Eric frequently consults with and speaks to church leaders. He is the author/co-author of Simple Church, Identity, and Simple Student Ministry. He received a doctorate in leadership and church ministry from Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
Leadership Network asked me to be one of the speakers for "The Nines," an online conference on 9/9. I recorded a brief video message (had to be under six minutes) on something I am very passionate about: biblical ministry based on Ephesians 4:11-12.
My game-changing moment (the theme of the day) was when a mentor confronted me on my futile attempt to meet all the needs of the students in the student ministry I was leading as opposed to equipping others for ministry. It was a Jethro conversation (Exodus 18)-- a conversation I feel many church leaders need to experience. If we lead ministry the way Moses led pre-Jethro conversation, we hamper the spiritual growth of our people and we limit the scope of the ministry.
If you would like to register for the Nines -- you can do so here.
Last week I was having a discussion with our student pastor, Jeff Borton, seeking his input on the pulse of the church this summer. We have grown this summer. People at CF have jumped on the "Untouchables" series and have used it as an opportunity to help friends and family see that God's grace is bigger than all the issues/sins we are exposing.
I asked Jeff if he thought maybe the growth was "the summer ending early." Meaning -- were the vacations and the travel ending early and everyone is back in town at the same time? Jeff said, "Eric, I remember having this same discussion last year." And we expect that this Fall, as last Fall, that God will continue to bring more people to Himself.
In September, we will launch a series called "Authentic Faith." During our weekend services, we will be walking through the book of James. It will be an incredible study. And in our Small Groups, we will be walking through the book of I Peter. Both biblical books are essential for us to understand. They are related in several ways, challenging us to have faith that is truly authentic.
Pastor Rick worked hard the last several weeks recording some DVD teaching on I Peter for our groups. It is incredible. In all our areas (Kids, Students, and Adults), teams are working hard to create an environment this fall that will be transformational. There are so many great things coming!
This weekend I am speaking on the untouchable of "suicide" during our current series called Untouchables -- things the Church often leaves untouched. At the same time, I have been preparing for my next message on "hell."
It is horrific. The study time has been weighty and burdensome. I have read several books, looked at views on hell throughout church history, and most importantly camped out in the many biblical texts describing hell. I heard John Piper say that "hell will drive you insane or drive you to the Gospel." I concur. Hell is deeply intense to look at. But it has driven me to Jesus.
I have been reminded of His holiness and how unworthy I am. Even when I try to be good, my sin, in contrast to His perfection, is disgusting. When we think (as I have) that an infinite and never-ending hell sounds too long for someone, it shows we do not fully comprehend His holiness. Because He is infinitely righteous and holy and cannot tolerate sin, sin must be punished. Sin must be dealt with. He cannot contradict His holiness and allow the wickedness that violates His nature to remain.
Thus, I am so grateful for Jesus. Jesus experienced hell on the cross in that He was separated from the Father ("My God My God why have You forsken me?") and suffered the wrath of God (The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him). Someone must suffer and be separated from God because of my sin. Thankfully, Jesus is my substitute. And He bore my sin, shame, and the wrath that should have been mine.
Studying hell has been crazy intense. Multiple nights waking up in the middle of the night wide awake with the burden of this truth. I am nothing and have no hope without Jesus.
