A Community of Hope

July 27, 2010

Even with all of the advances in technology and the ease of connecting with others, many people still feel that they do not fit in.

The reason for this change is that we substitute technology for face to face, text for conversation, email to postcards, and friends from across the country for friends across the road. The technology has made it easy for people who struggle in social situations to quickly become comfortable over the net! One that might struggle in face-to-face situations but have an easy time chatting over YAHOO or Facebook. I know, I know I sound like I am anti-technology. The reality is that I love my iPhone as much as anyone, and email is an amazing gift! Unfortunately, I am borderline addicted to Facebook and Twitter.

The real reason I am concerned is the fact that people are failing to have community. The idea of independent, private, individualistic faith, Lone Ranger mentality is completely contrary to scripture.

This week Hope Fellowship kicks off our Growth Groups. The great thing about this vehicle our church has developed is that people get together over meals and discussion oriented lessons. During this time designed to help people deepen their faith and seek out Father on the questions they might have concerning their faith, they are also developing community! The community comes in the form of meaningful relationships where people can begin to open up, see others struggles, and provide encouragement. The amazing thing about these groups is that one person struggling with issue A, may have a great testimony concerning issue B. Growth groups are an amazing place for people to develop those meaningful relationships that really does allow Iron to Sharpen Iron (Proverbs 27:17).

If you or someone you know is struggling to plug in or simply looking for a place to fit in, they should check-out Hope Fellowship!

Hope Fellowship has focused on making sure that people feel welcomed, wanted, and accepted. We have created an atmosphere where people can feel comfortable no matter what socioeconomic class, ethnic background, work they do, where they have been, or what they have done! You are important to God, and You are important to us!

I personally believe it is those things that make us a loving place! The Love of Father is experienced and discussed in our body of believers. Love creates Hope! One of the things we do best is love people where they are at, and help provide an opportunity for them to reach their potential by loving one another, comforting each other, encouraging (provoking) others, and touching those in need!

We have what you need at Hope Fellowship to deepen your faith, connect with God and others,  and grow to be like Jesus!

Hope Fellowship truly is a Community of Hope!

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Posted by kevinjbradford

Important Update

July 11, 2010

Exciting News…

Over the last few months I have been on a journey of seeking God and where he is taking out church!

During that time God began to speak to me about who we are as a church and what His plans are for our body of believers. With the help of our advisory team we began to explore what kind of disciples He wants us to develop, and what the next phase of ministry would be for Overflow Church.

As this process proceeded we could tell that God was birthing something new, and wanted to eliminate some of the roadblocks and barriers. One of those barriers over the last year has been our name Overflow Church. People, believers and non-believers, have had a hard time understanding the meaning behind Overflow Church. Another roadblock in creating disciples was not having a formal systematic process of creating disciples who passionately connected with God, and engage their community.

God began to speak to me about the various people in scripture where a name change was indicative of a new level of faith or authority. Some samples include Sarai to Sarah, Abram to Abraham, Simon to Peter, and Saul to Paul.

Through this process we realized we needed to bring clarity, movement, alignment, and focus. This new process would not change the DNA of who we are, nor would it change the vision or direction that God has been leading us! Instead it brings clarify that would allow us to more effectively transform lives and reach people for the Kingdom.

The clarity required for a simple combination of our vision, mission, purpose, and process.

Our new vision, mission, and process statement is: Connect, Grow, & Engage.

The process has not only birthed a new process, but also a new name: Hope Fellowship

Effective Immediately: Overflow Church will be Hope Fellowship.
Check out our new website at: www.hopefellowshipfc.com

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Posted by kevinjbradford

Tuesday Night Reflections

April 1, 2009

Just a few thoughts tonight.

  • So many church leaders are against other church leaders. I just don’t get it. We are all trying to reach the same goal of winning people to Christ, and advance the Kingdom of God on Earth! {Right?}
  • The Fox Valley is a place where thousands of Christians are unchurched. A recent survey indicated that most unchurched Christians want to attend church somewhere, but do not know where to go!
  • According to that survey people want to attend church where there are people like them!
  • That is what I love about Overflow, we are ordinary people try to provoke one another to be more like Christ, and live a life of faith!
  • In order to reach those people that are unchurch Christians & those far from God, we have to begin to think outside of the box.  {How do we do that? How do we attract people?}
  • I believe 2009 is the year for families at Overflow Church. It was apart of the vision God spoke to me back in January.  I am praying through ways to attract and engage more families this spring and summer.
  • Overflowers, please be praying for me in the area of our schedule. I have a rough outline for the semester theme’s for the rest of the year, but I need to begin putting some more details in place.
  • I need more details so that I can do some strategic planning and set some goals in order to maintain a good pace of preperation.
  • Did you know that God “blesses” preparation? It is true. When I spend time preparing, and seeking God man He really blesses me in a way I cannot describe.
  • One final note on the preparation situation. A few people I have talked with recently gave me a hard time by the way I planned out our year into 3 different semesters {to fit in with school year} as not allowing the Holy Spirit room to move.
  • I have two thoughts about that:
  1. God can speak to me today about a message He wants me to preach, or needs me to preach in October, just as well as He can speak to me in October about it. When I began to prepare for the following semester, I believe God honors my preparation and gives me more time to study and bounce the ideas around about the best way to build excitement, prepare good illustrations, etc…
  2. This past Sunday was a Holy Spirit driven Sunday at Overflow. I had a sermon completely finished and Saturday morning during my prayer time, God spoke to me clearly that I needed to change my sermon. It was for some people who would be there Sunday. I do not believe it was by accident.  I felt a little nervous with little prep time and no run through. If your an Overflower reading this, you can let me know, but I thought God rocked it out! I went for it with a passion and zeal that was amazing.
  • Final thought: If the church could come into UNITY with a common vision to see a city transformed, we could take entire regions for God.  For now, I will continue to seek out like minded pastors and leaders to build relationship with, and beg God for that unity to come!

4 Comments | Overflow, Random Thoughts, Tuesday Night Reflections | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by kevinjbradford

WordPress Problems

March 31, 2009

Good Morning,

I only have a few moments this morning, but I wanted to post a blog.

I am not sure exactly what happenned, but my wordpress blog had been hijacked. :-(

I posted 3 blogs from my I-Phone {Wordpress} but none of them posted at all.

Then I went to log-in this morning to correct it, and my password had been changed, as well as some other problems with my blog.

Everything should be back to normal, and I will post some blogs this week

Please check back later tonight for Tuesday Night Reflections

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Posted by kevinjbradford

Benefits versus Responsibilities Part 3

March 26, 2009

Here are some additional benefits and responsibilities of believers. (Neither list is exhaustive)

#3.  Additional Blessings God pours out on His people.

Acceptance before God through Jesus Christ
Insight into God’s will
God’s mercy and love
An eternal inheritance
Wisdom and Knowledge
Spiritual life
The promise of eternal kindness (Eph 2:7)
The knowledge of God’s plan for us (Eph 2:10)
Unity with believers
Peace

#4. Responsibilities of believers

To grow and mature
To put away the old (Eph 4:17-24; 5:2-14)
To speak honestly and truthfully
To imitate God
To walk in love
To be good stewards (time, finances, relationships, etc…)
To be filled with the spirit (Eph 5:18)
To submit to one another
To have marriages that honor God
To demonstrate integrity in the workplace
To stand strong against the forces of evil

When I read the above list of benefits {blessings} I get excited and want to praise God. When I read the list of responsibilities it is a little overwhelming.

It is the grace and mercy of God that provides us with all of the blessings, and gives us strength to accomplish the responsibilities.

One final thought on the responsibilities: It takes work and diligence to be successful in the responsibilities of the Kingdom.  The responsibilities can be difficult at times, or inconvenient others, but we must be stead fast in our pursuit of the Kingdom.

The book of Matthew provides us with great wisdom and insight when we compare the benefits and responsibilities.

Matthew 6:33

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness is done through understanding and walking out the responsibilities of being a believer.

Thoughts?

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Posted by kevinjbradford

Tuesday Night Reflections

March 25, 2009

Well, it has been an eventful week.

  • On Monday morning, I was talking with someone in my office, and I stated that I was refreshed and had a relaxing weekend. Then it hit me, “NO you did not relax”
  • I worked for hours on Saturday for cleaning out the room that will become our sanctuary at our new building.
  • Then on Sunday I had 3 meetings, after church. It was a grueling day beginning at 5 AM and ending around 9:15.
  • Those were the facts, the truth was that it was one of the most relaxing weekends. I believe God honored me with rest, during those activities. Each day I took a couple of hours to spend with the family watching movies, taking walks, and running out for ice cream.
  • I was thinking on my drive from Green Bay today. If believers spent half as much energy and got half as excited about Church as they do March Madness, we would see entire regions won for Christ. The Kingdom could truly be advanced.
  • I think part of the problem is that we are not ashamed to be radical sports fan, but we are ashamed of being radical loves of Jesus!
  • The bathrooms at the Tundra Lodge Conference Center are the nicest I have ever seen. The room is marble with some amazing wood doors and fixtures. The restroom had a chair that was heated in a separate section with heaters. During our lunch break today, I kicked back and relaxed. I almost took a nap, but my I-phone kept me busy on Twitter and Facebook.
  • You should take a look at WINY‘s blog. The last couple of post are awesome, and the rest are good too!
  • Another blog to check out is JoNathan’s Bog.  JoNathan is moving to Appleton to work with Overflow. After a brief season of being in our services and Life Groups he will take over our children’s ministry. (CAN I GET AN AMEN!)
  • You know I have been begging God for somethings over the last several months, and many of them have come to pass.  I am blessed.
  • The real concern here is that Ashlee has set her mind to stand in faith for 3 things and they have ALL come to pass. She should be the one teaching our prayer series in a few weeks.
  • Did I mention that we are working with another Church in the Fox Valley Region and going to move our services into a new building in April. I am believing we will outgrow it quickly, but will remain involved with the building and outreaches from that location for a long time!
  • Oh, final thought… I need to pray more!

Those are my reflections. Many other things happened and went on around here, but too many to discuss.

If you live in the Appleton area we would love to see you at a Life Group or Celebration Service! Just give me a call 920-475-7595.

Check back  (Thursday) for Benefits Verses Responsibilities Part 3

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Posted by kevinjbradford

Benefits versus Responsibilites Part 2

March 24, 2009

Today I want to continue discussing the benefits (blessings) and the responsibilities of believers.

2. God pours out His blessings – Our responsibility (call) to spiritual warfare.

Many Christian can testify of the blessings that God has poured out in their lives. Many of us could spend hours describing the abundance of grace and mercy alone.  In addition, many believers live a life amazing peace, financial prosperity, maturing & genuine relationships,  and the ability to grow in godliness.

I know I can praise God and thank Him for the blessings of my wife, our children, our church family, and many, many more things that He poured out into my life. I am very thankful!

When someone receives Christ or rededicates their life to following Jesus as their Lord and Savior they begin to experience the blessings that God pours out on His children.

During that same transition period it is important for new believers to understand their responsibility to walk in accordance with His heavenly calling  in Christ Jesus and encourage the body of Christ to maturity in Him.

Even though the Christian is blessed “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3), spiritual warfare is still the daily experience of Christians while in the world. (Ephesians 6:10-20)

The spiritual world is real and it makes an impact on more than is obvious to most believers. Paul offers insight and direction for not being taken unaware in the midst of the invisible battle around us.

Many times we struggle with things that are hard to explain or have a rough day at work, or just feel that intense pressure or weight on our shoulders, yet seemingly nothing is really wrong or needed to be done.  Not all, but many of these instances in my life have been due to spiritual warfare, and a need to go to my prayer closet and seek God.

In Ephesians 6 Paul describes the weapons of warfare that I  have turned to during these times.  Paul offers insight and wisdom in these verses, and describes the weapons of prayer, and God’s Word. It is in the tongue that brings power and life to the Word of God. I will read scripture out loud or quote some verses that pertain to my situation. The spoken Word of God has power to change things.

Then in my prayers I will seek God and ask Him for the breakthrough or victory that I need, while thanking Him for the victory that was won on the Cross.

I will close with this, His Word coupled with our Faith — changes things — it changes everything!

Next time you are experiencing one of the amazing blessings from God, remember to spend a few moments thanking Him and praying for other situations in your life, and for those struggles in others lives.

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Benefits versus Responsibilites Part 1

March 23, 2009

I know people in the church are always talking abou the blessings (benefits) of living a Christian life, and how coming into a life giving church can radically change your life.  HONESTLY SEEING THAT CHANGE NEVER GETS OLD!

The one thing I do not hear a lot of Christians or churches talking about is the responsibilities that come with those blessings. When someone enters into the Kingdom of God they recieve the full benefits of living in the Kingdom, however they also recieve all of the responsibilities of living in the Kingdom.

Many things in life operate in this same manner, yet we simply do not aply this practical reality to the church, especially to God’s Kingdom.

So this week I want to spend sometime on discussing the benefits (blessings) and the responsibilities of believers.

1. Accepted into the famiy — use our abilities for the church’s benefit

Very few believers would argue that there are major benefits and blessings that begin to manifest in thier lives as they begin to plug into a community of believers where they are welcomed, wanted, and accepted. It is a SECOND FAMILY that accepts them with open arms.  The blessings that come from this are too numerable for me to list.

Ephesians 4:7-13 that as believers we are to use our abilities for the churches benefit. Ephesians 4:12 specifically says, ” for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ”.

In too many churches in America today the believers believe that it is the “paid” pastor’s responsibility to do ministry, and to carry out all the “work” of the church.

According to scripture that is the furthest thing from the truth. It is the pastor’s job to equip the saints for the work of ministry.  It is my belief that everyone should doing ministry. The Great Commission in Matthew 28 is for every believer and not just for the “paid” pastor or the elders of the church.

A final take away here today is that it is amazing and wonderful when people begin to be adopted into the family, but with that comes the responsibility to use your abilities to benefit the family.

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Posted by kevinjbradford

Leadership Via Dora part 3

March 19, 2009

Back in January I posted 2 blogs that still to date have been my most viewed posts.

I have talked from time to time about posting a Leadership Via Dora Part 3.

So here it goes!

Have you ever noticed when watching Dora that she is not about her own business?

She continually is looking to serve and help people on every episode. {Okay, maybe there was that one Dora’s Birthday Surprise}.

Every time I watch Dora with my three year old, it jumps out at me that she is trying to serve someone or something. Always trying to bring restoration to a situation, reconcile a relationship, or help someone accomplish a goal.

Sound like anyone you know?

Matthew 20:28

28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Mark 10:45

45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

It is amazing that a simple childrens program gets it, but the majority of our society is out for themselves. Our society teaches people to be out for number one.

In our culture we are so caught up with instant gratification,  and securing goods for ourselves that many fail to serve their neighbor. We definitely live in a time and culture that no longer loves their neighbor as thyself or serves others as a lifestyle.

Another interesting fact about Dora is that she is no respecter of persons and even forgives Swiper the Fox for swiping items from her party or adventures. In several episodes Swiper and Dora work together to accomplish their goal like the Friendship 1 hour special.

I know… it sounds like I am obsessed with Dora. I am not.

I am however, very interested in learning from Media how to reach and teach the next generation {and our adults} how to get a hold of the truth God has laid out in his wonderful & amazing Word!

Hope you enjoyed Part 3…please feel free to leave some feedback.

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Posted by kevinjbradford

Tuesday Night Reflections

March 18, 2009

Just a few thoughts before heading off to bed…

  • LONG week… Why is it the weeks that we think are going to be easy and enjoyable turn out to be a pain, and the weeks I dread or think will be difficult are never as hard as I thought!
  • The week ended with a lot of meetings.
  • Friday night the team and I got to look around the building we are planning on using as a new location for our Sunday Services and community outreach.
  • The weather has been beautiful the last few days and our family cannot get enough of it.
  • We have been enjoying long walks, cool breezes, and the grill!
  • “If you cannot be tested, then you cannot be trusted”
  • Trials and tribulations will come, so we must ensure our attitude is one that embraces the trials as opportunities.
  • Many Christians say that God would never test us or allow us to go through trials
  • Umm… please read Gen 22, Matthew 4, and James 1, 1 Peter and get back to me.
  • The last seven days have been a pretty down time for me and the family. My family needed the rest time and a little more family time.
  • I put in 8 or 9 hour days instead of the normal 11 or 12.
  • I also took  most of Monday off and we went out to lunch and to Monkey Joe’s play center.
  • It may sound  a little contradictory to say that the week was long, and restful at the same time.
  • The warfare and pressure this week was immense for me, but Ashlee and the kids needed my attention more and needed me around more during the last few days.
  • So through out this restful and enjoyable time, there was some intense times of prayer and warfare.
  • Don’t Get it? That is okay. When someone is working full-time, raising a family, and church planting the roles and days seem to get very mixed and very complex.
  • Today I broke through some of the warfare and I feel much less discombobulated. PRAISE GOD!
  • I don’t get the NCAA selection Saturday process, but at least NCAA basketball has a play off system. The NCAA should glean some information from basketball to set up a football playoff system.

Enough Random thoughts for tonight!

1 Comment | Appleton, Church, Family, Life, Overflow, Random Thoughts, Tuesday Night Reflections | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
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