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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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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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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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!

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Easter?

March 16, 2009

I have been praying and working through what we will be doing for Easter Sunday.

Honestly, I have been blank. Everytime I sit down to pray about it or strategize or develop I am completely blank.

So, what should an Easter Sunday service look like?

If your not a partner with the OC, what has your church done in the past or doing this year?

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Even More Blessed Girl

March 13, 2009

By: Ashlee Bradford (Guest Blogger)

When Kevin asked me to “guest blog” a couple of weeks ago I meant everything I wrote. I DO feel as though I’ve come into a new level of contentment in the past year. However, one area that has been difficult has been my struggle with fertility. Our oldest daughter was a very pleasant surprise after Kevin and I had been married a few years…but were still in college and very young. Then because of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) we used fertility medicine (Clomid and Progesterone) to get pregnant with our 2nd daughter.. The process lasted about 2 years and was incredibly frustrating. I remember praying about it time and time again and the only thing I ever head the Lord say about it was that Baby #3 would be a surprise and I wouldn’t have to go through the fertility drug crap again. I was relieved by this, primarily at that time because if there was to be a Baby #3, there had to be a Baby #2!

So, after our second daughter was born I “expected” a surprise. I see some irony in that now. Would I have really been surprised? But anyways, nothing happened. We moved to Wisconsin to plant the church, we bought a home. There were a lot of distractions and I never really had “baby fever” but yet that Word was always in the back of my mind. Finally, towards the end of 2008 I started thinking about really wanting another baby. I struggled with believing what I heard God say and the obvious lack of results. I felt older, and in some ways like we were moving into a different season of life because our girls were getting so big. In December I asked Kevin about going to the Dr., getting Clomid, going through the whole process again. He said, “OK” and I made my appt. Privately; I struggled with wondering if I was giving up on what I heard God say. Tests are done, prescriptions are written.

Before you can start fertility medicine they want to be 100% certain you are not pregnant. So, I took a test on cycle day 28 (as directed) and the test was negative. That was the expected result since my labwork indicated I had not ovulated. I called the nurse to tell her I was going to start the meds. I got the price tag from the pharmacy (over $100/per month). While I was chatting with the nurse she mentioned that it was possible I could have ovulated late and she wanted me to wait until cd 35 and take another test. To be honest, I was annoyed. I felt like she was just putting off my TTC (trying to conceive) efforts for another week. I almost went and picked up the meds anyways and got started. But — I’m a rule follower, and I already had another test so I waited.

Then last Monday (cycle day 34) I asked Kevin if he really wanted to do go through it all again? I wanted to know what he thought, if he resented the expense, or if he was just going along with what I wanted. He expressed some concern over how emotionally difficult it is, but said he was game for a few months. I felt so relieved we were on the same page. I also shared my hesitation because I really believed I heard from God that we wouldn’t have to use the fertility medicine again. He mentioned that perhaps I heard wrong, or what I heard was colored by my emotions, or that maybe it would make sense down the road. I commented that it was one of the clearest words I’d ever had from the Lord, but after nearly 4 years…who knows?

So Tuesday morning I woke up, and was rushing about to get our youngest ready for her dance class when I remembered I needed to take another test before I ran to Sam’s Club to pick up my meds. I’m so frugal it was the old fashioned 2 lines sort of test… I was totally expecting only line to appear, so I thought I was seeing things when a second line appeared. I ran downstairs to ask Kevin if he could see it (it was SO faint!) and he confirmed that he did see it but wanted me to calm down and go for a blood test. I dropped Kevin off at work, rushed to the clinic BEFORE the dance class and had the test done. By the time her class was over I still hadn’t heard the results from the clinic so I went to Walmart and picked up two of the digital tests. I honestly screamed when the word “Pregnant” came up on the tiny little screen. I don’t think I will ever purchase a test with lines again. I took both tests (just for fun, I guess) and then the doctors office called with the same result. Because the hcg levels were really low I had to go back in on Thursday for a second test but everything had doubled perfectly!

How amazing is God?! I do not think there could have been a day in the last 3 ½ years I would have been more surprised…and we never used fertility medicine…the plan was to start that very day! He is so faithful to keep His promises to us and His love NEVER fails us! To say I am excited is the understatement of the year…I’m ecstatic! We don’t care girl or boy…I love being a mom to girls and think having 3 girls would be awesome…yet having a boy would be something fun and different too. I’m very happy with whoever God blesses us with! I hope this encourages you…if you have a word that you have been holding in your heart for a long time…God has not forgotten it.

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Posted by kevinjbradford

Tuesday Night Reflection

March 4, 2009

Tuesday Night Reflections is normally a time for me to reflect on the happenings of the previous week and random thoughts about the things going on in sports, culture, and the church.

This week is going to be a little different. I spent 3 days in Nashville attending some leadership meetings.  Then church on Sunday was heavy and deep with the Hebrews 12 sermon on “What can be shaken, will be shaken”.

Today I want to reflect on a couple of blogs, and then what I have done about it.

1. Where Are You? – A realistic look at yourself and where you are with your walk with Christ.
2. Questions – What are you believing for, and what are you doing about it?
3. Where are You? Part 2 – With the things in the world being shaken, are you on the same page with your spouse? Key Relationships in you life?

All three of these blogs flowed out of some processing I have been doing lately. I have been concerned with some people around me, and some old friends progression in their Walk with the Lord.

I have looking at those people in my life that I am charged with by God to disciple, and evaluating fruit. To be honest with you there has been some good fruit, and some not so good fruit.

Then I took some hard looks at my personal walk, growth,  and physical health. All of this came to a point last night.

Ashlee and I went to dinner at Chili’s (My favorite place) and had a talk. We discussed several issues and concerns about church, non-church, and family life.

She came with a list of items and concerns. She presented her case, and I repeated what I thought she was trying to communicate before giving my feedback. It was good!

We discussed the key areas of our life, and made sure we were on the same page.  Many times we assume people are on board with what we are doing, but it pays dividends to stop and find out.

My wife honored my by writing out in detail her concerns and questions to make sure I was on board with all that she was wanting to pursue. I felt respected, honored, and empowered to release her and encourage her in many areas. At the same time, I felt released and encouraged to continue to pursue somethings that I know are difficult for her and my family.

It was so powerful.  You see all the ministry and changed lives are worth the work,  long days, and painful decisions that I make and my family lives with day in and day out. There is no question that it is worth it.

Ashlee and I did come to an agreement that it is worth all the pain and suffering, but it is not worth our marriage.  Last night, we placed our marriage and family as a priority and dealt with some things even though we had meetings that I had to find someone else to lead for me. It was worth it!

I believe that God used that to bring breakthrough to my marriage, my family life, my church, and even our prayers.

Just some encouraging words for you pastors, leaders, and believers out there.

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Where Are You? Part 2

March 3, 2009

Last week I wrote part 1 of “Where Are You? which discussed the three basic stages of maturing in your Christian Faith and walk with Christ. The ultimate question was “where are you in your walk?”

The first post was based on Hebrews chapter 5,  today I want to take a look a little further in Hebrews.

This past Sunday I preached on Hebrews 12 verses 18-29.  Let’s take a look at them.

Hebrews 12:26-28

26And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.”

27This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.

28Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;

The Message Version

So don’t turn a deaf ear to these gracious words. If those who ignored earthly warnings didn’t get away with it, what will happen to us if we turn our backs on heavenly warnings? His voice that time shook the earth to its foundations; this time—he’s told us this quite plainly—he’ll also rock the heavens: “One last shaking, from top to bottom, stem to stern.” The phrase “one last shaking” means a thorough housecleaning, getting rid of all the historical and religious junk so that the unshakable essentials stand clear and uncluttered.

In my message on Sunday I talked about what can be shaken will be shaken, and I believe we are in a time of shaking. This is not a doom and gloom message, nor am I trying to call out churches, the world, or pastors.

What I am trying to do is call the church to a time a reflection, prayer, and repentance. I live a very transparent life. I share a lot of the happenings in my life here on the blog, and in my messages. When I closed the service Sunday I prayed that God would show us the areas we need to get in order, so that no shaking could move us off of the firm Foundation of the Rock of Jesus Christ. I personally asked God to show me areas in my life.

Monday Night (last Night) Ashlee and I took this to heart. We went to dinner for one purpose. We set down and discussed a list of issues, concerns, and thoughts to make sure were on the same page in unity. We dealt with church issues, non-church issues, and family concerns.

Our goal in meeting was to make sure we were walking in unity, not a house divided against itself during this time. We wanted to make sure we were moving forward together and not in different directions.

The conversation was not easy, although it was not difficult either. God blessed our discussion, and I believe we have a strong marriage this morning, than we did yesterday due to this set aside time.

One last interesting fact about this time is that we had a planned prayer meeting, but we felt it was so important to have this time of discussion that we got someone else to lead it, so we could make sure this discussion happened.

One may be asking how does this relate to shaking.

The answer is simple: We are now on solid ground in our relationship and the various things that are stresses to each one of us.  If shaking comes,  natural pressure of ministry and life, or warfare intensifies, we will be standing firm together on a solid foundation.

My questions for you today are:

Is there something in your life that you need to get in order, so that you know in your spirit that you are planted on solid ground?

Where are you at in your walk with Christ?

Where are you in your relationships with key people? Are you and your spouse on the same page?

Do you need to have some serious, intentional discussions to make sure you stand in unity in every area of your life?

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Blessed Girl

February 19, 2009

Blessed Girl by guest blogger – Ashlee Bradford

This blog has been brooding in my spirit for a few days, and I’m not really sure I can adequately express what is in my heart…but honestly…God is so good! We have lived in Wisconsin for over 3 years now. The first two years were miserable — we were in the wilderness — confused at what exactly God was doing, attempting to be obedient, and struggling. I think I grew up more in those 2 years then any other time in my life. We could have turned away from ministry entirely and to be honest, I’m not certain anyone would have cared that we were throwing our destinies away. But, we pursued God anyway. It was so hard some days. We talked incessantly about what we felt God calling us to do in this region. We didn’t feel released to move forward. Then in Aug of 2007 after we went to The Call in Nashville at Titan Stadium we started the Flood House of Prayer and shortly thereafter our Life Groups. In June of 2008 we started having regular Sunday services. We are still small, but God is bringing shape to the vision he gave us and bringing us the right people in His timing. Sometimes I’d like to rush things along but I think God is building our church, carefully…with thoughtful preparation. I used to be so jealous of those who seemed to be handed ministry on a platter…that was all they had ever done. On the other hand, Kevin has been bivocational for so long…and sometimes gone to school at the same time as well…and at times it’s been a challenge. But, in retrospect (and Kevin is still bi-vocational as I write this) it’s grown us up too, made us more passionate, made us more appreciative of the authority and opportunity that God gives us. At times, we’ve had chances to walk away and take the easy way (a full-time paid ministry position) but God always answers with, “Is that what I’ve called YOU too?” I’m so thankful we have stuck the course, because I see God doing something awesome and had we left He would use someone else here. I’m sure eventually Kevin will leave his “day job” as we call it, but in the meantime God has brought contentment. Sometimes I worry about how hard it is on our kids, but Kevin is so intentional to spend quality time with them that I think they actually get MORE attention then many kids whose parents only have one job. On top of it, I’m home with them during the day, doing school, hanging out, playing games, etc. I’m so thankful we chose to home school as well, they are learning, growing, and changing everyday…and I don’t miss a minute of it! A little over a year ago, I read a book called Dangerous Surrender by Kay Warren. It really changed my mind in regards to how I think about a lot of areas of my life. Since putting some of my previous attitudes in check, it’s amazing to see what God has done. It seems that with my attitude in the right place (not being terribly concerned over material goods, free of jealousy, etc) God has really opened up the floodgates of heaven. We have been paying off debt. We have a nice home, van, and moped. In January we got new furniture…and last weekend we were finally able to buy the girls a new play set for the backyard. We now have the extra cash for fun things like getting my hair done, taking the girls to the girly salon, going on a date, etc. God has been extraordinarily faithful! You cannot out give God! Lately, over and over again I am so awestruck by God’s goodness. How much He has grown us up, how blessed we are, how excited I am to see what He wants to do in Appleton! It’s not that there aren’t needs, questions, and struggles — there certainly are — but I have a calm confidence that God is working it out and that He is bringing His Kingdom here! Praise God!

1 Comment | Challenging, Family, God, Life, Overflow | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
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Special Valentine’s Day Post

February 13, 2009

Well tomorrow is Valentine’s Day and I am not much into the whole Valentine’s Day thing, but I wanted to honor my lovely wife. We have been married 9 1/2 years exactly tomorrow. So here is my top 9 1/2 favorite things about her.

1. She has a Passion to see the Kingdom of God manifest itself on Earth in a way that changes people’s lives.

2. I love that she has a passion to see me succeed! (I am very blessed)

3. She thinks I am handsome & sexy! (she tells me often - yes I am blessed)

4. She is an amazing mom! Ashlee takes such good care of my girls, and she is always teaching them new things and most importantly about God!

4.5 She mother’s the people in our church in a powerful way that allows them to grow and mature.

5. Ashlee is a wonderful wife in so many ways, I could not even begin to explain.

6. Ashlee is beautiful and sexy!

7. Ashlee is intelligent, ambitious, and always believes God that anything is possible.

8. Ashlee has a good sense of humor and always loves a good romantic comedy!

9. Ashlee has an intense passion for enjoying the things I like, and makes them her own! (NFL, UFC, Suspense Movies and it blesses my socks off!)

Ashlee, will you be my Valentine :) !

4 Comments | Family, Life, Valentine | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
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