how you feeling?

It’s Saturday morning.

Not any ordinary Saturday morning.

www.lovestoke.orgvolunteers are out painting school toilets & litter picking around the same school in the Trentham area of our city. Trentham is a southern suburb that is affluent; professional; middle class; and desperately disenfranchised from our city. It has been reported that Trentham wants to go it alone and leave the city boundary.

This is no ordinary Saturday morning because tomorrow we (BCC) plant our second congregation in the school mentioned above in the heart of Trentham. This is no ordinary morning because 20 months ago we embarked on a journey to build an extraordinary, new breed of church in my home city. This last month has seen the realisation of this with continued growth, development of leaders, recording of a live album, establishing several campuses across the city & now our second congregation.

‘Burbs Family is specifically designed congregation with 21st century suburban family life in mind.

BCC is fast maturing into a next level church, some might say, a premiership church. All I know is that I am not the same person who arrived back in Stoke on Trent 20 months ago.

When I say, ‘not the same’ person, I am but, I’m not.

I have become so consumed with Jesus & building great church that some of the stuff that runs alongside I really have no time for. I am very much in the ‘Jehu season’ of life where I am SO focused on fulfilling the stuff that Jesus is interested in that much of the ‘other stuff’ that possibly other churches, even pastors do, I have no interest.

I’m kind of living the ‘no frills’ leadership which, to the consumerist christian, would really be too abrasive to cope with as it demands a ‘no frills’ demand & challenge to cast all religious nonsense off and get down to the real business of pursuing Christ & His great commission.

‘Burbs Family is not ‘another’ congregation.

If you want comfortable, don’t bother.

If you want to make a difference, bother.

I live in Trentham.

I bother that people feel disenfranchised with the rest of the city. I bother that when the facade of prosperity is stripped away there may be huge houses but not many homes. I bother that there is a large percentage of people in Trentham that used to walk well with Jesus & now don’t. I bother that a greater percentage of Trentham may seem to have much but how will that help them in eternity?

Tomorrow I’m involved in planting a congregation in the heart of Trentham.

Why?

Simply because I feel like it.

Because I bother.

How you feeling?

What you doing tomorrow?

Yours Faithfully (24th June ‘09)

This coming Sunday (28th) Bethel City Church is launching, due to its unprecedented growth, a new congregation in the heart of Trentham. This congregation is like no other; ‘Burbs Family congregation is specifically designed with family life in the suburbs in mind.

Why do I tell you this? Why would we, as a church, feel that this is so important to do?

Margaret Mead once said, “Nobody has ever before asked the nuclear family to live all by itself in a box the way we do.  With no relatives, no support, we’ve put it in an impossible situation. ”

It is my belief that holistic family life is an essential ingredient for the success and healthy development of a city.

If this is correct, we have to ask ourselves, “How much help do we give this thing called ‘family’?”

Family life is often described in two ways. The first is that it is similar to a harbour in which we find refuge from the storms of life. From the early experiences of falling over as a toddler to the devastation from the storms of life, the family is always there to give shelter and protection.

The second common description is that families are like fudge – mostly sweet with a few nuts. We can mostly testify that both descriptions carry weight!

My concern for our city is that we fail to invest properly into this essential ingredient called family and thus family becomes dysfunctional. Therefore the long term effect is that our children grow up believing this dysfunctional unit is normal and then gravitate towards people and situations that mimic the dysfunctional that they recognise.

This is not healthy for the people of Stoke on Trent.

Bethel City Church is committed to ‘Burbs Family congregation in the heart of Trentham because family is important.

Your family is important.

Here are some practical things that help Becky (my wife) and our 2 young boys (6 & 3) get by in the speed and hassle of 21st century living:

1. Downtime – try, at least once a week to have a few hours where you date your family. Date trips don’t have to cost the earth. Honestly your family find you of far more worth than money!

2. Laugh – life is tough. Really tough. In the season of economic hardships, stress, anxiety & pressure learning to laugh with each other really does relieve the strain.

3. Together – very often we decide on a project, not that it needs doing so much as, we need to do something together. I suppose the buzz word would be interaction. Pick a project from decorating to gardening and do it together. Don’t worry if the project ends in disaster, enjoy the time spent together. Who you are is more important than what you do!

4. Space – in saying the above, you count too. Parents, children & the individual need to learn to not be so demanding sometimes. Learn to give each other some space. Don’t use this as excuse but recognise that each person is different with differing needs.

5. Talk – it amazes me how many of us, in family life, shout at each other. Don’t! Listen, shouting isn’t always the best way to get your point over. Learn to communicate in a way that will not cause the roof to be blasted off. We are learning to speak to each other how we would like to be spoken to.

6. Surprise – do something that brings a smile to your family. Don’t expect them to always be there for you. You be there for them. Do that job. Clean that room. Make that cake. Do something that brings a smile!

7. Privilege – realise that you are. For each of us that has a family, many others don’t. To have a family is such a privilege. Don’t take it for granted. This is your family & no one else’s. You are privileged. Treat them special because you don’t get another!

I’m not an expert, just a bloke learning how best to get through this adventure called life.

Hope it helps.

dangerous church

I’m sat in bed.

Day off.

Lap top on lap!

Reflecting on the position that BCC finds itself in 21 months after Becky and I moved home to Stoke on Trent.

Last Sunday at our City Gathering we recorded our first ‘live’ album and this month of June sees us launch our 2nd congregation ‘Burbs Family. Alongside this we are resident in Abbey Hulton (Main Campus); Hanley (City Youth); Fenton (When… distributions); and we own a premises in Meir (ST3 The Treehouse) which is a major building project that is slow due to economic crisis the banks are facing.

The reality of BCC situation is one that no longer can we be called a church of potential! We are stepping into being a church of potential ‘realised’.

This changes things.

Why?

Honestly, I think that whatever principalities or demonic forces or ‘whatever’ opposition to the extension of His Kingdom really don’t listen to our talking but as soon as talking becomes a reality, they sit up and notice.

All of a sudden we are now maturing and facing huge steps of faith. All of a sudden it’s like we graduated to the battle field of city transformation.

All of a sudden you discover the men from the boys.

I have never been in this place. This place of a whole new level.

I like it!

I was talking to a much admired friend of mine who has gone the distance and whom I look up to (www.davegilpin.com) and as we discussed BCC’s awesome journey and phenomenal season, I began to realise that this is it!

This is where I always new the battle was.

I even thought that I was cutting it previously.

But you cross a line where there is no going back.

BCC crossed that line!

No going back.

BCC is a provocative statement of faith to Stoke on Trent.

BCC is a dangerous church.

BCC is a city transforming church.

There is no backing out now!

This is for real!

Building dangerous church is work giving your life for!

Really.

It is!

You in?

disciple?

As a house we seem, in the midst of continuing growth, that we are leaking people.

I’ve looked at those, or the track record of those, leaving and there are some real historical traits.

A refusal to tithe; an apathetic level of commitment; a dislike for challenge; an almost Pharisaical regard for ‘protecting’ the truth; & an ability to spiritualise gossip. All done whilst smiling at me – Senior Pastor.

I have no problem these people leaving as obviously they are not with us or connected to the culture, vision and heartbeat of BCC. God bless them in their next chapter. I hope and pray that their ‘issues’ don’t follow them (I think they will!!)

I do have a passion, even an excitement at the strength of discipleship and maturity that we are developing. It is like the fat is being burnt as the training of an athlete continues!

We are getting real fit!

Below is a kind of check list regarding discipleship:

1. Fruitfulness in our service for God (Matt 25:14-30) [this means more than lip service]

2. A humble attitude and a willingness to serve others (John 13:12-17)

3. A standard of excellence in our lives in general (2 Corinthians 13:11)

4. A close relationship with Jesus (Galatians 2:20)

5. The fruit of the Spirit manifest in our lives (Gal 5:22-23)

6. A stable, consistent and holy walk before God and man (Eph 4:11-16)

7. A solid knowledge of Gods word and discernment as a result (Heb 5:13/ 6:2)

Church growth is great.

Church strength in maturity & mobilisation is even better.

What is really humbling?

BCC is experiencing BOTH!

Yours Faithfully (article for Sentinel)

12 months ago, I did a terrible thing!

It was so disastrous that I’m afraid that I am about to pay a hefty price!

Due to my bold, even audacious comments that I would complete the Potters ’Arf  in less than 2 hours, this Sunday proves whether I was truthful in my declaration or merely a bag of wind!

The declaration wouldn’t have been so bad except for me making such a statement in front of my congregation of several hundred young people eager to hold me to the ‘2 hours’.

12 months ago I began training. Sunday is coming!

The interesting thing in this story is not the fact that I made such a bold statement of intent, or even that I’m a minister and should be in church on Sunday, not even running around this city like a headless chicken. The interesting thing, for me, is the response of the people in our congregation.

I said something and the people are committed to holding me to it.

I believe that this is the fundamental reason why so many people in our society are voting the way that they are. I hear much of this ‘protest vote’ and wonder why. I think I may know the reason why.

The reason, I believe, is because our leaders and those in governmental positions are heard saying much but we all know that actions speak louder than words.

Credibility, reputation and integrity are essentials for ‘quality leadership’ which produces ‘quality followship’. However, these essentials don’t merely happen because of what we say. Like fruit, they are developed over time. Our words are merely the face. People need to see the substance, or the fruit, from our words. Once they see that we mean business and are committed to the long haul, then they begin to trust, even believe in the words.

One of the crazes that grips this google generation is Twitter. I have to confess that I am addicted to Twitter. A friend of mine recently sent a tweet that said, ‘We should ask God why there is such poverty but He may ask us the same question’.

When I look at the headlines about ‘Expenses’, it makes me think my friend was right! What the recent headlines have shown me is that the voters primarily base their opinions on whether or not the people that they are voting for can be trusted. They look at their character before their charisma! When people, like myself, who are in positions of responsibility fail to deliver on that which we have stated then we have to understand that people will feel let down and disappointed. Leaders have to realise that ‘when good men fail to do nothing, evil prevails’.

I began traing 12 months ago. Setting the alarm. Getting up early. Pounding the pavement for, initially minutes, now hours on end. Then the change in diet and surrendering my beloved curry. I even came to the point of lifting weights. 4 stone lighter & a lot fitter I’m ready for the challenge of Sunday!

All of this done hidden away in the quiet, not on show.

In order to be leaders of which people can depend upon, we have to be people of substance. In otherwords, that which is done in the background, when no one is watching will make us into the people in the foreground that everybody sees. Integrity, credibility & reputation don’t just happen!

 

Leaders, people in positions of authority and government, please, we must be seen to be people of our word, not merely a bag of wind.

Sunday is coming!

The Purpose of Repurposing… (1st chapter)

Dear reader,

earlier today I had a conversation regarding the ethos behind all that Bethel City Church stands for and the message that we bring to the glorious city to which we are called.

The conversation was one that caused me to think intently regarding our journey of becoming Bethel City Church; the journey of which you are about to read.

The purpose of repurposing is quite simple for me.

Very simple!

I look at Matthew 16 (TM) where Jesus describes the Church that he WILL build as one that is ’so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out’. I read Jesus’ description and then look at where we were at the start of this journey. The church was not one that could match the description that Jesus gave.

We have allowed our traditions and preferences to become the boundaries of our existence and thus been prevented fulfilling that which we were designed.

The purpose of repurposing is simply to become all that Jesus intended the church to be.

Jesus is building HIS church.

Bethel City Church is now ‘expansive with energy’ and there is evidence that the ‘gates of hell’ are not able to keep us out of this city. lives are changed; homes are restored; hearts are healed and we are wreaking havoc for Jesus across this awesome city.

The journey you are about to read is adrenaline fueled, Jesus centered & Holy Spirit inspired. The decision was made to put this journey on paper to encourage and inspire you – the reader – to believe that Jesus’ design for the church is possible!

It is our prayer that you enjoy this book as much as we have enjoyed the journey.

Keep going for it,

James Galloway

Senior Pastor, Bethel City Church

type:daniel

I have returned from AoG conference inspired to prepare a series, which we’ll be rolling out at Bethel City Church over the next few weeks, that is dedicated to my musings of last week regarding Daniel.

At conference, which was fresh and actually showed real signs to turning a generational corner, I had great conversations of encouragement regarding that which is happening here in Stoke on Trent, England!

As I pondered the conversations on the way home to Stoke on Trent, I wondered if the ‘hook’ for people was the results that we are seeing? This wasn’t from a sceptical viewpoint but one that I considered as I read the exploits of Daniels life.

I saw that he saw and experienced great things and wondered ‘how did he achieve such heights?’

Due to the following musings I will not disclose Daniels ‘heights’. You look for yourself if you must.

As I read Daniel, I discovered that he made decisions regarding lifestyle and discipline, not due to a desire for ‘heights’ but because of a passion for his God.

Here’s the deal: we are so driven  by ‘heights’ or ‘results’ that we may be victims of using a life devoted to God as a formulae to achieve ambition.

I apologise if the above is obscenely offensive, but as I look at my own life, I bring such a challenge.

I want to be a Daniel type of person! I want to be a person that because of the convictions of my heart, a passion for my King; and acknowledgement of who my life belongs to, chooses to (1:8) be ‘determined not to be defiled’ by the world in which I live!

I choose to not taste alcohol or the temptational taste of a generation but would rather dine with my King and feast on His word. I choose to change the state of play in my life in order to establish and accelerate my unquenchable thirst for a closer walk with my God.

This choice is not one of legal or dealing with guilt from the past but one of passionate love and recognition that He is my all.

The result is not a consideration. The path and journey with my King is fulfilment.

I want to model type:daniel to my generation.

the pressure’s on/ breakthrough’s at hand

Here we are stepping into the 5th month of 2009. Our ‘Year of Expansion’!

Thus far it has been a real challenging time handling the growth and expansion that we are experiencing. It is real interesting that no-one ever talks or trains you for this season that we are in! Maybe due to many ’speakers’ on leadership not actually having experienced to such zany growth? Maybe our leadership training forums are more theoretical in design and what we really need is the seasoned practitioners inputting their wealth of experience!?!

At this moment in time BCC is in such crucial time of breakthrough! We have Meir (st3) and the fast financial burden that it is putting on the Main Campus is really testing. We have ‘When…’ (st1) moving in 6 weeks to a new campus & City Youth looking for a new premises which we are attempting to put an audacious bid together to take over one of the most deprived nightclubs and turn in into a fountain of life for the next generation. We have our Trentham (st4) congregational launch fast approaching. We have the major possibility of the council releasing a community centre to us (st2) as well as our eyes fixed on introducing BCC to the tunstall  (st6) area of the city. Add to this the burglary that our Main Campus (st2) experienced, time is real interesting!!

This is all zany and incredibly pressurising especially in the area of finances.

So you could say that ‘the pressure is on’. But is it?

See all of the above do carry real issues and burden financially but they all produce real capacity to handle more people and more changed lives.

The deal is, I feel the pressure but i choose to taste the breakthrough that is at hand!

Psalm 27 is such a comfort and so applicable to our situation. My heart resonates with its content and the depths of my spiritual man stand tall when I read it!

v13 begins to conclude with the decision of the writer to be confident f the LORDS goodness whilst in the land of the living and the determination to

Wait patiently

Be brave

& courageous.

to again wait patiently for the LORD.

God is positioning us for greatness and we have to develop the capacity for that which lies ahead.

5 campus by September…

I choose to be confident in my Jesus!

after all he did tell us that He was going to build His church which would be so expansive with energy that even the gates of hell would not prevail!

choosing change

I heard a phrase that I have made a decision to engage with in such a way that it is beginning to change my life completely from the inside out. The phrase is:

‘Sometimes the limitations you are willing to accept establish the boundaries of your existence.’

On hearing this I began to analyse how I conduct myself, my paradigms, my working practise and even my relationships. It began to dawn on me that  ‘aspiration’ is possibly missing from the generation of which I am apart of.

It is interesting that I say this as TV and other forms of media are constantly promoting the fact that ‘Britain has got talent’ or we must find the ‘X-Factor’. But this is not necessarily what I am commenting on. I refer to the generational boundaries that we have allowed to restrict our vision of the future.

I love Stoke on Trent! In my opinion it is the best city on the planet. One of the great things about this city is the fantastic sense of community and close family networks. However, is it possible that we have allowed such a positive dimension of our culture to limit our success in the future?

When reading the press or listening to the radio I often hear the same pattern of thought which constantly perpetuates the same mindset. This mindset infers that because it has always been this way, it always will be.

This is the place where we inherit limitations, thus establishing the boundaries of our existence.

I believe that the next generation doesn’t have to live below the ceiling of the previous generation. If we are to breakthrough to new horizons as a city could I suggest the following strategy:

Firstly, learn to be creative and think differently. It’s like the little girl who asked her mum one Christmas why she cut the sides off the turkey before it went in the oven. Her mother simply replied, ‘Because Mum did it’. The girl thought about this and then asked Gran the same question, to which Gran replied, ‘Because Mum did it.’ After even much more thought, as they were sat around Christmas dinner, the little girl turned to Great Gran and politely asked, ‘Great Gran, why did you cut the sides off the turkey before placing it in the oven to roast?’ Great Gran pondered and answered, ‘My dear child, our ovens were small back then so it was the only way the turkey would fit in Why they do it now I have no idea. Have you seen the size of the ovens nowadays?’

All because our parents thought that way doesn’t that mean we have to adopt the same philosophy. The Bible says, ‘As a man thinketh, so he is’. How about we change the way we think?

Secondly, refuse to believe in the word ‘can’t’. Again, the Bible says, ‘From the overflow of our heart, the mouth speaks.’ Using the word ‘can’t’ immediately puts a stop on progress. Even our armed services understand this and thus ban the word ‘can’t’ in their training regimes.

Adidas recently ran an advertising campaign entitled ‘Impossible is Nothing’. I agree. We should adopt this philosophy then our perception of life and the city in which we live takes on a whole new look.

And thirdly, it is easy to be a sceptic but it takes courage and tenacity to believe. After watching the model set by Stoke City this season, we must understand that accepting defeat results in defeat but refusing to lie down and listen to the sceptic creates a passion and resilience that sees even the mighty conquered. That David and Goliath  philosophy, that is prepared to believe in taking the steps that are required to see change embraced. Our future is bright if we are brave enough to believe.

Aim at nothing and success is guaranteed. Aim at 110% and a just miss results in a great achievement. Maybe there is a new generation in town that is refusing to accept past limitations.

challenge to change

I have just had a meeting with Rhi (BCC Youth Pastor) whose report this week for City Youth attendance figures show 170+ which, being a former youth pastor is pretty good (very good) going, especially as it only started in September. City Youth are now resident in 8 senior schools across the city. They are organising mission trips in Europe and other adventurous activities. Ben (BCC Student Pastor) also informs me that over 100 students are apart of BCC.

 

I’m telling you this for generational purposes. Over 270 under 23 year old people are apart of BCC which clearly shows a new generation of church. I make the presumption that other churches can possibly report similar trends.

 

My suggestion to The Church is whether or not we are ready to embrace the change that is required to accommodate that which God is evidently doing? The churches that can respond dramatically and swiftly will advance. It is my believe that those that don’t respond swiftly will cease to exist. This is not pointing to the notion of 21^st Century Church as it is not one that I am pursuing due to my understanding that it is a former generations’ revelation as since the early 90’s which my father(s) talked of, and modelled. My challenge is that The Church catches the new breed of church, leadership and philosophy that actually isn’t new at all but is a radical and raw attempt to rip the religious practice and mindset from off the church and get back to the tenacious, innocent, youthful, energetic and revolution modelled by the 1^st century church.

 

There may be too much to loose to pursue such a radical repurposing? However, if Church chooses not to, we could loose another generation. There is much talk of a new day. I believe it to be more penetrative as God is leading A NEW GENERATION!

Bethel City Church has been transformed into a NEXT GENERATION/ NEW BREED church and the results are phenomenal. Honestly, face the challenge, the grass is greener on the other side!