After writing a recent post encouraging you to be an inviter I began thinking about a possible misunderstanding that could arise.  It would be a mistake if we began to think of the invite as something aimed at getting people to attend something.  Now, I’m not saying that we shouldn’t be asking those around us to come to Antioch Gathered, Family Group, or a Bible Study, but I am saying that our invite should not be to the “event.”

When we invite others we are inviting them first and foremost to Jesus.  If He is the focus and center of…

Today is what is called “Ash Wednesday” in church tradition.  It is a day when Christians have been called to recognize their mortality, their frailty, and more importantly their depravity.  Whether literally or figuratively we put on the ash that is a mark of our sad and fallen nature.  It is a time of profound realization that we desperately need a Savior.

This day is also the beginning of the season called “Lent.”  Much like Advent, it is a season of preparation.  Now, it has for many seemingly been relegated to 40 days of ‘giving things up.’ So, you might…

So, I just had a cool conversation with a friend.  He isn’t a part of Antioch (he is faithful to another church family), but knows many of us who are.  He is aware of how God is at work among us and has a great appreciation for that.

He told me a about a family that he is close to. Recently they talked about finding a church that would be a fit for them. He strongly suggested they come to Antioch (for a host of reasons). So, they plan to come this week! How cool is that.

Here’s what I…

We have been without access since arriving in Haiti. I am sorry that we could not do daily updates. There is no Internet at all in Plaisance. We traveled 45 mins today to the Christian University Limbe and they provided us access. The trip is going great. The entire team has been a blessing. We have seen God do great things. Around 140 people have have professed Christ as we witnessed on the streets of the city. Food was distributed to those in need through local churches. Clothing was also provided through the churches. The VBS team worked with up…

Many of you are aware that we have a team going to Haiti from July 8-20.  We will be doing our best to blog daily from Haiti, but it will depend on our ability to get a good internet connection at the local internet cafe.  You can follow us here. Our team leaves Louisville on Friday at 6:30am.  Please pray for safe travels to Port-au-Prince.  We will overnight there and then head to Plaisance on Saturday.

Here is some info on the trip:

Plaisance is a city of around 50,000 people in the Northern hill region of Haiti (19° 36′…

So, I read a tweet from a comedian a few minutes ago. It said, “Now that Easter is almost over, you can go back to acting like an atheist again.”  Wow, what do you think about that? Could he be right? Do most folks really live as practical atheists throughout the year and then put on a Christian facade a couple of times along the way?  That’s not funny at all.

Let me say it this way. If you are not a Christ follower, come on back.  You are missing so much. Each week in homes and other gathering places,…

We remember, reflect, and repent. We commit to sacrifice, engage, and anticipate.
Some Scriptures to ponder especially on Ash Wednesday:

Genesis 3
19 “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
Job 42
5 “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you;? 6therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”
Mark 1
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee,…

As you may know, Ash Wednesday is a special day on the historical church calendar when the church has marked the realization that we are mortal and sinful.  While emphasis in many traditions is placed upon rituals and the act of placing ashes on the forehead in the sign of the cross, the real essence of the day is about repentance.  As the first day of Lent it is a time to be mindful of our sinfulness and to repent and turn away from the sins that so easily creep…