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!"