It doesn't matter what it is...it's hard

Waiting is hard…it doesn't matter if it’s waiting in the drive-thru lane, on a computer download, or for cookies to come out of the oven. Waiting is really hard when we are in pain and are waiting for relief to come or we’re in neutral and waiting for a breakthrough to occur.

This weekend, the weekend before we celebrate Christmas, we will be talking about what it takes to build and strengthen ourselves to prevail even in those seasons of…waiting.

Worship is a gift we give. I can hardly wait to unwrap it together this weekend and present it, and ourselves, to God!

See ya soon,

Pastor Ken

It's beginning to look a lot like...

A. Christmas 
B. A rainy weekend
C. An amazing opportunity to prepare for the arrival of the greatest gift ever given to mankind
D. A great time to invite a friend to an experience that could change their life
E. All of the above 

The answer is... E:)

You do not want to miss this weekend! Check out our website for all of the exciting things happening this month at Cypress! cypresschurch.tv

See you soon, Pastor Ken

P.S. 

Have you seen all of the #LoveColumbus stories being shared? Check out LoveColumbus.tv and join the movement!

It's BIG...and will change COLUMBUS!

This weekend, I am sharing what we are undertaking as a church-wide initiative to change Columbus! Many of us on staff have been praying that the ripple effect of this launch will carry on for all eternity.

     It’s big…

          It’s for everyone…

               It knows no limit…

Get Rich week 4…get on the path and put the pedal to the metal!

I can hardly wait for this weekend to get here…see you soon,

Pastor Ken

It doesn't come naturally...

Have you ever done something in life thinking you wouldn't enjoy the experience but, after the fact, you realized it was amazing and you were so glad you did it? I think that’s what the act of giving looks like in America. As a nation, we are below-average givers, but many are excellent buyers and shoppers. Giving does not come naturally. If you question that statement, just visit any daycare, preschool, or home with multiple kids playing at the same time, and you will see what I’m talking about! Giving is something we must learn. Just like so many other important lessons of life that we teach our children (shower, wash your hands, brush your teeth, drink your milk, say thank you, I could go on foreverJ), teaching them how to live life generously, in their giving, will bring health and joy otherwise beyond their grasp.

I can hardly wait for week 3 of Get Rich… a paycheck alone won’t get you there. The good news…the path to getting rich is one we all can travel and pass on to our kids!

See ya soon,

Pastor Ken

Money, Sex & Power...

In June of 2013, Forbes magazine ran an article titled, “Money, Sex, Power: How to Get Plenty of One.” Money is commonly viewed as one of the greatest motivations known to mankind, although we all know money cannot buy peace, nor heal broken relationships. Yet, its pull on our hearts and minds is undeniable. Money will always work for us or against us.

I ran across a story recently that speaks to this called, “Two Wolves.”

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people during their lives.

He said, “My son, the battle is inside all of us.

One is evil… anger, jealousy, greed, arrogance, pride, etc…

The other is good… joy, peace, love, humility, compassion, etc…”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

This weekend we find out more as we grow and take steps toward God’s best for our lives.

Get Rich…a paycheck alone won’t get us there!

See you soon,

Pastor Ken

Have you ever dreamed of being...

Nearly everyone I've ever met has dreamed of, or at least imagined, what it would be like to be RICH…I know I have. It’s interesting though, because hardly anyone thinks of themselves as being rich. Everyone knows other people who are rich, but rarely do we consider ourselves to be rich.

The desire to GET RICH was the motivation that drove the Gold Rush of the 1800’s, the dot-com era, and so many other major events in history. The quest for riches has been the motivation behind wars, corporate takeovers, marriages and divorces for centuries.

You deserve it…it’s time to GET RICH…just realize a paycheck alone won’t get you there. However, the money in your pocket (how you think and interact with it) is incredibly important in your quest to GET RICH.

See you soon,

Pastor Ken

P.S. Don't forget to set your clocks back this weekend!

If given the option...which would you choose...

If you were given the option between living:

(A) a strong, confident, purposeful life, or

(B) a weak, anxiety-ridden, wandering life…which one would you choose?

I would be hard pressed to think that anyone would choose Option B. Everyone longs for Option A but, the reality is, it escapes so many of us. Or, at best, it seems like a hit or miss target to live by.

This weekend, we wrap up our Good, Better, Best series by looking at the greatest attribute required to make Option A our reality! The great news is…the path to Option A is available to everyone. It doesn’t matter about your education, family of origin, height, weight, ethnicity, or what your interests are, everyone can live Option A! I am convinced, believing and praying, that this weekend will change your life!

See you this weekend,

Pastor Ken

PS. This weekend, we have the privilege of celebrating communion together and I hear there are special things planned for the kids (SLIME is on the horizonJ). Don’t just hear or read about it, experience it!

Who won the last five World Series...do you remember?

If you like Cracker Jacks, then you will love this weekend at Cypress! Baseball playoffs are here and the post season intensity is heating up. One of the hottest teams in baseball, the Kansas City Royals, will be facing the San Francisco Giants in the World Series. It should be a fun, entertaining series to watch.

Everyone in baseball knows…

Singles are GOOD…

Doubles and Triples are BETTER…

But…Home Runs are the BEST!

As you've been taking a swing at life, how is it going?

Do you feel as if you’re hitting singles?

Are you struggling to make contact?

Do you feel as if you've been striking out?

This weekend, I will be teaching the clear path that scripture lays out for us where everyone can learn to HIT HOME RUNS IN LIFE! In a couple of years, HARDLY ANYONE will remember who won the 2014 World Series. But, EVERYONE you are close to, MANY you work with and ALL you serve will remember how you lived and influenced them.

Good, Better, Best…don’t settle…keep climbing

See you soon,

Pastor Ken

Are you maximizing the quality of life you're living...

If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else. ~ Yogi Berra

If I promised you by walking down a certain path you would find $100 million dollars at the end of the day…would you walk down that path? If I trusted the person who told me that and felt they had the ability to deliver, I certainly would walk the path! I would probably question what $100 million dollars looks like because I can’t comprehend how much that actually is, but I would walk the path (with great anticipation I might addJ)

Well, I can’t promise you a $100 million dollars but I can share with you that there are certain paths in life that always lead to certain destinations. I read something this past week that said, “Most people spend more time planning for a vacation than they do planning for their future lives.” I wonder if that really is true…what do you think?

The Bible actually has a lot to say about this topic of planning our steps and living strategically to maximize the quality of life we live. Life really is a gift…let’s not waste it or allow it to fade away into mediocrity…

See you soon,

Pastor Ken

Are you tired of status quo?

Relationships … Good, Better or the Best

To be honest we probably need another category…possibly, “horrible,” or whatever would be an appropriate insertion before “good” as a description for some of the relationships in our lives. Relationships affect everything including our work life, personal life, love life, our joy, stress and anxiety levels, and so much more.

This weekend, we will be looking to the practical teaching of scripture to see how we can push the needle forward in the different categories of relationships in our lives. People are often times a mystery, but the basic building blocks of relationships are plain as day. If you want to be challenged, then get here this weekend! Personally, I believe it’s worth it to grow and “keep climbing” for a better quality of life, especially in our relationships. So, if you are up for a little encouragement, a challenge, and the opportunity to worship Christ with others of like mind and similar goals, I hope you will make worship a priority. 

Remember, this journey in life is not for the faint of heart. So, for those who are ready to go and are tired of status quo…see you this weekend!

Pastor Ken

The most important KEY when INFLUENCING others...

If I told you I would share the number one, single-most important key when it comes to INFLUENCING your kids, grandkids, friends and neighbors...would you want to know?

If so, I hope you are able to join us for worship this weekend…

• we will be honoring the King of Kings, Maker of Heaven and Earth
• we will be encouraging one another
• we will be singing songs that make our hearts rejoice
• we will be teaching the "Next Generation" how great our God is in ways that relate to them
• we will be reading and learning from His Word
• we will be better people when we leave than when we entered...because of time spent with God and one another!

I believe lives will be changed forever this weekend!

See you soon,

Pastor Ken

We can all use a little laughter...

This weekend is tailor made for anyone who doesn't remember the last time they truly laughed or has ever struggled with/experienced failure in life...either personally or someone they love and care for. If you fit either category or you know of someone who does, be sure you both get to church this weekend!

Weekend worship is going to be very special…

• For God so loved the world (all of us included)...that he sent his son Jesus...that all (you and me) might have life and have it to the fullest
• EVERYONE struggles with failure from time to time
• When I struggle to see God moving in my life…God is never the problem
• In order to receive the encouragement and instruction of worship and to be a part of the body of Christ, my regular participation within the body of Christ is required
• When I pause to reflect...worship is not just about ME, nor is it all about WE...it really is all about HE
• Since it is all about HE, then we must be about HIS plan
• God's plan is to change the world through INFLUENCE...people inviting and bringing people to Jesus
• Christ receives the honor and people become set free to experience God's best plan for their life

Everyone can relate to the struggles of failure (whether their own, a child's, or a friend) and…I've never met someone who said they have all the joy and laughter they can stand and don't need any more…extend an inviteJ

See you soon,

Pastor Ken

If I could go back and do it over again, I would...

I have been looking forward to this weekend since last May! If we do an honest inventory of our lives, there are a number of "influences" that have helped shape us into the people we are today. One of the greatest influences has been our interactions with other people...some were good, some were painful, some were helpful while others were disruptive. There comes a point in life, where we say to ourselves, “if I could go back and do that season of life over again, I would make some different decisions.” And, if you say you wouldn't, you should.

This new series asks the question, “How can we leverage our influence to help others and ourselves in this thing called LIFE?” If the next generation is going to soar and experience levels of living and fulfillment more quickly than our generation did, then YOU have a vital role to play.

Starting this weekend ... 8 service times and 2 campuses to choose from! www.cypresschurch.tv

Alton Darby:
     Saturday- 5:00 & 6:30 PM
     Sunday- 8:30, 10:00, 11:30 AM & 6:00 PM

Dublin:
     Sunday- 9:30 & 11:00 AM

See you this weekend,

Pastor Ken

A Behind the Scenes Look...

State of the Church ... 2014

This weekend has become one of my personal highlights of the entire year. This is the time I share a "behind the scenes" look not only of where we've been but, more importantly, where we sense God leading us in the future.

The Cliff’s Notes Version:

• We've never experienced a year like this past year or the run of our previous five years
• I believe we have just set a foundation in place to Chase the Dream…
• The dream is one person at a time…experiencing the miracle of life change through Christ, in a way that compels us to…Reach ~ Grow ~ Serve

Our past is rich…

Our future is bright…

Our God is able…

See you soon,

Pastor Ken

What are you willing to fight for?

Have you ever been in a fight? I'm sure some have, but most of us probably have not. Let me ask you two more questions...

1. What would you be willing to fight for?

2. How would you feel if you knew, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that you would WIN the fight - and all you had to do was your part?

I will fight for family. Most of our "fighting" today does not involve fists, but prayer, action, and love. For some, it's the fight for hope over discouragement. For others, it's the fight for God's best versus my shortsighted desire. In the most basic sense, there is a fight of good versus evil every day, and the church has been entrusted with the keys to victory and winning.

This weekend, we wrap up our series, Two Ships...Same Waters ~ Different Purpose, by looking at the fight The Church is called to be in.

The great news…this War has already been won...we just simply need to do our part.

See you this weekend,
Pastor Ken

My #TBT ... What do you see in the mirror?

In honor of TBT #throwbackthursday, I dug out my senior picture from high school. Our oldest son, Jackson, is a senior this year and had his pictures taken last week. I think he looks good but, I have to wonder in 25+ years, will we think he looked goofy? Everyone says it, everyone has heard it...because it's true…time flies!

There are times I look at old pictures and can barely recognize the person. Often though, when you look closely at their eyes, you can tell it's the same person. This weekend, we will ask the question, "When you look in the mirror, what do you see?" The eyes of people speak a common language. At times, they speak despair and pain…other times, they speak of hope and promise.

I'm thankful God sees things in each of us that we can't! How we think often determines what we see…which leads to daily action…which yields transformed living! This weekend, I will share five words that have shaped my life in recent days.

I hope and pray to see you this weekend in worship,
Pastor Ken

 

What Brings Incredible Joy?

Question…Have you ever left home and ran out for a short time but, before you left, you gave instructions to your kids of a few things to complete before your return? If you are like me, you have returned to find, at times, they "forgot" or "got busy" doing other things. In these cases, disappointment is the overwhelming emotion for me as the parent. BUT, there have been a couple of times when everything was completed just like I had asked. I even remember one day (the stars and planets must have aligned) my kids completed everything WITHOUT BEING TOLD OR REMINDED...complete JOY filled my soul…just typing this brings a smile to my face:)

In week 2 of our series, TWO SHIPS, Same Waters…Different Purpose, we will be talking about what brings incredible joy not only to God, but to ourselves as well! For those looking to increase their personal level of soul satisfaction...see you soon.

Pastor Ken

A Matter of Life and Death...

I noticed the scars on his leg the first time I saw him wearing shorts; I wondered what had happened, had he been in an accident. Yesterday, in conversation with him, he shared he had spent 13 days on death’s door due to a rare blood infection. The scars are what remained from the surgery that saved his life. He told me they even called in the priest to offer "last rites.” In the midst of our conversation, we agreed it is situations like these that help us to prioritize what truly matters in life and what doesn't. As this thirty-something year old dad looked into my eyes, I could sense a deep belief when he said, "You have no idea and you are so right."

This weekend kicks off a new series that cuts right to the heart of what really matters when it comes to the existence and purpose of “the church.” Fair warning...I've been out for a few weeks and my heart is so full it just might explode as I talk about the thing I am most passionate about in this life…loving God, and being busy and effective about the purpose of His church.

See you soon,

Pastor Ken

Right vs. Wrong...Surviving to Thriving

This weekend, we wrap up our At the Movies series with the most intense movie of the month...12 Years a Slave. While none of us have ever owned slaves, this movie isn't simply about a time in our nation’s history, rather it raises deeper issues to wrestle with.

• Who determines right versus wrong?
• What causes a person, a nation, to wander so far off the path? Could it happen again…or is it already happening?
• What's my role, my obligation of personal responsibility, in the face of "twisted living?"
• What's the cure?
• How does one go from surviving to thriving

As always, we have an incredible children's environment prepared for your child this weekend. They will love it and the people around you in adult worship will be able to listen with minimal distraction to what the Lord desires to whisper to them. The nature of this talk will not be appropriate for young children but, as adults, we need to have this talk.

Communion…wrapping up this series…worship...I can hardly wait!

See you soon,
Pastor Ken

What kind of shoes are you wearing?

In one of the opening lines from the movie we will be looking at this weekend, Forrest Gump, Forrest quotes his mother about the significance of shoes.  "Momma always says there's an awful lot you could tell about a person by their shoes.  Where they're going…where they've been…I've worn lots of shoes."  Obviously, it isn't about the shoes; it is about the different paths and journeys we take in life.  If you pause and look back over your life, I bet you've worn a lot of different shoes as well...some were comfortable, while others may have left blisters. 

Forrest Gump was one of the most popular movies from the 90's.  Don't miss this weekend as we take steps to move from entertainment to life engagement in the areas that matter most.  It doesn't matter what kind of shoes you wear…just get hereJ

See you soon,

Pastor Ken

Happy Father's Day!

There are many reasons to celebrate Father's Day at Cypress!  Dads come in all shapes, sizes, different walks of life and different seasons of life...but we all have some things in common.  Find out more this weekend as we continue our series, At The Movies, by looking at Captain Phillips through the lens of Father's Day!

This weekend would be a great time to bring that "father figure" in your life to church as we celebrate Father's Day!  There are some fun surprises in store this weekend dad will love:)

See you soon,

Pastor Ken

Frozen and Ice Cream...check out what's happening this weekend!

At the Movies continues this week by looking at the movie, FROZEN. There are at least 1.2 billion reasons to reflect why the movie resonated with audiences around the world. We will compare a couple of the universal themes of life presented in Frozen and look to see what light and insight the eternal truth of scripture can provide.

If you have ever struggled with hurt or currently do (or a friend does), don’t miss or let them miss this weekend. There is HOPE, and it's real…it's not make believe or made up. It really is about a true act of love.

See you soon,

Pastor Ken

PS. I heard there might be ice cream...you know…Frozen:)

Do you wish you could...

This weekend we kick off a new series, At the Movies, by taking a deeper look at the movie, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 .

Besides the fact that it is well on its way to grossing nearly $700 million dollars in the first month, there are actually several life lessons played out on the big screen in Spider-Man. If we are honest, possibly there have been times we’ve wished we could fly, exert supernatural strength or be the one who was saved by a superhero at a time of perilous danger.

This weekend we explore the GREATEST STORY LINE OF ALL TIME and look at our role to play in it...

Kick off summer right...worship this weekend!

See you soon,

Pastor Ken

What Would Jesus Say to...the Unknown Soldier

This weekend I wrap up our current series, What Would Jesus Say to…by interviewing a couple of gentlemen who served our country and call Cypress home. This is going to be a very special service that you do not want to miss.

Don’t forget this weekend at the Alton Darby Campus we start our NEW SUMMER SCHEDULE!  

One Saturday service time at 6pm- Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Sunday service times at both campuses will remain the same- 

Alton Darby- 8:30am, 10:00am, 11:30am & 6:00pm

Dublin- 10:00am

See you soon, Pastor Ken

Happy Mother's Day!

This is going to be a fun weekend of encouragement and honoring for Moms!

Everyone loves a fun surprise...
Everyone loves to be honored...
Everyone loves to be encouraged...

See you this weekend,
Pastor Ken

P.S. Men, the clock is ticking! If she said, "I don't want or need anything" it's a lie...don't fall victim! Get something, do something, hand write a note to express the love and appreciation you feel for the special woman in your life…you’re welcome:)

What Would Jesus Say to...the Families of Malaysian Flight 370?

No one is exempt from pain and suffering in this world. At times, those who suffer are guilty or deserving but what about those times where those who suffer are innocent or victims of (as insurance agents call it) an act of God.

If you know someone who has gone through a "tough time" and struggles with it, this would be a GREAT WEEKEND to bring them to church with you!

The question is big...How does one reconcile an All Loving, All Powerful, All Knowing God who allows such pain and heartache to enter into our lives? Who caused this pain? How do I make it through without dying on the inside?

This weekend we search for answers and perspective as we explore the BIG question.

See you soon, Pastor Ken

What Would Jesus Say to...Miley Cyrus?

From the little girl who grew up as an “all-American girl” on the Disney channel to the young woman who popularized "twerking" as an American phenomenon, Miley Cyrus has undergone quite a transformation. Whenever you make Time Magazine's Top 100 Most Influential People list, you know you yield a tremendous amount of influence in culture and society.

While I don't know of too many churches that would attempt to recruit Miley to teach Sunday School to their children…what if Jesus were to have a sit-down conversation with Miley, what do you think he would say? I will answer that question this weekend and the answer might surprise you.

See you soon,

Pastor Ken

PS. Be praying for the 600+ students going on our ALLNIGHTER this Saturday night.
Pray for:
- safety of all
- sanity & a little sleep for the leaders
- salvation & seeds for those who don't yet know
- steps to be taken for all on their spiritual journey

My Top Reflections from EASTER 2014

1. I’m incredibly thankful for the hundreds of volunteers who served faithfully and joyfully to allow us to experience #CypressEaster 2014. You are the “behind the scene” heroes who help us do what we do…REACH, GROW, SERVE and CONNECT PEOPLE CLOSER TO CHRIST AND ONE ANOTHER! Thank you!

2. THERE WERE 345 FIRST-TIME DECISIONS TO STEP ACROSS THAT LINE OF FAITH AND BEGIN A RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST! Every service, at both campuses, saw first-time decisions! #partyinheaven

3. I’m thankful for a meaningful talk with Peyton (our ten year old) at bedtime because of all that HE EXPERIENCED IN KID’S CHURCH! Thank you to Kathy George and her team for pouring into my kids (and all the others who are here each and every week).

4. I’m thinking of a family (a mom and three kids) who has been listening online but decided to drive 3½ hours, each way, to attend the 6pm service on Alton Darby Campus in person!

5. Gooey Butter Cake! (sorry, these are my reflections…just keeping it real).

6. I’m thinking about a family I heard of…it took them 40 minutes to get out of our Alton Darby Campus parking lot (so sorry, not good). I’m thankful we had four sheriff deputies to help move traffic and control the lights, and very thankful that we will have a new exit, near the cemetery, by next Easter.

7. I’m thankful for our new church staff members and their families who have joined us since last Easter. Jody, Ron, Nate, and Heidi, you add so much to our ability to REACH, GROW, SERVE and CONNECT PEOPLE TO CHRIST AND ONE ANOTHER.

8. I’m thankful for the people who affirmed, with tears in their eyes, that they met Christ in a significant way.

9. 7,376 attended Easter services…we’ve never had more on Easter!

10. I’m thankful for all of you who PRAYED and INVITED in preparation for the celebration.

11. I’m thankful I don’t have to wait until next Easter to celebrate again with my church family. I’m also thankful TODAY, TOMORROW & FOREVER…THE TOMB IS EMPTY AND JESUS IS ALIVE! That’s strength for today and a bright hope for tomorrowJ

These 3 Days Change Everything...

I was skimming through Facebook this morning and saw a post from an old high school acquaintance. I have seen previous posts from this person about living for the weekend (seems to be stuck in the forever HS land…partying, broken relationships, broken dreams, etc.). But what I noticed in today’s post was a reference to "Good Friday" and what Christ did for us on the cross. As I read further, it seems this person has undergone a complete life change as a result of their relationship with Jesus Christ (at least based upon the "fruit" of what is being posted on their Facebook page).

These 3 Days Really CAN Change Everything!

• Pray- Christ is honored and people experience and respond to the opportunity Christ offered.

• Invite- Make one more call, send one more text, extend one more invitation…you never know.

• Step Up- Come ready to step up. THE TOMB IS EMPTY! JESUS IS ALIVE!

Oh My Word!! I can hardly wait to celebrate with you!!

Pastor Ken

Easter Service Times:

Alton Darby Campus-

Friday, April 18- 7:00pm
Saturday, April 19- 5:00pm & 6:30pm
Sunday, April 20- 8:30am, 10:00am, 11:30am & 6:00pm

Dublin Campus-
Sunday, April 20- 10:00am

Share this Easter promo with friends - EASTER AT CYPRESS

EXPERIENCE the Stations of the Cross...

There are some things in life that you simply need to experience, in order to truly "experience" it. Descriptions paint a partial picture but actually living the experience brings it to life and provides a depth of feeling and meaning.

For instance:

Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day, or any other day for that matter…

The birth of a child...

The pain and joy of raising that child...

Walking your daughter down the aisle...

Sharing ice cream with your grandkids on a hot summer day...

Reconnecting with an old friend from years ago and feeling like you never missed a beat…

There are certain moments in life that can be described but experiencing them for yourself allows you to feel the fullness of the moment.

Come and EXPERIENCE the Love, Death and Obedience of Christ. We are walking through the Stations of the Cross this weekend at Cypress…don’t miss this opportunity to experience all that God has in store for you.

See you soon, Pastor Ken

Are you ready for the IMPOSSIBLE?

A business partnership can make or break you. Think of some great "teammates and partners" you've had over the span of your life and career. Now, think of some "duds" you've been associated with. Does one group bring a smile and great memories while the other...well, not so much?

Can you imagine being invited into a working partnership with the most powerful, wisest, “the end is already guaranteed” person you can think of? Yes, it's GOD himself and that is His offer for us. If we truly want to be an eyewitness to the IMPOSSIBLE, then we need to partner with God to experience the MIRACULOUS!

I believe the result of our time together this weekend will shape the future of eternity. I'd love for you and your family to experience it for yourselves!

This weekend kicks off a new series, DO THE IMPOSSIBLE…

See you soon,

Pastor Ken

Have You Ever...

Have you ever said something...only to regret it later?

Have you ever started on a new path of thinking and living...only to fall back to your old ways?Have you ever made a promise...only to break it within hours?

Have you ever felt the exhilaration of a miracle...only to stumble and sink within seconds?

Have you ever felt HOPE WAS LOST and so were you...only to experience LIFE AS NEVER BEFORE?

There are very few things as powerful as the personal testimony of a life changed by Christ! Do not miss this weekend at Cypress. This would be a great weekend to extend an invitation to a friend.

If you are looking for Hope & Encouragement…you’ll find it here this weekend!

See you soon,
Pastor Ken

Do You Have an "Anti-Christian" Friend?

I want you to take a moment and think of the most "anti-Christian" friend you have or someone you know. I personally hope you are friends with someone like this…how else will they come to know Christ…but through you? If you don't have a friend like this (you should work on developing one) then think of the most foul-mouthed person at your work, or in your neighborhood. Okay, do you have that person in mind? Now, hit the fast forward button (let's say ten years) and picture that person being the most well-known Christian leader in ALL OF AMERICA who is writing books, preaching on TV, starting churches and ministries all around the nation. It's one thing if they are two different people, but when it is the same person, that’s CRAZY!

I can hardly wait to dive into the life story and insight as we study a guy named Saul who became known and referred to as the Apostle Paul.

There really is HOPE FOR EVERYONE!

Bring that "friend” with you this weekend, the Lord might just call our nation's next Billy Graham!

See you soon,
Pastor Ken

Two extremes when it comes to...

There seems to be two extremes when it comes to being at our best to be used by the Lord. On one end of the spectrum is the person who has so little self-worth/value that they believe there is nothing they could ever do, become, or contribute in life that would make a difference to another person. How tragic. At the other end of the spectrum lies the person who is so "full of themselves" that they think they can do any and all things, to the point others can't stand to be around them. They actually believe anything that ever gets accomplished is due to them, not God. How tragic.

This weekend’s message is an interesting study of one man who was called out of a lowly place in life and thrust into the highest position of leadership in his country. Yet, the person that he became and the lessons of his lasting influence are far more significant than the accomplishments of his day.

See you this weekend as we learn from Gideon.

YOU are a mighty warrior!  Pastor Ken

A Story of God's Grace...

Deceiver…Lying…Fleeing for life…Manipulator…Called by God…Maturity…Grace…Pain…Triumph

These words seem to be contradictions but, for our benefit, they all fit together into what ends up being a beautiful story of God's grace and human choice. This weekend, we dive into the "at times” surreal story of Jacob, who later becomes known as Israel.

No matter where you are or what you've done, God's grace can redeem and refurbish...for His glory and His plan! I believe the power of Christ really can change a life, change a family, change a community and, as in the story of Jacob, literally change the world!!  HOPE

See you this weekend,
Pastor Ken

PS. Don’t forget daylight savings time begins this weekend. It’s always tough to lose that hour of sleep but it means spring is just around the corner!

8 + 12 + 90 + 30 + 1 = What I Experienced Last Night!

Last night, I taught Discovery Seminar. It's one of the Cypress events I look forward to and it’s always a highlight of mine! In Discovery Seminar, we talk about how you can discover our heritage, our doctrine, your faith, our church, and our future together.

At the end of the evening, I always give a clear picture of what it means to be a Christ follower, or a Christian, and then provide people an opportunity to respond. Last night EIGHT people prayed to step across a line of faith for the first time in their entire lives! Death to Life!

TWELVE people made a decision to get back on track, spiritually speaking. These twelve indicated that they had once made a decision to follow Christ but, for whatever reason, they had drifted and, in that moment, were rededicating themselves to live their best for Him.

During the first break, a man came up to me to say thank you and to ask information on Celebrate Recovery. He told me that yesterday was his NINETY DAYS SOBER and that he was drug free!

After the seminar, a lady came up with tears in her eyes and wanted to thank the church for all of its support as she was celebrating that the Lord had helped her to quit smoking after THIRTY YEARS and she exclaimed, “I finally was able to quit...I couldn't have done it without the Lord and this church helping me!”

And ONE other woman, with tears in her eyes, stated that she had been divorced for several years and she wanted to start anew and afresh with the Lord in the area of her sexual purity. She wants to experience the deep cleansing and soul-satisfying relationship only the Lord could provide!

On nights like last night and mornings of reflection like this...I am so glad to have a firsthand eyewitness account of what Christ was talking about in Isaiah 61...

Isaiah 61:1(NKJV) The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

Your Thankful & Rejoicing Pastor,
Pastor Ken

From Doubter to Believer...

One of the worst feelings in the world would have to be the sensation of losing hope. Everyone needs hope. Once hope is lost, your life, relationships, or circumstances can change and, at times, the joy of living life seems to drain right out of you.

This weekend kicks off a new series, Before & After. We will be looking at five people in scripture who had such dramatic changes in their lives that the Lord actually changed their names, to reflect all that was occurring within them. The battle for change will always be fought internally before victory is externally visible.

This weekend = how do we develop a hope and a faith that sustains…the move from doubter to believer.

See you this weekend,
Pastor Ken

PS. This would be a great weekend to invite a friend!

A Look Back at a Year Full of Changes

Guest Post from Mark Knight, Executive Director - Cypress Church

February 18, 2014 was my one year anniversary since joining the Cypress staff team. Wow! If I had to define this first year in one word it would be CHANGE. This past year has been filled with changes at Cypress.

For those of you who do not know my background, I have been attending Cypress for the last forty-seven years. Our family began attending in 1967 as a result of an invitation from a friend. Many things have changed over the years. God has honored the changes with continued growth, which comes in two forms: spiritual and numerical. We have seen countless lives transformed by Christ under the ministries at Cypress. I truly appreciate the fact that most of the frontline ministry is being performed by committed volunteers who Make a Difference in the lives of those they serve.

Some of the changes made over the past twelve to eighteen months to accommodate unprecedented growth:

• We launched our first multi-site campus in Dublin
• Transitioned from three worship services to six at our Alton Darby campus
• Implemented video teaching to maximize the reach of more people in our
  communities around Cypress 

Prior to joining the staff in 2013, I spent the last thirty-six years of employment with Big Bear and Kroger. The vast majority of my experiences were in Human Resources and Labor Relations. I’ve witnessed changes that have seen companies thrive with proper execution, and I’ve seen companies fail because of the lack of vision. Every successful business has a compelling vision that drives daily execution for desired results.

I remember hearing an executive once say, “Things are getting stale and we need to mix it up a bit for the sake of change.” Change for the sake of change is often difficult to accept, however, Change for the Kingdom’s Sake is imperative.

After much research, conversation and prayer, we launched the new video teaching concept at the beginning of the year. We determined that this was the most effective way to reach people in our communities. Video teaching provides an opportunity to open additional multi-site locations in the near future. It would be impossible for any pastor to speak live at the same time in multiple locations. This is why the message is presented by video in some services, with one speaker, and one message, across all campuses.

God has blessed Cypress with-

• Close to 1000 children in Kid’s Ministry each weekend (Infants – 6th grade) where they learn that Jesus is their best forever friend
• Over 1600 children and adults are participating in our Sports, Health and
  Wellness programs
• Almost 800 children attend our school, pre-school, and daycare each week
  (Monday-Friday)
• Over 200 students are involved in our Middle and High School Ministries (grades
  7-12)
• Numerous adults are receiving care and counseling through our various Care
  Ministries each week
• Hundreds of adults meet each week in homes and on The City to dive deeper into
  the Word and live life together

Our Cypress Leadership Team has made a lot of changes this past year and no doubt will make more changes in the future. We will not sit back and grow comfortable, but we will continue to work earnestly to reach the next new family to hear the love of Christ. This next new family could be your neighbor, your co-worker, or maybe a family member who you have been praying about for years to make a significant life-changing decision for Christ.

I remind myself and the staff daily of our purpose. Our primary purpose and mission at Cypress is to reach the lost in our communities. Everything we do is structured around building His Kingdom, one person, one family at a time. Thank you for doing your part to help us Make a Difference, for the kingdom.

We are so glad that you are with us each and every week!

In Him,
Mark Knight
Mark Knight | Executive Director | Cypress Church

Did Someone Say It's Valentine's Day?

Do you remember the phrase from the Hallmark commercial years ago? “When you care enough to send the very best..." Today is Valentine's Day. A day to express love to the ones you cherish while candy, cards, and expressions of love flow freely. Let me remind you of the greatest expression of love you will ever receive…John, Chapters 3 and 14...For God so loved YOU, He gave the very best...Himself, to us and for us, Jesus Christ. But in God's great love, He also provided us with a counselor, the gift of Himself through His spirit, so that we may never be alone and always have the ability to walk with Christ every day.

This weekend, we continue with Week 3 of our series, STRONGER ~ training for the win... The Holy Spirit, our difference maker.

See you soon, Pastor Ken

PS. If you haven't checked out THE CITY yet, don’t wait any longer! There are over 750 people who are in CITY SMALL GROUPS and over 115 small groups started this week! Life is better together and there is a place for you!

 

Top 10 Things I'm Thinking about and Thankful for Today...

1. I'm thankful for the four people who will be baptized on our Alton Darby Campus this weekend (Adam, Borah, Andrew, and Amanda). We are covering the teen years, the 20's, the 30's, and the 40's! THE CELEBRATION OF LIFE CHANGE!

2. I'm thankful for the 843 people who signed up to be a part of THE CITY and the 620 who joined a CITY SMALL GROUP…all since last weekend!

3. I'm thankful for staff and volunteers who passionately devote themselves to the Lord. They not only devote themselves to loving the Lord, but also to serving the Lord by creating environments where others can connect closer to Christ and one another.

4. I'm thankful for the story of a couple in our Sports Ministry who made a commitment to tithe for the first time in their lives....AND THEY STUCK WITH IT!

5. I'm thankful for the couple who heard times were financially tight for the folks mentioned in #4 and then made an anonymous gift to help meet their needs. Through their giving…THEY WERE BLESSED!

6. I'm thankful for a Kids’ Ministry that LOVES AND TEACHES, as evidenced in this note:

Kathy, I can't tell you enough about how great Children's Ministries has been for our family. When we were new to Cypress, our son would retell the Bible stories he learned that day to us on our drive home. I didn't realize it then but I know now that this was the first time my husband had ever heard them! Last week running late to service, I told my kids in the car that when we got to church we needed to move quickly because we were late. From the back seat, in a sweet innocent voice, I heard my 3 year old say, "Don't worry Mommy, the Bible will always be there." When we arrived to Cypress, we met you in the lobby and you helped walk my son to his class so I could take my daughter to her class and I wouldn't miss service! Thank you! Later this week, my son (6) was writing out Valentine’s Day cards and wrote a letter wrong. He told me he had made a mistake. My 3 year old, without hesitation, said, "God loves us even if we do make mistakes!" I wanted you to know that we appreciate you and the whole team (especially Miss Heidi) for making us feel so welcomed!!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

7. I'm thankful for over 200 women who are starting Bible study today. The LOVE AND ENCOURAGEMENT WILL HELP SHAPE THEIR LIVES.

8. I'm thankful for the Celebrate Recovery ministry that met here last night.

9. I'm thankful my family has the privilege of calling Cypress HOME.

10. I would be thankful if Bradley beats Darby in boys’ basketball tonight! If #15 gets a dunk, that would be icing on the cake:)