Sunday was awesome.

Really awesome.

But not how you might think.

Oh yes, it was loud, exuberant, excellent, passionate, Jesus-centred & salvation again was in the house. That was awesome. But not how you think.

The band rocked, I preached good (I think), AV & lights were the coolest I’ve seen them. That was awesome. But not how you think.

The Sunday we broke 500 was awesome because years ago, I had a yearning that church could be redefined for future generations. Years ago I was told that it couldn’t happen.

Sunday I began to see, not only the start of an awesome journey for an expansive, expressive, provocative, even dangerous church that is beginning to believe that it can happen in Stoke on Trent; the reality of a dream I’ve held for nearly 20 years.

Since Sunday I have had some real interesting reactions from leaders around the city. Some like my co-labourers Danny Chan (Penkhull Christian Fellowship) & Sean Smith (Hope Community Church) have been so supportive & Kingdom minded. I so love building church in the same city as these guys!

Other reactions have been questioning how many of ‘that 500 are merely transfer growth’ or ,’it’s a shame that folk couldn’t have been so excited about their last church,’ even, ’something must be wrong down there for it to be growing so fast.’

Sunday was awesome because it again proved to me that no matter what the thoughts of man, Jesus always builds His church. If you are rude & brave enough to take Jesus at His word, you’re privileged enough to see it happen, even be a part of it.

Bethel City Church, I am so excited about our future in this great city. My friend Danny text me reminding me that it is often said that it is harder to break 500 than to go from 500 to a thousand.

We have not arrived.

We are only 2 years in.

We are only just getting going!!

I got back from a flying visit to Milan last night.

It was awesome!

I even got the opportunity to visit the epic cathedral in the centre of this great city.

As I stood and gazed at the fantastic architecture, I chose the mindset that gave me confidence that the huge monument was designed and erected for the glory of God.

As I viewed this colossal facility I imagined what Church would be today if we could create such an immense declaration to our generation. It would be awesome if churches being planted right now could be given such a site, finance & resource to build such facilities.

Then I believe that I felt the breath of God whisper something so challenging & inspiring that it has totally altered my determination to build church. I thought I was determined before. Now I’m ruthlessly determined!

What I believe God whispered into my heart was this:

‘If you fail to hand on momentum to the next generation all you give them is a monument.’

I’m stood in awe of a monument from the past when I could have been looking at a colossal momentum if the past generation had been more committed to the future than preserving the past.

Ephesians 2 (TM) tells us:

‘Now He’s using you, fitting you brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all parts together. We see it taking shape day after day – a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.’

I’m more determined than ever to see Bethel City Church built into something that our kids won’t merely remember, but stand upon.

We aren’t doing church & life together to preserve the past victories, we’re in this to set up, then next victory.

An old pentecostal pioneer called George Oldershaw once said, ‘Hats off to the past; coats off to the future.’

The past has gripped the Church for too long.

I’m determined to ensure the hands of the past let go so that we can put the church into the hands of the future.

I refuse to allow a monument to be preserved of a great past to grip today’s skyline. We must create & hand on momentum that will create memories for the next generation.

Recently BCC recorded & produced our first ‘live’ album. Entitled ‘Something More’ this CD is a collection of songs written by a new generation of Christians. The old hymns that Church has sung over the centuries are fantastic, but there is a newness to Church that many people don’t know about because we struggle to let go of the past.

The past & possibly the present may find change uncomfortable, even unconventional; but to hand momentum onto the future, our tomorrow demands it.

This ability to change is not merely for Church to learn, our whole city has to learn to handle change. The way we have operated has merely brought us to the place & situation that we find ourselves today. Our tomorrow will be different if we learn to manage change correctly.

I never really did the social networking thing. It kind of reminded me that there were too many people that didn’t have a ‘real’ life & thus created an ‘e.life’.

After seeing the MYPSACE thing happen & then watch BEBO, I was concrete in my opinion which was more than helped by FACEBOOK in that, following a good start, was high-jacked by e.pharisees who seemed top be hell-bent on critising anyone who wanted to step up and do something for God.

FACEBOOK and its gossip culture really did confirm my unpopular belief that social networking sites were really an excuse for unbusy (or  busy bodies) people to fill their day & our world with total and utter nonsense.

Then Wayne Gough introduced me to this thing called Twitter.

Now I’m hooked.

Honestly, it’s awesome.

I’m a headline guy.

If you can’t say it in 140 characters then ‘email my PA/speak to my Executive Pastor.’

Here are 10 reasons why I Twitter…

1. Twitter has a positive culture.

2. Twitter is way more expansive that group texting.

3. Twitter is the new church billboard.

4. Twitter gives me the opportunity to be in the lives of some HUGE men & women of God.

5. Twitter is fast & easy.

6. Twitter gives me opportunity to converse the good news of BCC in an instant rather than waiting for Sunday.

7. Twitter is helping me think about the overflow of my heart. I write tweets & dont send them because ‘reactive’ thoughts are not beneficial.

8. Twitter gives me the chance to beat Wayne Gough at something – I got more followers!!!!! (At last, I’ve beaten him at something!!!! YEH!!!!!)

9. Twitter introduces me to a whole world of leadership resource.

10. Twitter keeps me fresh – digital generation needs leaders who are involved, not mere consultants.

This is why I Twitter.

I’m beginning to see that there is an underlining difference with those that breakthrough & those that plod on.

Throughout my life I have witnessed men & women of integrity, who are so spiritual, who pray earnestly, plod on and never experience breakthrough.

Then I come along all innocent, learning every step of the way, flying by the seat of my pants, really just trying to keep up with Jesus & we get explosive growth numerically, financially, buildings, staff, influence and much more.

What’s the deal?

How does that work?

The more I ask the questions the less I see the answers.

Before BCC, I knew the theory; I’d even preached it & trained people in it. In all honesty – what was all that about?

Now I’m in the thick of it.

Luke 18:40 shows the story of a blind beggar who is asked of Jesus, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’

I think this is it.

If your steps are ordained by God, or you’re cheeky enough to be in the right place at the right time; if Jesus asks you this question; if you are hard faced enough to answer & if you’ve got the face to put up with all the junk that people throw at you; then I believe Jesus answers.

I wonder if there was a blind beggar near by who thought, ‘Why him & not me?’

All I know is that I’m absolutely privileged to be pastoring such an awesome church. All I know is that this is not man-made. All I know is Jesus is building His church & I get to go along for the ride.

People ask, ‘How did you get your church to grow so fast?’

I answer, ‘Haven’t got a clue.’

What I do know is that when Jesus builds there is an awful lot of other stuff that happens.

1. People stop speaking to you.

2. People start speaking to you.

3. Nasty stuff is said & done.

4. Miraculous stuff is said & done.

5. If you’re not willing to pay the price, delivery never comes.

6. If you are willing to pay the price, delivery comes every time.

7. I know less now than I did then.

8. Criticism becomes part of the journey. Let it bounce off.

9. Praise becomes part of the journey. Let it bounce off.

10. The main thing is keeping the main thing the main thing.

11. There is much that distracts.

12. You won’t last if your eyes ain’t fixed on Jesus.

The beggar was in the right place at the right time; he heard Jesus’ question; he responded boldly; he responded to Jesus’ miracle by following & praising.

This is what I know.

2 years ago we started repurposing church.

18 months ago, we started growing. we’ve kept growing. our first Sunday consisted of 62 people. we think the next few months we’ll break 500 over our 2 congregations!?!

to ensure we grow in a healthy way we set up courses that would help people get connected to Christ & church properly.

these courses have proven to be immensely successful running 3-4 times a year.

last night a new season of courses started and there was 71 people registered.

BCC keeps growing.

71 is a major sign that things here are HOT! Jesus is building His church. I am very encouraged.

at least 71 people have been added to the house over the summer period.

i love another 71 people.

another 71 reasons why moving to stoke on trent was SO the right move!

another 71 thank yous to Father God.

another 71 living stones that are to be empowered to build a house that glorfies God & breathes life into this awesome city!

71

Hey church,

I trust that you are well and enjoying the ride of a life time here at Bethel City Church. BCC truly is bouncing and breaking through to new heights that many thought impossible! This new season will see things crank up again as we begin to operate on a WNL (Whol’Nother Level!).

You know, it is often said than ineffective or lethargic churches focus on re-enlisting inactive people, but growing, effective and progressive churches focus on reaching receptive people.

Here at BCC, we are passionate about raising an army of people who are committed to seeing our city transformed. People who have the mindset of Jonathan and his armour bearer in 1 Samuel 14. We don’t want to sit under the pomegranate tree and chill; we want to invade our city with the reality of the message of Jesus.

I’m amazed at church leaders who love to play the numbers game. I’m amazed at church leaders who hate to play the numbers game. Very often I get to experience the environment where leaders gather & ‘how many?’ is always in the conversation. I love how it doesn’t matter ‘how effective’ your church is, or ‘how influential’ your church is, but it’s ‘how many’ that matters. Here at BCC I am absolutely committed to taking a biblical approach to building church. When I look at BCC, I am not concerned how many ‘bums on seats’ we have; I’m interested in how many ‘bums off seats’ we have. I know that we are growing at such a phenomenal rate but what thrills me is how strong, mature & significant we are becoming.

We all know the verse that says ‘Issachar understood the times and knew what Israel should do’ (1 Chronicles 12:32); but many don’t see how Issachar was counted. 1 Chronicles 7 shows us that the tribe was counted according to ‘the total number of mighty warriors’ (v5 NLT). Here at BCC, we are not a convalescent pool of attendees; a mere head count, we are church made up of all-stars, champions, gladiators & city transformers. If you make Bethel City Church your home, you’ll get comfortable at being uncomfortable. Every Sunday you’ll find a seat but you’ll only need the edge of it for a short space of time!

It is my firm opinion that God is looking for us to be a next level, premiership church that produces & develops premiership Christians committed to breaking out of mediocrity, religious restrictions & stepping into a destiny of abundance & victory.

In these next few months be the best that you can be, accept no less and expect a WNL of God’s favour on your life!

after 2 years completed of repurposing church I have learnt much.

BCC is now an awesome church that has experienced a huge shift & i have shifted immensely too.

Here is what I have learnt:

1. the reason why most churches aren’t repurposed is it is real hard.

2. the real reason why most churches don’t get repurposed is because the people in them don’t want change. they may say they do. but they dont!

3. if you repurpose church then get ready because the church you start with will leave (mostly). the ones that stay do so because of you! the ones that leave thought you were there to make their life hell, or heaven. Once they realise your serious about repurposing, they’ll leave.

4. repurpose all the while because more will come!

5. growth is overrated. if you want growth. work hard!

6. church wont grow, or be repurposed for that matter, if you don’t work hard.

7. learn to delegate. however, realise that delegation only works if the person who delegates works.

8. people prefer to believe the lies & gossip.

9. other people see the truth & give their lives to the cause. these are the people you think on, build on & focus on. the others don’t need any focus or attention – they do that for themselves real good!

10. learn to lead (this doesn’t necessarily mean ‘be liked’) nb. people will love you for your ministry, not for your leadership.

11. keep focused on what God has instructed you to do. whatever you do, don’t be hijacked into firing other peoples bullets.

12. culture is MASSIVE!

13. culture is bigger than 12. is telling you!

14. 13. isn’t exaggerating.

15. enjoy the adventure. please don’t take yourself seriously. the best way of doing this is laughter!

16. prayer & fasting is the hidden backbone to it all.

17. 16. is for real – do it! make it a lifestyle or you’ll die! (or be killed by those that have left & those that lie)

18. build a premiership team that have the God given qualities to build a premiership church – then heap loads & loads of love on them.

19. laugh

20. NEVER, never be restricted by the past.

21. get loads of advice from people who have done it before.

22. not many people have repurposed church before.

23. when you have repurposed church, write a list of things that people can learn from your journey.

24. learn to count

none of the above includes systems, managemet styles, diagrams or gant charts. there are lots of people who have done them.

repurposing.

have a go.

One of the most scary moments in a young person’s life is the day they move out of home. Don’t get me wrong, it’s exciting, adventurous & adrenaline fueled. All the same, it’s scary.

Right now hundreds of thousands of Freshers will be leaving home for university & in all the excitement I still recognise the ’scared’ look in the eyes of the Fresher.

I’ll tell you why this branching out is a scary thing.

Mum, Dad: you may not have realised it but your son & daughter love you dearly, they cherish you and hold you in high esteem. However, they know your life inside out. They have been apart of it for a long time. They have seen the parts that the outside world haven’t seen. They have seen life without the make up or mask.

They have lived under your roof; with your rules & rituals & it has been such a privilege.

But.

Now.

It’s their turn.

The level of life that they have grown accustomed to is not their ceiling.

It’s their starting point.

You have given them a better starting point than ever expected.

It is now the scary realisation that they have to set their own level of expectancy.

You know in church life, very often the previous generation get offended when the next generation raise the bar. It is often seen as condescending or dishonouring.

It isn’t.

What the previous generation needs to realise is we have grown up now & we are privileged to be standing on the shoulders of giants. It’s just..

The ceiling we used to live under is our starting point.

We don’t live under your roof anymore.

We’re building on the legacy you left us.

Thank you.

We know we have loads to learn. Please remember though, you have taught us an awful lot.

You make our start more advantageous than you give yourselves credit for.

Luke 21 from The Message has a great line which helps me convey this seed of thought:

‘…don’t let the sharp edge of your expectation be dulled…’

Here’s the deal.

Please church, don’t hold the now generation back by judging their audacious, provocative, even dangerous, faith-filled, somewhat naive & adrenaline fueled behaviour by the level of your ceiling.

You have given us such a start.

Deep down, you don’t want us to only achieve what you achieved. Deep down, you know that you were only building a platform for us to inherit.

We are so grateful.

Please, like the parent of the Fresher, champion the now generation of church.

We are standing on your shoulders…

… and we are not living under your roof anymore.

Our expectations will not be dulled…

…you have given us a great start & we are determined to make the most of it…

Thankyou.

Today is a very special day as it celebrates the start of year 3 in this absolute awesome adventure. On arriving in Stoke on Trent God really did bless the work of our hand & momentum was built extremely quickly. As I look over my blogs I revisit His tremendous grace as we dealt with extremely unusual activity.

I am fully aware that every Pastor has what is described as a ‘honeymoon’ period. I haven’t had one of these. If I have, then we are still in it.

I say that we haven’t had a ‘honeymoon’ period because all we are doing is being deliberately simple & following Jesus. The amazing thing for some is, IT WORKS!

Jesus first words to those that, in time, would build church was ‘Follow me’ (Mark 1:17). He is still saying it today!

If you want to build great church, don’t copy, don’t strategise, don’t manipulate or coerce. Simply Follow Jesus!

It is His church after all.

I  find it amazing that people are surprised at what is happening here at BCC. Jesus said that He would build His church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell would be able to keep it out (TM).

Why are we surprised when it happens?

At the start of year 3 I can honestly say that BCC isn’t slowing down. Actually, it is pretty evident that we are just getting going!

BCC – an adventure of a life time!

Dear City,

I wanted to write to you and let you into a not so hidden secret.

Here at Bethel City Church, we have intentionally made a decision to refuse to patronise you by being a convalenscence pool, but we are committed to championing you  to be the best that you can be.

It is my firm and resolute belief that God has placed potential  in each one of us and it is my desire that we fulfil the God-given potential that is within us; that we reach heights that others merely dream of.

I absolutely believe that all of us have a destiny and purpose in life and by refusing to deal with the stuff that we face as a city, we excuse ourselves from the challenge of what it is to be truly be an awesome city in the heart of the nation.

Scripture teaches that there are two types of people. One lives in the wilderness and has everything provided but actually go nowehere and die where they started. The other is a people who live in the Promised Land. They have to learn what it is to wage war, take down giants, fight in line and conquer cities. Bethel City Church is not a wilderness church; we are a Promised Land church believing that the people of this city are destined to conquer the giants of the past; wage war against poverty; refuse to allow the pervading atmosphere of medicority to dictate. It is our desire to serve you to the best of our abilities to this end.

I am writing this letter to encourage us all, to look afresh at our city and see the awesome potential and the phenomenal people who make Stoke-on-Trent the best city on the planet. It is my belief that God is for Stoke-on-Trent and His favour is upon us.

The starting point is with you and I, for each of us to refuse to live with a ‘blame culture’ but to accept full responsibility for our actions. Henry Ford once said, ‘You think you can, you think you can’t. Either way you’re right.’ Here are three things that we can consider:

• How diligent we are in the workplace
• How receptive we are with our family
• How considerate we are with our neighbours

If we look at the fibre of who we are and challenge ourselves with these three things, it is my encouragement that this city will accelerate towards our desires.

Nehemiah 6:3 says, ‘So I sent messengers to them with this reply: “I am carrying on with a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?”‘ So let’s not spend time discussing and dealing with cockroaches when we can deal with the giants that in each generation we continually face.

We have an award-winning (Sentinel Heroes) ministry here at Bethel City Church called www.lovestoke.org. This ministry has hundreds and hundreds of volunteers from across our city and I believe that the reason is in the name; we love Stoke.

So I write to you, Stokies, our dependence for a better city does not lie with politicians, quangos, or other non-governmental organisations. The responsibility ies with us to be who we are fully, working together in co-operation and enjoying the journey.

We love you!

James