities.  Burnout leaves us open and vulnerable to temptation at a very deep level.  Preaching to and praying for people is spiritually exhausting work, and oftentime we give all of our spiritual strength to other people.  Consequently we leave nothing for ourselves.  There have been many weeks, that I've felt spiritually drained for several days after preaching on Sunday.  What's striking is the differences that I perceive in myself during those times.  My flesh gets the best of me during these moments, which is why I prefer to be at home and away from social situations when I'm spiritually drained.  In short, I can be a jerk during these times.  I also find it hard to pray, my desire for reading the word decreases, and I start considering things that I wouldn't ordinarily.  I try to limit the amount of time I spend on the computer when I'm in this condition because the temptation toward internet porn is very real, and very present.

People are often surprised when Pastors get caught doing immoral things, but I'm not.  Oftentime it's not due to wickedness, it's due to weakness.  Ask yourself this question, "When was the last time you prayed for the local Pastors in your community? (not just your own Pastor)"  Remember, spiritual battles can only be won using spiritual weapons.

Keep in mind, God chose us not because of who we are, but in spite of who we are.  There are those who would argue that Pastors should pursue other professions or step down, if they know they have issues.  But remember, most of us didn't sign up to be ministers and pastors, but God called us.  I love what I do, but I don't Pastor because I always wanted to do it.  I Pastor because it's what I have to do.  It's what God called me to do.  And until I receive new orders from God, I must stick with this assignment!

As for Bishop Eddie Long, I hope this stuff is false.  But if it's true, I hope he owns his actions, repents (turns away from this sinful behavior), and is given the grace that he deserves, and is restored.

Well, this is just a Pastor's perspective

I pray for him, his family, for the young men, and for the church, and all who will be impacted.

-Pastor Demetrius Davis
Sr. Pastor of Proviso Community Church/ CityPoint Community Church

http://www.citypointcc.org/

It's God's Church Stupid

Every now and then, in the midst of planning for the future of the ministry, tweaking budgets, and scores of other Sr. Pastor responsibilities, I'm reminded that this is God's church!  Now that has several implications:

1. Our Job is Not Worrying, but Working!  If God truly called us to this work, why should we ever be worried about what abilities or money we don't have?  This is God's business and He will supply every tool we need for every ministry endeavor He desires us to accomplish, to bring glory to His Name!
2. Keep your Sign Pointed in the Right Direction!  The ultimate purpose of highways is to get people to their destination.  Can you imagine a highway with no exit signs or exit arrows?  One would ask "what's the purpose of this highway?"  In ministry, our purpose is to point people to God's redemptive work through Jesus Christ, and to a lifestyle of obedience to God's word.  Therefore it's imperative that in everything we do, people are pointed in that direction.  Strive to be a Pastor or Christian that is guilty of pointing people "God-ward."  Otherwise, we're useless highways!  Remember, "It's God's Church Stupid."  It's fine to pray for people, but be sure to teach them that the power is from God, not you.  It's fine for people to respect you, but teach them to reverence God above all.
3. It Won't Work Without the Battery!  Ever tried operating your cell phone without the battery?  You can have a 4G iPhone with 1,000's of apps, and it be useless, without the battery!  That's what a church is like without God empowering it.  No ministry, no matter how slick the marketing strategy can be successful without God directing and empowering the church.
4. One Day We'll Have to Turn in our Work!  Leased cars never belong to us.  We just get to drive them.  One day they have to be turned in.  Be sure to lead your ministry that way.  Remember, "It's God's Church Stupid."  One day God will inspect the work that we've done, if I'm interpreting Colossians 1:28 correctly.  Also, be sure to drive the car in a way that takes into consideration that there may be a new driver after you.  We can't Pastor these churches forever.  In relation to time, it'll only be a little while.

Remember, "It's God's Church Stupid!"

Sunday Night Dump

This Sunday went really well. Gospel recording artist Bridgette Campbell-Croft blessed us tremendously with her voice! She is such an anointed singer. My prayer is that today's message "Faith in the Famine" helped restore the hibernating faith of the people. This week we're preparing for God to move in a mighty way on behalf of our congregation. Now is the time for us to Ask, Seek, and Knock for God's favor to rest on us. I hope to be able to share some exciting news next Sunday!

I had a very interesting conversation with my cousins and wife this evening about humility amongst black men. Admittedly, our "baller" mentality and sense of entitlement many times is wrapped up in our BIG EGO. I know Beyonce sings about it as if it's a good thing, but the word says that pride goes before destruction and a hauty spirit before a great fall. Could it be that for many of us, God has been sending us through tests and trials to get us to be more humble?

This week I'm committing myself to practicing intentional humility in every decision I make and every interaction. You should join me.

Share Your Fasting Experience So Far

Many of you have now begun on the journey with us on this 30-Day Fast for Spiritual Renewal. It's exciting already to see so many believers committing themselves to renewal and revival. This will prove to be a time of refreshment as well as revelation. God will and perhaps already has revealed some things to us about ourselves as we've begun to sanctify ourselves through prayer and fasting. For some of us we've learned that we're much weaker than we thought, but God is much stronger. For some of us we've learned that we can do things through God's strength that we could never do on our own.

Some of us have experienced God granting us a new found peace, gentleness, meekness, and humility that we haven't experienced in a long time. I know I have! What's been your experience so far? Share it by clicking on the comment link below. You never know who will be encouraged by your experience.

A Contribution from Yolanda James-Parks of PCC

Hi Pastor,

I just wanted to share during the fast too.

"Jehoshaphat was alarmed by this news and sought the LORD for guidance. He also gave orders that everyone throughout Judah should observe a fast". 2 Chronicles 20:3

The commentary for this passage says:

"When the nation was faced with disaster, Jehoshaphat called upon the people to get serious with God by going without food (fasting) for a designated time. By separating themselves from the daily routine of food preparation and eating , they could devote that extra time to considering their sin and praying to God for help. Hunger pangs would reinforce their penitence and remind them of their weakness and their dependence upon God. Fast still can be helpful today as we seek God's will in special situations."

Words of Encouragement

RESOLVE TO GET INVOLVED

"Get involved in your church, in your community, in the schools, and in mentoring programs. Unconditionally offer your time, talent, love, support, and money. Give for the joy of giving and not with the expectation of a return." Tavis Smiley

Sunday Night Dump

Today's worship experience was awesome! I'd been really intentional over the last few weeks in trying to get the music ministry back on track and they nailed it today! Veronica did it like only she can do it. We made some adjustments like moving the band off the stage so that the singers and musicians could see and communicate with each other. This worked out very well. Also, removing the drum noise from right behind the singers helped them hear themselves better. We also had ample time for sound check which made a huge difference. The crowd was pretty thick too! I had been praying that God would send a crowd today and He did just that. Lots of new visitors dropped in today, it's always good to see new faces in the place. I think we probably average 10 to a dozen visitors each week. The challenge now is to make our church sticky!

I challenged every member of our congregation during my sermon to step up to the plate and avail themselves to volunteer in some capacity within the church to take the load off me. I spend time throughout the week editing video, dealing with finance, administrative duties, and all kinds of other random busy work that pulls me away from my primary responsibility of preparing to preach a sound, practical, powerful word from the LORD.

Many members have already stepped up to the plate to take ownership. I'm sure there will be many more to follow. I thank God for the spirit of the people of PCC. They genuinely want to please God.

We also collected over 200 lbs of items to be donated to Atlanta flood victims. We'll be partnering with The Courageous Church (www.courageous.tv) in Atlanta to get this stuff to the people who need it. By the way I'd like to shout out to Pastor Shaun King, Lead Pastor of The Courageous Church for getting in the trenches with the people of ATL and simply being the church. Your courage has sparked a movement of generosity around the world!

Lastly, be in prayer with PCC as we prepare for God to use us more and more for the advancement of the kingdom in our neighborhood and beyond. For the next 30-days we'll be fasting from food (just water allowed) for 12-hours per day. Pick your own 12-hour span. This fast is for revival and spiritual renewal within our midst.

Let's do it together!

That's it for tonight.