Introducing EncounterHelena 2.0

It's been over a year now since we first introduced the Encounter Helena blog. We are excited to unveil the new EncounterHelena 2.0 — a new look and feel over at encounterhelena.org.

WHY THE CHANGE?

With all the momentum Encounter Church has been gaining lately, the amount of news updates and information on the blog has increased two-fold. It's been getting more difficult to find the information you needed.

WHAT'S NEW?

The front page of encounterhelena.org now highlights some of our featured news with a revolving image gallery, our new introduction video, a number of key article teasers, and a series of great pull-down menus to find out everything you need to know about Encounter.

You can still find the blog under the "Latest News" menu link at the top. All the old articles from the very beginning are still there, but now they have the brand new look.

TELL US, TELL THE WORLD

We would love to hear how you like the new site. Just make a comment to on the new site, or on tell the world on Facebook and Twitter (there are new fancy links at the bottom of every article to make this easier). Also, we are still taking the plastic wrap off this thing so if you find any glitches, please let us know.

Oh yeah, if you've been going to this old legacy site at encounterhelena.blogspot.com, please switch over to the new URL at encounterhelena.org today! There will be no new posts at this old blog!

Serving Friends at Memorial Park

This last Friday, August 7, we had the opportunity to serve our friends from Blue Cross Blue Shield at Memorial Park.

We hosted employees' families by providing and operating a rock wall, two kids inflatable bouncers, as well as a cotton candy and snow cone booth.

The volunteer team of about ten people from Encounter did an awesome job as well as some volunteers from our Helena sponsor church Big Sky Fellowship.

We see it as just another way to share God's love in tangible way by "being the change" in Helena.

What an awesome way to make a difference, demonstrate God's crazy love in action, and engage our culture! We invite you to to Be The Change in Helena and join us in our next project at Encounter Church.

You can also find some great photos of the effort on Facebook here.

EncounterCast 8.8.09: Introducing 36 Parables

From the Journey Block in Helena's Great Northern Town Center, this week's EncounterCast introduces the new Encounter Discussion series '36 Parables.' Come join us at 6:30pm on August 11 at the Staggering Ox. More here.

New Discussion Series: Introducing '36 Parables' on August 11

Our Encounter Discussions are about getting out into public spaces and creating a dialogue. The weekly discussion is an intentional way to meet new friends, build relationship, and engage our community. More than that, you'll have some great conversation about life and faith.

ABOUT THE NEW SERIES: 36 PARABLES
Parables make us think. They cause us to engage and ask questions. We can look at these stories and determine how we ourselves are changed by them.

Of the 36 parables that Jesus told, we will examine and discuss five of these which have been adapted into short films depicting real life in a modern setting.

Consider that Jesus told these stories so that we could relate them to our everyday lives. Jesus reveals himself through such common experiences, and we can encounter Him in the most unlikely places.

So join us. Step beyond safe and routine faith. And discover for yourself the deep spiritual truths in these often ordinary stories.

THE FIRST WEEK: FOUND
Have you ever lost something that, perhaps had little value to others, but had great value to you? What things do we value and why? We'll look at the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic value and why it matters.

Our first week, we will start with the short film "Found" which is an adaptation of the Parable of the Lost Coin in Luke 15:8-10. Don't miss this week's discussion at the Staggering Ox this Tuesday, August 11 @ 6:30pm. You're invited to join us for a weekly short film and discussion response — a forum of honest interaction and exploration.

JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND
Each week's discussion stands on it's own. So even if you're just curious, drop by and bring a friend. Arrive early at 6:00pm and grab a sandwich with us.

Check out the 36 Parables short film series here.
Check out the Facebook event here.

Fun Night at Sleeping Giant Lanes Everyone Welcome!

Yep! That's right people. We're having an Encounter Fun Night on Tuesday, August 4 instead of our usual Encounter Discussion at the Ox. Our motto for the night, as seen in the dandy graphic, is "Have Fun!" And it should be a lot of fun for all ages!

Just show up at Sleeping Giant Lanes about 6:30pm so we can get everyone organized on lanes, and bring $7.50 for shoes and 2 games of bowling. If there are no open lanes available, we'll look at mini-golf. Either way, it will be a lot of fun! Kids are welcome to come and always have a blast.

Oh yeah, we'll also be announcing our next Encounter Discussion series topic and location which is going to be awesome! So if you're hesitating whether to come or not, just come on. Everyone is welcome. It's just a casual get-together and a great opportunity to get to know some peeps.

WHAT: Encounter Fun Night
WHEN: Tuesday, August 4 @ 6:30pm
WHERE: Sleeping Giant Lanes [map/directions]
WHO: Everyone - All Ages
MORE: Bring $7.50 each

If possible, RSVP on Facebook here or contact us here – it's not required, but it helps us to know how many to expect.

Now Is The Time

When I look at Helena, this is what I see.

Some of us seem desperately lonely. Some of us are heavily burdened. Some of us are extremely busy with work schedules, with kids, or both. Still others of us lament past hurts. We experience damaged lives, broken marriages, and financial hardships.

Now is the time for a change.

Then we look at some of our friends and it is even worse. We have friends whose lives are being destroyed by alcohol or even meth. We want to help, but don't know how — life is difficult enough for us.

Now is the time for a change.

When most places close down by 9pm (if not 5pm downtown), many teens and young adults in Helena can find nothing better to do than to either drink or have sex. There are no cool local hangouts for this generation. We all know that 24-hour Wal-Mart is as good as it gets.

Now is the time for a change.

On our radios, John Mayer sings these words: "now we see everything that's going wrong / with the world and those who lead it / we just feel like we don't have the means / to rise above and beat it / so we keep waiting / waiting on the world to change."

And we embrace those words as our mantra for life. We keep waiting for our worlds to change. We're dissatisfied with the status quo, with the way things are in our lives and with our friends and in our city — but not enough to stop waiting and take action.

Now is the time for a change.

These are the “early moments” of a movement within Helena to see a generation encounter a better life. Let me assure you that God IS moving. He is moving to heal broken families and hurting individuals — not just through Encounter, but through the lives of few individuals across this city.

The question is "Are you still waiting?"

Too often we wait and do nothing, but God Himself is also waiting. He's waiting for you to join Him in His vision for Helena. Will you join Him? Will you join the lone dancer who is living out what God meant us to be?

If you embrace this challenge, I guarantee that your life and the expression of God's crazy love shown through you, will awaken and revitalize your family, your friends, your coworkers and even those complete strangers that come across your path.

Now is the time for a change.



Now is the time for you to fulfill the purpose for which God created for you – you can passionately and actively be involved in something significant, that is greater than yourself.

I challenge you to take a moment to ask God what He is preparing you for. I challenge you to consider how joining the first couple of dancers at Encounter could change the face of Helena.

Specifically, I challenge you to join us this Friday for the Dream Team Introduction (Facebook here). We'll be discussing how to make a difference in Helena as part of the Encounter launch team. Join us.

Now is the time.

EncounterCast 07.24.09: Dare to Dream

From the campus of Carroll College in the heart of Helena, this week's EncounterCast highlights the new Encounter t-shirts, the Crazy Love Discussion wrap up at the Staggering Ox on Tuesday at 6:30pm, and the upcoming Dream Team Intro Meeting.

Dare to dream about changing the face of Helena through God's crazy love — Come find out more about Encounter Church on Friday, July 31 @ 7pm at the casual and informal Dream Team Intro Meeting.

Dream Team Introduction - July 31

We're having an Encounter Dream Team Introduction on Friday, July 31 at 7pm and you are invited...

ABOUT THIS GATHERING
We want to learn, discuss, and dream about how Encounter will impact this generation and beyond in Helena. If you have heard about Encounter or seen us online and want to know more about our vision and strategy to impact this generation in Helena, then you should attend.

We will further explore the vision and three essential focuses of Encounter. We will discuss specifically: How can we see lives changed positively in Helena? What are the next steps for Encounter? How can you make a difference on the Launch Team?

ABOUT THE DREAM
We are a people who are passionate about and understand God's vision and strategy for Encounter.

We are not just volunteers, but actively involved in something significant for God - looking to BE the church in Helena, not just attend a church.

We are excited about what God is already doing in our city and eager to celebrate successes and learn from mistakes. We want to tell everyone about this new faith community that exists for this generation and beyond - and we desire for them to encounter Jesus through us.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
If you have been coming to some of the Encounter Discussions or been involved in our Community Service Projects and want to know more about Encounter Church, this is a great opportunity to ask specific questions about what God is doing and the great things He has in store.

If you are already part of the launch team, this will be a great opportunity to put specifics to the dream and vision God has already placed within in us. How we can passionately and actively be involved in something significant, that is greater than ourselves.

If you are tired of a dried out "version of Christianity," if you share a desire to see the people far from God encounter Jesus in a real life-giving way, if you want to explore a creative, innovative, and fresh way of experiencing authentic relationships with others on your same journey of faith, please join us.

Finally, this will be a great opportunity to find out more about Encounter in a less formal and conversational venue. Don't miss out.

UPDATE: Arrive at 6:30pm for free pizza and pop.

WHAT: Encounter Dream Team Introduction
WHO: Those who dare to dream
WHEN: Friday, July 31 @ 7pm
WHERE: Powell Home [map/directions]

If possible, RSVP on Facebook here or contact us here – it's not required, but it helps us plan. Kids are welcome, but there will be no childcare or babysitter.

'Crazy Love' Discussion on July 28: The Crux of the Matter

This current Encounter Discussions series from Francis Chan's book Crazy Love tackles what Jesus really meant about being the church, both as individuals and as a community of faith.

THIS WEEK: THE CRUX OF THE MATTER
Annie Dillard once said, "How we live our days is... how we live our lives." How then will you live this day? What tangible, concrete expression of God’s crazy love are you going to share with a friend, family member, stranger?

Don't miss this week's topic titled "The Crux of the Matter" at the Staggering Ox this Tuesday, July 28 @ 6:30pm. You're invited to join us for a weekly DVD clip and discussion response – a forum of honest interaction and exploration.

JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND
You don't have to attend every session to get something out of the discussion. So even if you're just curious, drop by and bring a friend. Arrive early at 6:00pm and grab a sandwich with us.

Check out the Facebook event here or the Eventbrite event here.
Read more about Crazy Love here from the series introduction.

Encounter Tees Have Arrived!

We just received our first order of Encounter tees and they look awesome!

If you already ordered one, let's connect and we'll get you your shirt and receive your tax deductible donation.

If you want to order one for our second batch, let me know. They are available in sizes from S to 5X and are pictured here. (Click for a larger view.)

When you order one for at least $25, a significant portion gets donated directly into the Encounter Church fund to help support our "Be The Change" community impact efforts.

Click here to donate with check or money order.

Not Crazy Love, Doesn't Matter

Just finished Frank Viola's new book, From Eternity to Here: Rediscovering the Ageless Purpose of God.

I was actually contacted by the publisher, I think because we are currently going through Francis Chan's Crazy Love in our Encounter Discussions and Viola's new book was billed as the "followup" to Crazy Love.

While I didn't quite get the connection, I was happy to review Viola's book — after all, he has recently written two other interesting books, Reimaging Church and Pagan Christianity.

IT'S NOT CRAZY LOVE
Let me just say first that I still don't get how From Eternity to Here is the followup. Perhaps it's because it is from the same publisher. Perhaps there are some similar themes in both books. But I would say when you're writing about faith in the same Jesus, you are bound to overlap some themes — or at least you should. So that's about the best connection I could make.

Viola's book focuses primarily on "God's purpose" in three areas: 1) the Bride of Christ, 2) the House of God, and 3) the Family of God and Body of Christ — whereas Chan's Crazy Love focuses on how crazy it is that God loves us, realizing that He does love us anyway, and how we're called to love others with that same kind of crazy love.

Additionally, Viola's writing style is completely different. I have to admit that beginning the book, I found myself wondering if I would make it through. Voila has more of an academic approach, where Chan's style is more conversational.

I guess I am just saying that From Eternity to Here is not Crazy Love. I think it is weird to market it that way.

YOU MUST READ IT ANYWAY
With all that said, Viola's book is definitely worth a read. Contained within the pages of From Eternity to Here, are deep forgotten truths, penetrating rebukes of the status quo, heart-touching Biblical stories and insights, and a long-needed focus on the person of Jesus Christ as the simplicity and centrality of our faith.

More than anything, I found myself weeping more than once as Viola described the character of God and His eternal plan revealed in three different aspects of faith. The message of last chapter alone would be worth the purchase of the entire book. In that chapter, Viola shares his own life experience and journey of faith. And through the process, reveals the epidemic stumbling block that I have observed first-hand in American churches – that Jesus Himself is missing.

He writes, "I strongly believe that the underlying reality of the church is none other than Jesus Christ Himself. Not as a doctrine. Not as a system of belief. Nor as a set of moral teachings. Not as a philosopher or a social activist ... A living person who dwells within our spirits and who can be known."

See the post previous post below for some of the many insights that spoke to me.

---

The following bloggers are posting a review or Q&A with Frank Viola on his bestselling book From Eternity to Here today, Tuesday, July 21.

You may order the book at a discount at www.frometernitytohere.org – it’s also on audio book. Free discussion guide, sample chapters, interviews, and a free audio of the first chapter are available on that site also.

Here are the bloggers who are participating:

Jay Becker - www.jaybecker.org
Mark D - deadmanstravelog.blogspot.com
Igniting Hearts | Kimber Britner - www.ignitinghearts.blogspot.com
Karyn - tiger-kar.blogspot.com
Barefoot Preacher - thebarefootpreacher.blogspot.com
Every Day Angels - www.weareeverydayangels.com
FaithEngineer - www.faithengineer.com
Kristen Schiffman - dancinginthemargins.typepad.com
CrossPointe: The Church at Bevo - churchatbevo.blogspot.com
Crazy Love for God - crazyloveforgod.blogspot.com
Amazima Ministries - oatsvallteam.blogspot.com
Down to Write Honest - downwritehonest.com
A Beautiful Mess - blnorth1105.blogspot.com
The Blakes on a Mission - www.theblakesthailand.blogspot.com
Words by Jud Kossum - judkossum.blogspot.com
Eric Jaffe - www.ericjaffe.org
Reconnect with God – www.reconnectwithgod.org
2nd Cup of Coffee - 2nd-cup-of-coffee.blogspot.com
Nolan Bobbitt - www.nolanbobbitt.com
Klappyanne - www.xanga.com/klappyanne
Daveingland | Dave Ingland - www.daveingland.com
Randi Jo Rooks - seedsinmyheart.blogspot.com
Ephesians Five - ephesiansonefive.blogspot.com
Michael Bayne - www.michaelbayne.net
Encounter Church Helena Blog | Eric Powell - encounterhelena.org
Thoughts B4 Conviction N2 Action - tsharrison.blogspot.com
Edevotion - e-devotion.blogspot.com
Seeking After - seekingafter.blogspot.com
Borrowed Light - fbcnewlondon.blogspot.com

Impacting Quotes: From Eternity to Here

Just finished Frank Viola's new book, From Eternity to Here: Rediscovering the Ageless Purpose of God. I've been reading it over the last 3 weeks and discovered a number of gems to glean from. Tell me what you think. What speaks to you?

• "The next time you feel condemnation over your past, please remember this one thing: the first person to lay eyes upon the resurrected Lord was a former prostitute."
• "The call to Abram contains a profound truth: Involvement in God's building often means leaving the tradition of our forefathers."
• "The priesthood of Israel is fully active. The priests are sacrificing animals and slinging blood at the brazen altar. They are marching through the religious program, passing out the bulletin, lighting the candles, ringing the bells, preaching the sermon, and following the litergy. But there's one problem: the ark's not there. God is not there. Does that bother them? Apparently not. They continue on with the ritual."
• "The house of God is not a thing. It's not an object. It's not brick and mortar. Nor a metaphor, a doctrine, or a theology. The house of God is a person. It is the Lord Jesus Christ"
• "Scattered stones can never make a house, no matter how many of them exist...Thus lone-ranger Christians are of no use in the building of God's house."
• "God is not looking for a place to visit. He is looking for a place to dwell."
• "Jesus Christ did not die and rise again just to forgive you of your sins. He died in order that His Father could obtain a home."
• "What is Babylon? It's the human attempt to reach God by human strength, human wisdom, and human ingenuity."
• "The old men who remembered the glory of Solomon's temple were bitterly critical of the new temple... Point: The past work of God often persecutes and devalues the new work of God."
• "Jesus Christ didn't come to begin a new religion. He came to begin a new creation."
• "Leaving the wilderness may come at an obscenely high price. It is for this reason that many do not leave it."
• "We cannot receive the new until we first let go of the old. Old wineskins do not patch well... God has never been in the business of pouring new wine into old wineskins."
• "Living by 'right and wrong' is not Christianity. It's old covenant living. And it's very human."
• "To Paul's mind, when brothers and sisters in Christ divide from one another, it's like taking a butcher knife to Jesus Christ. It's like tearing off a chunk of flesh from our Lord's own body."
• "We Christians are not simply disciples of Jesus. We are not simply believers in the Savior of the world and the Lord of Creation. We are members of Christ."
• "I cannot fully know Christ on my own. Neither can you. I must know Him through His body... But in order for us to know Christ through the other members of His body, we have to get close to them."
• "It's not a metaphor. Paul never says the church is like His body. No, we are His body."
• "The Bible, also weeping, speaks out and says, 'I came to point men and women to Him. I came to testify of Him. I came to make Him known. But they have made a god out of me."
• "In so many modern churches, a set of doctrines. a certain theology, a charismatic personality, a set of special works or ministries, is the centrality rather than Christ. Mark it down: The centrality of anything other than Christ is a betrayal..."
• "You an I become fully human in community. God's intention was never for a bunch of saved individuals."
• "As the body of Christ, the church not only cares for its own, but it also cares for the world that surrounds it. Just as Jesus did while He was on earth."
• "One of the Roman emperors... publicly lamented that the pagan temples were loosing customers because 'the Christians not only take care of their own needy, but ours as well."
• "I made another discovery. Namely, that Christian doctrine can make a person downright mean... I came to the place where I was compelled to lay down my doctrinal sword, for like Peter, I had been cutting people's ears off."
• "Evangelism is an it. The power of God is an it. Eschatology is an it. Christian theology is an it. Christian doctrine is an it. Faith is an it. Apologetics is an it. I made the striking discovery that I don't need an it. I have never needed an it. And I will never need an it. Christian its, no matter how good or true, eventually wear out, run dry, and become tiresome... We do not need things. We need Jesus Christ.
• "Everything in scripture—every book, every story, every teaching, every theme, every letter, every verse, all the arrows point to Him."
• "Jesus Christ not only reveals the way... He is the Way. Jesus Christ not only reveals the truth... He is the Truth. Jesus Christ is not only the giver of life, He is the Life."

Hey You...Yeah You!

Now, we both know you've been checking out Encounter for a while.

You've been visiting the website and looking us up on Facebook. But you're still lurking in the background.

You want to find out more about this group of people called Encounter. What motivates us? How do we plan to impact this generation in Helena? Are we a safe place for hurting and imperfect people?

Maybe you've seen us at the YWCA, at the Helena Walking Mall, or Alive@Five. Maybe you've been checking the blog each day from the Montana State Government, or Albertsons, your home Bresnan Service, or even out-of-state.

Maybe you are the guy who has the "Faith is a Journey, Not a Guilt Trip" bumper sticker I saw today. You know who you are.

I'm just saying that now is the time to MAKE A CONNECTION!

Give me a call.
Send me an email.
Chat with me on Facebook.
Direct tweet me on Twitter.
Join us tomorrow for the Dream Team Gathering.

Let's talk and share our dreams for a new faith community in Helena for this generation and beyond.

'Crazy Love' Discussion on July 21: Who Really Lives That Way?

This current Encounter Discussions series from Francis Chan's book Crazy Love tackles what Jesus really meant about being the church, both as individuals and as a community of faith.

THIS WEEK: WHO REALLY LIVES THAT WAY?
What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? What do you want to be known for? What is it that you believe God created you to do here on this earth?

Don't miss this week's topic titled "Who Really Lives That Way?" at the Staggering Ox this Tuesday, July 21 @ 6:30pm. You're invited to join us for a weekly DVD clip and discussion response – a forum of honest interaction and exploration.

JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND
You don't have to attend every session to get something out of the discussion. So even if you're just curious, drop by and bring a friend. Arrive early at 6:00pm and grab a sandwich with us.

Check out the Facebook event here or the Eventbrite event here.
Read more about Crazy Love here from the series introduction.

Dream Team Gathering...What Is It?

We're having an Encounter Dream Team Gathering this Friday at 7pm and you are invited...

WHAT IS THE DREAM?
We are a people who are passionate about and understand God's vision and strategy for Encounter.

We are not just workers or volunteers, but actively involved in something significant for God - looking to BE the church in Helena, not just attend a church.

We are excited about what God is already doing in our midst and eager to celebrate successes and learn from mistakes. We want to tell everyone about this new faith community that exists for this generation and beyond - and we desire for them to encounter Jesus through us.

WHAT IS A DREAM TEAM GATHERING?
As we begin to form the team of people who will actively launch Encounter Church, we'll to need to gather together to learn, discuss, and work out the vision and DNA of Encounter. Primarily because a church is not an institution as much as it is a people, we as a people will to passionately pursue the same vision, and dream the same dream.

WHO CAN COME?
If you are already part of the launch team, it is important for you to come this Friday - you are the core of this gathering.

If you have been coming to some of our Encounter Discussions or been involved in our Community Service Projects and want to know more about Encounter Church, this is a great opportunity to ask specific questions about what God is doing and the great things He has in store.

Finally, if you have heard about Encounter or seen us online and want to know more about our vision and strategy to impact this generation in Helena, then you too should come.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN?
At the Dream Team Gathering we will begin with some music and prayer. We will further explain the vision, mission, values, and three essential environments of Encounter. Finally, we will discuss specifically what it means to be part of the Encounter Launch Team, what criteria we are looking for, and where we need to go from here. We will dream about what God has in store for Helena through Encounter Church.

SHOULD I COME?
If you are tired of a dried out "version of Christianity," if you share a desire to see the people far from God encounter Jesus in a real life-giving way, if you want to explore a creative, innovative, and fresh way of experiencing authentic relationships with others on your same journey of faith, please join us.

Finally, if you missed the Encounter Informational Meeting about a month ago, this will be a great opportunity to find out more about Encounter in a less formal and conversational venue.

WHAT: Encounter Dream Team Gathering
WHO: Launch Team and anyone
WHEN: Friday, June 17 @ 7pm
WHERE: Powell Home [map/directions]

If possible, RSVP on Facebook here or contact us here – it's not required, but it helps us plan. Kids are welcome, but there will be no childcare or babysitter.

Making Helena Greener - Be The Change

The Making Helena Greener project was a huge success!

A group of us landscaped and planted donated flowers at the Helena YWCA home for women this last Friday, July 10. In a sense, we were involved in redeeming the landscape.

It was a lot of hard work, but it was a joy to serve others in a tangible way — with no strings attached. Honestly, I was blown away by all the people that showed up and gave up their time and effort on a Friday night, no less. You guys are awesome!

What an awesome way to make a difference, demonstrate God's crazy love in action, and engage the culture of Helena! We invite you to to Be The Change in Helena and join us in our next project at Encounter Church.

You can also find a bunch of photos of the effort on Facebook here.

'Crazy Love' Discussion on July 14: Profile of the Obsessed

This current Encounter Discussions series from Francis Chan's book Crazy Love tackles what Jesus really meant about being the church, both as individuals and as a community of faith.

THIS WEEK: PROFILE OF THE OBSESSED
The idea of holding back doesn't come from God. Are you obsessed with following Jesus? To what lengths are you willing to go?

Don't miss this week's topic titled "Profile of the Obsessed" at the Staggering Ox this Tuesday, July 14 @ 6:30pm. You're invited to join us for a weekly DVD clip and discussion response – a forum of honest interaction and exploration.

JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND
You don't have to attend every session to get something out of the discussion. So even if you're just curious, drop by and bring a friend. Arrive early at 6:00pm and grab a sandwich with us.

Check out the Facebook event here or the Eventbrite event here.
Read more about Crazy Love here from the series introduction.

EncounterCast 7.10.09: Going Places & Moving Forward

This week's EncounterCast from the Trolly Block at the Downtown Helena Walking Mall is a reminder that Encounter is going places and moving forward. We've got three things to share this week:

1. Tonight on Friday, July 10 @ 7pm, we'll be out at the YWCA planting flowers and doing some gardening to Make Helena Greener. It's just one way to "Be The Change" in our community. More here.
2. Next Tuesday, July 14 @ 6:30pm, the Crazy Love Discussion at the Ox is called "Profile of the Obsessed." We already discussed what it means to be lukewarm for Jesus. Now we'll look at "What does it mean to be obsessed with following Jesus?" More here.
3. And then finally, we're moving forward with the Encounter launch team. We're meeting next Friday, July 17 @ 7pm for a Dream Team Gathering to discuss more about our vision and DNA. This is for those who are already involved in the launch team, and for those who just want to find out more.
   

Listen to the Vision!

At Encounter, our vision is to free people to encounter Jesus.

Connected to the image of Moses' burning bush experience, we want to be something out of the ordinary that catches people's attention so they can hear the voice of God.

We want to remove as many obstacles, distractions, and barriers as we can so that this generation and beyond can have an authentic, life-changing encounter with Jesus.

More specifically, we have found that people tend to like Jesus but not the church. They have been turned off by traditional models of "doing church." Their view of what the Church and what following Jesus is supposed to be has been skewed by many things — but primarily by a lifeless, passionless, empty representation of faith that is judgmental, self-righteous, and downright boring.

In a broad sense, we envision a dangerous church, an assembly, a gathering, a faith community, a group of people, who are drawn together to pursue what it means to boldly follow Jesus beyond Sunday, and in the missional context of real life.

HAVE YOU FELT IT?
And this vision is not just mine or Andrea's, but one planted there by God in each one of us drawn to Encounter. Each of us has sensed the vision, we have then seen it articulated, and now we have begun the process of growth that will see the vision come to life. Like a seed that has been planted, it must now be watered and cared for as it matures into reality.

Have you sensed the vision? Have you felt it gnawing at your soul? Have you been discouraged in the valley as God has been molding you into the shape of the vision? We have too, but we are not satisfied with anything else but an authentic and bold following after Jesus and His vision planted within us!

LISTEN TO THE VISION!
I am going to be bold here and just say it. If you are not connected with a church here in Helena — if you are not living out your faith in a passionate and life-filled way with others in a faith community — you are missing out on something incredible!

You REALLY should come be a part Encounter. If you don't live here in Helena, you should move here. Seriously, we will help you! Seriously, the next six months at Encounter are going to be AMAZING! You should listen to the vision that is stirring in your soul and come be a part of what God is doing in Helena!

So let's get together and talk more over coffee.
Give me a call today!

The Vision Will Be Made Real

"We always have visions, before a thing is made real. When we realize that although the vision is real, it is not real in us, then is the time that Satan comes in with his temptations, and we are apt to say it is no use to go on...

"God gives us the vision, then He takes us down to the valley to batter us into the shape of the vision, and it is in the valley that so many of us faint and give way. Every vision will be made real if we will have patience...

"If you have ever had the vision of God, you may try as you like to be satisfied on a lower level, but God will never let you.

— Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest, July 6

Three Ways to "Be the Change" in Helena this Summer

I've mentioned before that I am really excited about continuing to impact our community and about being a positive agent of change here in Helena where we live, work, and play. Here are three ways you can "be the change" this Summer through Encounter Church.

1) MAKING HELENA GREENER - July 10 at YWCA
As the Making Helena Greener project, we'll be landscaping and planting donated flowers at the YWCA women's home. We invite you to join us there at 7pm this Friday, July 10. If you can, bring $3 to help cover costs as well as some digging tools, such as shovels and spades. You can RSVP at the Facebook page for this event here and also view a video of the area we'll be planting.

2) SERVING FRIENDS - August 7 at Memorial Park
Then we'll be serving our friends at Blue Cross Blue Shield at Memorial Park on August 7. We have the opportunity to host employees' families by providing and operating a rock wall, kids inflatable, as well as a cotton candy and snow cone booth. While the event lasts from 3-7pm, we will need volunteers from 1:30-8pm for setup, operation, and teardown. You can RSVP at the Facebook page for this event here or else contact us soon to find out more.

3) ENCOUNTER T-SHIRT - Order by July 7
We already announced our new fashionable Encounter t-shirts, but did you know that you can help fund our community service events if you order one for $25 or more. They are available in sizes from S-5XL, so order one today by contacting us ASAP. The order deadline is this Tuesday, July 7.

EncounterCast 6.3.09: Making Helena Greener & More

This week's EncounterCast is from the Helena YWCA where we will be planting donated flowers as part of the Making Helena Greener community service project. You're invited to come Friday, July 10 @ 7pm and get involved - more details about this and other community service projects are coming soon!

Also, don't forget about this week's Crazy Love Discussion at the Staggering Ox at 6:30pm on July 7. We're discussing the chapter "Your Best Life...Later" and asking "What are you doing in your life right now that requires faith?"

'Crazy Love' Discussion on July 7: Faith - Your Best Life...Later

This current Encounter Discussions series from Francis Chan's book Crazy Love tackles what Jesus really meant about being the church, both as individuals and as a community of faith.

THIS WEEK: FAITH — YOUR BEST LIFE...LATER
What are you doing in your life right now that requires faith? How are you trusting God so completely that you would completely and utterly fail if He did not pull through?

Don't miss this week's topic titled "When You're In Love" at the Staggering Ox this Tuesday, July 7 @ 6:30pm. You're invited to join us for a weekly DVD clip and discussion response – a forum of honest interaction and exploration.

JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND
You don't have to attend every session to get something out of the discussion. So even if you're just curious, drop by and bring a friend. Arrive early at 6:00pm and grab a sandwich with us.

Check out the Facebook event here or the Eventbrite event here.
Read more about Crazy Love here from the series introduction.

"Hell, Yeah!"

We recently got together and talked about ways we can continue to Engage Culture in Helena. The group had some great ideas and I am really excited about continuing to impact our community and about being a positive agent of change here where we live, work, play, and explore living a life following Jesus.

We've already been involved in Washing Windows at the Helena Walking Mall, and gathering Gift Packages for St. Peter's Hospital O.B. nurses, Broadwater School staff, and the Elkhorn Rehabilitation Center workers.

Two new project we're working on is Making Helena Greener by planting donated flowers at various organizations, and Serving Friends by hosting a rock wall, inflatable, and other booths at Memorial Park. We'll let you know more as the details come together. If you want to get involved, let us know now in our planning stages.

One of our favorite things to do is to extend Simple Acts of Kindness by handing out free Tootsie Pops and other giveaways like bottled water at various community events such as the Vigilante Parade and Alive@Five. It's such a simple way to brighten someone's day and let them know you care — no strings attached.

It's interesting that more than once as we've given free stuff and asked "would you like this free thing?" — we've gotten the response "Hell, yeah." I love that! It means that we're touching people's lives in a simple, yet relevant way.

In a culture that looks at church agendas and organized religion and says "Hell, no!" We're catching people's attention and allowing them to say "Hell, yeah" so they can eventually move forward in a faith journey with Jesus — we're freeing people to Encounter Jesus.

This is just one way to be a burning bush. It's just one way to be something out of the ordinary that captures the attention of a city so that people can hear the voice of God.

And to that I say "Hell, Yeah!"

Support Us By Ordering An Encounter Tee!

We're going to be ordering Encounter tees this week! If you want one, let me know ASAP. They are available in sizes from S to 5X and will be similar to the image here with the Encounter Church logo and url on the back. (Click on the image for a larger view.)

When you order one for at least $25, anything above the $15 tee-shirt cost gets donated directly into the Encounter Church fund.

Of course, those of us involved in this Summer's community service projects will be able to get them at cost.

Click here to donate with check or money order.

EncounterCast 06.26.09: Love or Obligation?

Here is this week's EncounterCast from Memorial Park where we handed out free give-aways this last Wednesday at Alive@Five.

So what does it mean to pursue love — to have an honest and intimate relationship with Jesus? We'll explore "When You're in Love" this next Tuesday, June 30 at the next Crazy Love Discussion at the Staggering Ox at 6:30pm. Join us!

'Crazy Love' Discussion on June 30: When You're In Love (Love or Obligation?)

This current Encounter Discussions series from Francis Chan's book Crazy Love tackles what Jesus really meant about being the church, both as individuals and as a community of faith.

THIS WEEK: WHEN YOU'RE IN LOVE
Why do so few people genuinely find joy and pleasure in their relationship with God? Why do most people feel they have to either pay God back for all He's done (buy His love)? Or somehow keep making up for all their inadequacies and failures (prove their love)?

Don't miss this week's topic titled "When You're In Love" at the Staggering Ox this Tuesday, June 30 @ 6:30pm. You're invited to join us for a weekly DVD clip and discussion response – a forum of honest interaction and exploration.

JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND
You don't have to attend every session to get something out of the discussion. So even if you're just curious, drop by and bring a friend. Arrive early at 6:00pm and grab a sandwich with us.

Check out the Facebook event here or the Eventbrite event here.
Read more about Crazy Love here from the series introduction.

EncounterCast 6.19.09: Crazy and Sweet!

This week we're coming from outside Dairy Queen on North Montana Avenue. This installment of the EncounterCast shares a few 'sweet' events coming up this week that you will want to put on your calendar:

Crazy Game Night at the Ox.
Tuesday, June 23 @ 6:30pm.
Read more here.

Sweet Community Service Planning Meeting at Dairy Queen
Thursday, June 25 @ 7:30pm
Read more here.

Have a 'Sweet' Time Planning to Serve our Community

As the impact of the 7 Days of Servolution in Helena continues to echo through our community, we're getting together to discuss and plan ways we can serve others throughout the Summer.

We already have some great opportunities coming our way, giving us the opportunity to serve needs and make Helena a better place. But we will need some more people.

So bring some services ideas and connections, as well as a friend or two that may be interested in getting involved. Then join us for a 'sweet' time of planning to serve others in the Helena community.

WHEN: Thursday, June 25 @ 7:30pm
WHERE: Dairy Queen, 2850 N. Montana
WHAT: Discuss & Plan Community Service
WHO: You and Your Friends, Everyone Welcome!

View the Facebook event here.

'Crazy' Game Night on June 23: Meet at the Ox

This current Encounter Discussions series from Francis Chan's book Crazy Love tackles what Jesus really meant about being the church, both as individuals and as a community of faith.

THIS WEEK: CRAZY GAME NIGHT AT THE OX
We're taking a break from the usual discussion this week. We're letting our hair down, getting jiggy with it, and having a "crazy" game night social.

This time it'll be right where we've been meeting at the Staggering Ox on Tuesday, June 23 @ 6:30pm.

It'll be an opportunity to meet new people, get to know each other, and get some "game on" with friendly competitions of your favorite board/card games (i.e. Killer Bunnies, Apples to Apples, etc.). If you've been coming, it's a great week to invite a friend.

JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND
If you've wanted to check us out, this is your opportunity to come and just have some fun and interaction. So even if you're just curious, drop by and bring a friend. Arrive early at 6:00pm and grab a sandwich with us.

Check out the Facebook event here or the Eventbrite event here.
Read more about Crazy Love here from the series introduction

EncounterCast 6.12.09: Skate Parks and Leftovers

Here is this week's EncounterCast from the Helena Skate Park by the YMCA. This week I'm hinting at some great opportunities to serve needs in the Helena community. Join us Tuesday, June 16 at 6:30pm because we're hoping to discuss these opportunities at the next Crazy Love Discussion at the Staggering Ox.

'Crazy Love' Discussion on June 16: Serving Leftovers To A Holy God

This current Encounter Discussions series from Francis Chan's book Crazy Love tackles what Jesus really meant about being the church, both as individuals and as a community of faith.

THIS WEEK: SERVING LEFTOVERS TO A HOLY GOD
Is the idea of a non-fruit-bearing Christian something that we have concocted in order to make Christianity "easier"? Following Christ isn't something we can do halfheartedly – it must be central to everything that we are. Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at the wrong things.

Don't miss this week's topic titled "Serving Leftovers to a Holy God" at the Staggering Ox this Tuesday, June 16 @ 6:30pm. You're invited to join us for a weekly DVD clip and discussion response – a forum of honest interaction and exploration.

JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND
You don't have to attend every session to get something out of the discussion. So even if you're just curious, drop by and bring a friend. Arrive early at 6:00pm and grab a sandwich with us.

Check out the Facebook event here or the Eventbrite event here.
Read more about Crazy Love here from the series introduction.

Crazy Thoughts From Helena's Prayer Vigil

Last night, Andrea and I gathered with at least 300 others from the Helena community to pray for peace and healing. In response to last weeks' shooting, Helena's faith-community gathered people together at Anchor Park to offer a forum of reflection and healing through a Vigil of Peace.

During the event, we sent positive words to encourage those we know. If you received one of my texts, please be encouraged in this...

Although we are a broken, lukewarm people, although we have pasts that cause us pain, God can make us complete. He wholeheartedly loves us and is changing us – even this very moment – into a people who will love God back and love others with His crazy love.

Pastor Rick mentioned the John Mayer song Waiting for the World to Change

me and all my friends
we're all misunderstood
they say we stand for nothing and
there's no way we ever could

now we see everything that's going wrong
with the world and those who lead it
we just feel like we don't have the means
to rise above and beat it

so we keep waiting
waiting on the world to change

While we understand Mayer's sentiment, we disagree. We believe that it's time to STOP waiting. It's time for us to fulfill the purpose for which God created for us – to take an active role in seeing His kingdom move forward through us.

I challenge you to take a moment to ask God what He is preparing you for – and then let His crazy love shine through you.

EncounterCast 6.8.09: Profile Of The Lukewarm

We have some great church planting friends over in Indianapolis who are doing amazing things for God in the heart of the city. I have been inspired to follow suit with one of their ideas, a periodic video update that we're calling EncounterCast.

Perhaps this snowy, rainy, 33 degree June day video shoot will make a great first-ever installment...

On Boats And Safety

Since we've been talking about boats and safety recently, I found the following entry this morning in Oswald Chamber's My Utmost For His Highest. It's quite interesting. He writes...

"If you yourself do not cut the lines that tie you to the dock, God will have to use a storm to sever them and send you out to sea. Put everything in your life afloat upon God, going out to sea on the great swelling tide of his purpose, and your eyes will be opened. If you believe in Jesus, you are not to spend all your time in the calm waters just inside the harbor, full of joy, but always tied to the dock. You have to get past the harbor into the great depths of God..."

Are we spending all our time in the calm waters? In the safety of the harbor?

Don't get me wrong, Jesus died to bring us peace. He came to give us rest and comfort. But that safety is found in Him alone – not in our retirement plans, not in our job security, nor in our convenient participation of church activities. The safety we seek is granted within and despite the chaos of the raging storm.

I see this daily as I am reminded how crazy it is to launch a new church in a city that already has dozens; when I am reminded that we are in economic hard times; when I am reminded that Helena is not immune to the violence and heartbreak of tragic events like last week's shooting.

While we find peace and fulfillment in Him, may we remember that Jesus didn't die to make us safe. He died to make us dangerous – to the storms, to spiritual apathy, to the evils of this world, and to the status quo.

Perhaps God is moving you right now to sever the lines of complacent safety. Perhaps He's calling you to take an active part in being a positive agent of change in Helena. Contact us – we would love to talk to you about what Encounter is doing and how we plan to conquer these storms through Jesus.

Getting Out Of The Boat

We are in a boat. We're in the boat of our lives.

For some of us, our boat is going to church, reading our bibles, listening to the message, listening to the music, and trying to be a good person. All these things are our little boat.

They keep us safe.
They keep us afloat.
They keep us from drowning.

It's a good little boat to be in – but isn't there something more?

Our little boat does make us comfortable. It's a nice little boat to be in. We don't make anyone angry. If people ask us about Jesus, we'll tell them. We think "yeah I'm going to heaven. I'm saved. I know how to do the Christian thing." So what's wrong?

Why do we feel like there is more?
Why are we dis-satisfied with the status quo?
Why are we NOT dis-satisfied with the status quo?

A BOAT STORY

In Matthew 14, Jesus was on the shore, praying. The disciples were out in a boat when the winds began to pick up and waves began to crash on the side of the boat. The sky got dark and the storm began to pour down on the disciples. Of course, the disciples began to be afraid for their lives because they thought the boat was going to flip over and they were all going to drown.

One of the disciples looks out onto the water and he sees what he thinks is a ghost walking on the water. And then they hear a familiar voice that says "Take courage, it's me. Do not be afraid"

It was Jesus!

Jesus was walking on water out in the middle of the storm. And then Peter says "Lord if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water"

And Jesus says "Come."

So Peter steps out and he is miraculously able to walk on water and walks toward Jesus. While he soon begins to doubt and begins sinking, Peter calls out for help. Jesus grabs his hand and pulls him up.

Peter never had to leave the comfort of the boat. He could have easily hid with his life jacket on, hid from the storm, and stayed in the boat. But there was one problem.

Jesus wasn't in the boat.
Jesus was out in the middle of the storm.
Peter knew he needed to be with Jesus.

A CHOICE

We too, have a choice to make. We can continue on staying in our boat – with our family, with our friends, with our schools. We can pray to God everyday. We can read our Bibles. We can try to be nice people. But if we do, we never leave our boat. We never say Jesus is worth risking our life for. Jesus is worth drowning for.

Jesus told Peter to come.
And He's telling you to come.
Get out of your comfort zone.
Get out of your boat.

And come walk on water with Him.

NOW IS THE TIME

These are the “early moments” of a movement within Helena to lead a generation into a growing relationship with Christ. Let's get together today. We are currently gathering people who will launch Encounter Church. If you haven't already thought about it, we challenge you to seriously and prayerfully consider being part of the Launch Team.

These notes from the Encounter Informational Meeting and a video by GreaterLess Films called "Boat."