Elevation gets criticised in certain circles because of our stance on numbers (even right here on this blog in the past few days) Some claim we're all about the numbers and you know what, we are all about the numbers. What matters to us more than anything is the number of people who profess faith in Jesus Christ, the number of marriages that are put back together and the number of people who were far from God that were filled with life in Christ....you better believe we're all about the numbers.
We are so aggressive about it because we realize that behind ever number is a story of life transformation. It's the women who had an abortion years ago and has been walking in guilt and shame ever since. It's the Bank of America exec who has been climbing the corporate ladder but is empty and broken inside. And it's the couple on the verge of divorce that's been restored. Everyone of those stories is evidence of God's grace and mercy....that's why we're all about the numbers.
This past week I had the privilege meeting Ashley and Justin. They have been coming to Elevation for the past few months and God has really been working in their lives. We're in the middle of "Visionary Love, Dream Sex" and they've been hearing sermon after sermon about God's standard for dating, marriage and sex. You see, Justin and Ashley have been living together for the past year and a half. Something amazing happened as they've been sitting under Pastor Steven's preaching...the Holy Spirit has been bringing a Godly conviction. They came to the place where they realized the choices they had made and the lifestyle they are living weren't glorifying God and they wanted desperately for that to change.
Ashley and Justin came by to see me one day last week to begin the process of planning their wedding. Through the course of the conversation it was evident they love Jesus and love each other, so I threw out a wild idea...something I though they would laugh at. I said "the best time to make it right is as soon as possible, so how about you guys get married right here, right now.” Their response blew me away-"why wouldn't we get married right now". They wanted nothing more than to make it right with God and be restored to him. We grabbed a dozen or so staff at the office and walked down the block to the park and on October 2nd 2008 Justin and Ashely became husband and wife.....
I LOVE OUR CHURCH!!! I love that Pastor Steven preaches a message full of grace and truth that allows the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do...bring about conviction, repentance and restoration!! In many other churches Ashley and Justin would have walked our feeling condemned because they couldn't get past the fact they had the same address...not with Pastor Steven. These people walked out knowing that God loves them and has plans for their lives. They heard that Jesus died on the cross for their sins and there's a better way so be restored to God. I love our guest services people, they go out of their way to create a welcoming experience where people genuinely feel someone is glad they came to church. I love Wade Joye, Chris Brown and Mac Brock our worship leaders. They tirelessly labor each work to create a worship experience where the presence of God is felt, connecting with the deepest part of the heart. I love our community groups pastor Jay Rabon who immediately after the marriage ceremony put his arms around the couple and will personally oversee them getting plugged into the perfect small group to begin to build community and grow in their faith.... I LOVE OUR CHURCH!!!
This is one of those moments where I am so proud of Elevation. We didn't start this church to hold theological discussion where everyone walks away feeling smarter but does nothing with what they heard. We started it for people like Ashley and Justin who desperately needed a touch from God! We started it for the people who are broken and hurting...those far from God so they could be filled with life in Christ!!!!! I LOVE OUR CHURCH
We are so aggressive about it because we realize that behind ever number is a story of life transformation. It's the women who had an abortion years ago and has been walking in guilt and shame ever since. It's the Bank of America exec who has been climbing the corporate ladder but is empty and broken inside. And it's the couple on the verge of divorce that's been restored. Everyone of those stories is evidence of God's grace and mercy....that's why we're all about the numbers.
This past week I had the privilege meeting Ashley and Justin. They have been coming to Elevation for the past few months and God has really been working in their lives. We're in the middle of "Visionary Love, Dream Sex" and they've been hearing sermon after sermon about God's standard for dating, marriage and sex. You see, Justin and Ashley have been living together for the past year and a half. Something amazing happened as they've been sitting under Pastor Steven's preaching...the Holy Spirit has been bringing a Godly conviction. They came to the place where they realized the choices they had made and the lifestyle they are living weren't glorifying God and they wanted desperately for that to change.
Ashley and Justin came by to see me one day last week to begin the process of planning their wedding. Through the course of the conversation it was evident they love Jesus and love each other, so I threw out a wild idea...something I though they would laugh at. I said "the best time to make it right is as soon as possible, so how about you guys get married right here, right now.” Their response blew me away-"why wouldn't we get married right now". They wanted nothing more than to make it right with God and be restored to him. We grabbed a dozen or so staff at the office and walked down the block to the park and on October 2nd 2008 Justin and Ashely became husband and wife.....
I LOVE OUR CHURCH!!! I love that Pastor Steven preaches a message full of grace and truth that allows the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do...bring about conviction, repentance and restoration!! In many other churches Ashley and Justin would have walked our feeling condemned because they couldn't get past the fact they had the same address...not with Pastor Steven. These people walked out knowing that God loves them and has plans for their lives. They heard that Jesus died on the cross for their sins and there's a better way so be restored to God. I love our guest services people, they go out of their way to create a welcoming experience where people genuinely feel someone is glad they came to church. I love Wade Joye, Chris Brown and Mac Brock our worship leaders. They tirelessly labor each work to create a worship experience where the presence of God is felt, connecting with the deepest part of the heart. I love our community groups pastor Jay Rabon who immediately after the marriage ceremony put his arms around the couple and will personally oversee them getting plugged into the perfect small group to begin to build community and grow in their faith.... I LOVE OUR CHURCH!!!
This is one of those moments where I am so proud of Elevation. We didn't start this church to hold theological discussion where everyone walks away feeling smarter but does nothing with what they heard. We started it for people like Ashley and Justin who desperately needed a touch from God! We started it for the people who are broken and hurting...those far from God so they could be filled with life in Christ!!!!! I LOVE OUR CHURCH
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3 comments:
I'm continually blown away by how God uses Elevation and the people there! I love that you just married two people on the spot!! Stinkin' awesome Pastor Larry! And numbers?...why wouldn't it be about the numbers? "Bueler....Bueler.."
I love Elevation too. I don't love Elevation for Elevation sake... but how God uses the people of Elevation to reach people far from God. The changed lives are all the evidence we need that the numbers matter. I'm blown away by Christians that want to tear down what is not happening in their ministry. I'm sorry for them. It took me 15+ years to find where God wanted me to be and I thank the Lord every day! Larry you are an inspiration and influence well beyond what you can see. Pls keep it up!
Thank you so much for sharing this story!! I am amazed at how God is working through Elevation.....I am amazed by the staff and love each and every one of you for doing what you do and being who you are!! May God continue to be a blessing....Have a great week!!
Love, Karen Luke
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