Mark Johnston

Meet With Me

Note: I'm on the beach in Ocean City, huddled in a hotel room finishing out my personal planning retreat. I wrote this yesterday afternoon during a particularly poignant moment of spiritual awareness and desire. My prayer is that it sparks something similar in you.

I’m strolling back and forth in this hotel room waiting for God to meet with me.

“I’m like Moses,” I pray; “shuffling through the wilderness.”

Was he hoping to meet with you like I am? I don’t know. I just know that he saw that bush – burning, yet unburned. And that he stopped, paused, listened. You spoke, and he turned aside to see.

Moses didn’t plant that bush! Moses didn’t plan that moment! He just responded. The initiative was yours alone.

Yet so many of my attempts to experience you seem so contrived, so forced, so feeble. Do I manufacture much of my own spirituality, hard hat lopsided on my sweat-stained brow, hammer in hand, diligently constructing epiphanies because I'm too impatient to wait for you to place them in my path?

Come meet with me, God. Right here, right now. Meet with me. Are you around this corner? Are you hiding on the other side of the bed?

And I’m immediately aware that I am a wicked man. Redeemed, possessing a renewed mind – yet still struggling with a dozen sinful yearnings. Still unfinished, Lord. Still incomplete.

Unfit to be met with by God.

So I feel the fear that is prelude to your presence. I know I need to repent, and I speak the words. But I still want you to come. Meet me just like I am, right here. If there’s any purging to be done, I want you to do it. My efforts at readying myself are, in the end I think, futile.

Something about me and the ocean. Its scale, I guess. Vastness. Sheer size. It makes me think of you and shiver with trepidation and wonder as I do.

I make my way over to the door that leads to the balcony. I crack it open slightly; it’s cold. Down below, far away from my 12th story perch, I see a lone figure, diminutive against the sand. He’s sweeping a metal detector back and forth rapidly over the unending blondness of the beach, looking for something.

“I’m looking too!” I cry out, startled a bit at the sound of my own voice. “I’m looking too.”

Searching for treasure, you and I. Alone.

What’s he looking for? Cans to be turned in for a nickel apiece? Or a gold ring with shreds of diamond crowded around a single, costly stone, left behind by some well-to-do woman amidst the brightness and ruckus of a summer vacation? She took it off and laid it on her towel for a moment and one of her children (the younger one, towheaded and foolhardy), distracted her and she forgot and later she scooped that towel up and headed toward the car and left it behind so a man down on his luck could find it and barter it away…

He’s found something, this brave, cold searcher. He stoops; shovels; and while fighting off the encroaching waves he retrieves it from the sand. He wipes it off, shakes it a bit. He and it are too far away for me to know if its refuse or riches.

Whatever it is, it’s not worth leaving the beach for. His frantic sweeping resumes; a new intensity to its rhythm. He reengages the barrenness, hoping it holds something more.

Meet with me, God.

And let the you I find be worth leaving everything for. Let the you I find signal that my longing can be over.

Meet with me and I’ll toss my metal detector into the chilly waves and walk away from this search, my footprints gone by midnight, my life forever yours. Pop up out of the sand a thousand feet from where I am, and then call me over to where you are. Make it clear that I have not found you; that my looking wasn’t the means of my discovery; that my hunt would have proven fruitless if you had not come. Make it so apparent that I laugh out loud, sheepishly at first and then ecstatically, as I dance around this desert place like a delighted schoolboy before running headlong toward you. Found by what I was looking for.

Life Investments FAQ

I've attached some FAQ's and responses for Life Investments, The Journey's dream of rebuilding walls (reaching people who don't know Jesus) and restoring gates (helping those who do grow) over the next three years. If you're a member of The Journey, browse through it as we prepare for "Rise," our celebration of worship and commitment this coming Sunday. If you're a blog reader from afar, pray for The Journey during this defining moment. Blessings - Mark

1. Why should I invest?

Two big reasons: 1) people who don’t know Jesus; 2) people who do and need to grow. This is a defining moment for The Journey. By maximizing our current campus to reach and connect people; hiring staff to empower members for ministry; and preparing to move to a new and better place we’ll ensure that over the next several years we continue to reach people who don’t know Jesus – and help those who do grow spiritually. That’s worth investing in.

2. How can I be a part of Life Investments?

There are three big ways you can be a part of Life Investments:
a) Pray and fast for the dream to be realized (September 28th – November 8th)
b) Ask God for direction regarding a financial commitment over three years
c) On November 2nd, make that commitment a reality

3. How is my Life Investment commitment different from my tithes and regular offerings?

Our tithes (the first tenth of our income) and our offerings (gifts we give on a regular basis above and beyond our tithes as God enables) are the sole source of The Journey’s resources for ongoing ministry. They’re how we make our lease payments, pay our staff, and cover our bills (utilities, equipment, curriculum, insurance, décor, marketing, supplies, etc.). Our commitments to Life Investments will enable us to reach beyond our ongoing expenditures to prepare for the future – by maximizing our current campus to reach and connect people; hiring staff to empower members for ministry; and preparing to move to a new and better place. Life Investments will only succeed if our tithe and offering base continues to be strong and growing – and we give above and beyond that base toward our future.

4. How are we going to “maximize our current campus?”

There are three major areas in which we need to concentrate:
a) Our lobby and Connect Suite (transforming this into one large, open area for connecting before and after our gatherings – which will become increasingly important when we launch another weekend gathering)
b) Our children’s rooms (updating the furnishings and equipment, building the walls to ceiling height to contain sound, and doubling the size of our nursery so we can staff it and expand our children’s ministry to include infants)
c) Our auditorium (expanding our sound and lighting equipment and updating our décor)

5. Why do we need to maximize our current campus if we are preparing to move to a new one?

Half of our Life Investments giving will go toward moving to a new and better place. Our next move will be significant: a much larger campus; a much greater opportunity to reach and connect people. That move is probably at least 2-3 years away. In the meantime, we need to be good stewards of what we’ve been given at 723 Dawson Drive. In addition, we’re going to be very intentional about the work we do on our current campus – much of the work (furnishings in our lobby, connect suite, and children’s classrooms; updated equipment in our auditorium) will go with us when we move; so it is a permanent investment in our future.

6. What impact will the renovation have on current operations at the Journey? Will we have to move temporarily?

It is our goal to experience minimal disruption as we maximize our current campus. The work will be done in sections and stages throughout the week during Life Group semesters, so we do not anticipate the need to move to a temporary location.

7. When will renovations start and how long will it take to complete?

When renovations begin on our current campus will depend on our response to the challenge of Life Investments. Our goal is to begin some time this spring – help us pray for the resources to come in quickly to make this happen.

8. Why is it important to hire staff right now? What’s the rush?

There are generally two kinds of churches: churches that wait until they can afford to hire staff (and never get large enough to do it); and churches who see ahead enough to hire by faith so growth can continue. Statistically, a healthy church requires one full-time staff member for every 100 people (adults and children) in weekend attendance. Last month, we averaged 157, an increase of over 30% over the same month last year. It’s time.

9. What positions are we planning to hire staff for?

Our Lead Pastor and Board of Trustees have identified three key roles for paid staff positions over the coming months and years:
a) Worship Pastor (because of the priority of our weekend gatherings)
b) Children’s Pastor (because of the importance of our children’s ministry)
c) Administrative Assistant (because of the increased administrative demands our growth has created)
Some or all of these positions may be part-time; and before filling them, we may find qualified staff for other areas not mentioned above. Certainly early on any additional paid staff, regardless of their position, will be expected to serve in multiple ministry areas as needed. But these three are at the top of our list, and we have begun identifying potential candidates for each. This is very important: we’re not hiring staff to do ministry; we’re hiring staff to empower members for ministry. That’s a crucial difference because a few paid staff can never do all that needs to be done to lead a growing church. That’s the responsibility of the body – the responsibility of the staff is to work hard in planning, leading, overseeing, and encouraging us as we offer our lives in service to God.

10. Where will the new campus be?

Are you sitting down? Are you ready for this? We don’t know. In fact, we don’t even have a clue. All we know is that it will need to be bigger, better, and somewhere in the Newark/Bear area. If we wait until we know all of the details, it’ll be too late to seize an opportunity when it arises. We’ll miss the moment. Given what God is leading The Journey to be and do, that’s unacceptable. That’s why we need to prepare now.

When the Devil Rings Your Doorbell

Nehemiah 4:7
But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the men of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem's walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry (NIV).

Do you believe in the devil?

If so, you’re not alone – recent surveys indicate that over 60% of the people around you do too. (That means that chances are good someone who lives across the street from you, or stands in line in front of you at Home Depot – whether they’re connected to a church or even consider themselves a Christian or not – believes there is a real spiritual enemy out there somewhere).

So… if there’s a devil, if Satan is real, what makes him happy? And what makes him mad?

The list of what may make him happy is probably pretty long – and there’s certain to be much disagreement regarding what should and should not be included on it. But I think most of us who believe he exists and is our enemy, not our friend, can agree upon what brings him displeasure.

And one of those things would have to be progress. Surely if there’s a devil, and if he hates God and hates people who love God, then progress – toward God, toward growth, toward making a meaningful impact for Christ – is something he must absolutely not be able to stand.

Yep. Progress must make the devil steaming mad.

Progress. Not noise, not religion, not emotion… progress. Progress in rebuilding walls and restoring gates. Progress in gathering, connecting, and serving. Progress in living and giving big to accomplish something for God.

Of course, Nehemiah never mentions the devil. He talks about Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the men of Ashdod. When’s the last time Satan showed up on your front lawn, red cape, pitchfork, pointy tail, the whole shebang, trying to talk you out of your faith and derail your spiritual progress?

Not gonna happen.

But he does show up in other ways, doesn’t he? And when he does, his purpose is always the same: slow, temporarily cease, or if he can, bring to a grinding halt, our progress.

That would be almost paralyzing if it weren’t for the rest of the story.

Nehemiah 4:15
When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to his own work (NIV).

The truth is that if we’ll look past Satan’s hype, sidestep his temptations, and push through the sticky cobwebs of condemnation, insecurity, and selfishness he tries to entangle us in… he’s the one who’ll end up paralyzed.

When he realizes that we’re aware of his plot; when he realizes that God has given us the distinct advantage; he tucks that pointy tail between his legs and retreats. Not forever; he may be back by tomorrow morning. But he knows enough to know when he’s lost a battle.

And what should we do? When we realize that a very real Satan is trying to hinder our progress, slow our growth, stifle our passion and distract us from our devotion?

We should return to the wall, each of us to our own work of living and giving big for God.

This week, don’t let the devil talk you out of your commitment to serving God and others. Stand strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Ask your Father for the ability to perceive the plot of the enemy; and then ask Him to mess it up, to frustrate it, to bring it to nothing.

Then go back to the wall of your calling in Christ and serve Him and others. That’s the next move toward a better future.

And if you’re one of the 40% who doesn’t believe in a literal devil? Good luck with that.

Life Investments – wanna come along?

Rolled Up Sleeves

Nehemiah 2:11-15 – I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days I set out during the night with a few men… By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King's Pool… I went up the valley by night, examining the wall (NIV).

Before beginning the immense project of rebuilding walls and restoring gates, Nehemiah examined their current condition. He investigated before he initiated.

Smart move.

It seems to me that there are two types of investigating we can do however: we can investigate a potential spiritual move, step, or change to see if it’s feasible; or we can investigate it because we plan to do it whether it seems feasible or not – and we just want to be prepared so we can do it well.

What is God calling you to do right now? Maybe you’re in investigation mode – checking out a step of faith, a change in your life, a next level of commitment, devotion, or desire for God. Maybe God is calling you to pray, give, trust, or be something new. Why are you investigating? Because you’re torn? Or because the decision is already made (you’re going to obey God); and you just want to proceed with good information in hand regarding what your next move will entail?

That’s where The Journey is right now. It’s a defining moment. We’ve done a lot of investigating lately into what it’s going to take for us to partner with God to rebuild the broken lives of those who don’t know Jesus and restore the smoldering hearts of those who do and need to grow.

But we’re not investigating in order to make a decision. The decision is already made. Moving forward is not an option.

We just want to go informed, so we can do what we do next well for the glory of God.

Maybe that’s why we can talk boldly about giving half a million dollars over the next three years to maximize our campus to reach and connect people; hire staff to empower members for ministry; and prepare to move to a new and better place… even in the midst of a flustered economy. Because how we do what we do next may come into more focus as we get a better grasp on our environment, but the question of whether or not we’re going to do it is already answered.

And the answer is yes.

I dare you to believe, give, and live big in this defining moment. Leaving the walls demolished and the gates smoldering is not an option.

And can I throw something else in the mix? I know this series we’re in, preparing us to move toward a better future, may seem a little inward in focus. We’ve spent three weeks casting the vision, and we have two left to go. I make you a promise: this Sunday, I’m going to turn it back outward. Bring your friends, co-workers, neighbors, family members. 52 Sundays a year you can bring someone, no matter their spiritual background, to The Journey and they’ll hear the message of Jesus in terms they can understand and relate to – that’s my promise to you. We may talk about where we’re headed, but I’ll slow down so our friends who don’t yet believe can have a chance to get on board with Christ and His church. Invest in someone this week. Invite someone this Sunday.

November 2nd is coming, guys. We’re going to indicate our future that day by how we commit financially to the three year journey of Life Investments. Then, on November 16th, we’re going to roll up our sleeves and begin to work to make it happen.

Because that’s what Nehemiah and the people did next – they rolled up their sleeves and worked hard at what they believed in: rebuilding walls and restoring gates for the glory of God.

We’re gonna live big. We’re gonna pray big, dream big, and grow big for the honor of our God at The Journey. We all have personal stuff that could potentially distract us right now. Marriages that need healing; financial tight spots; weaknesses that keep popping up. I know they’re real; I’m right there with you. I dare you to look beyond it all during this defining moment, trust your Father in heaven to make it well, and chase this vision with me. Now’s not the time to turn inward and live anything less than a fully generous life.

My honest conviction is that ten or twenty years from now, the average person at the mall, working at Wendy’s, or sitting in a corner office in our county will know exactly who and what you’re talking about when you ask them if they’ve ever heard of The Journey. They may get a faraway look in their eyes. They may remind you that they were in worship that past Sunday. They may tell you about the hope they found in Christ here, the broken relationship restored, the spiritual potential realized. You’re in on the ground floor, baby. The future is bright.

Live Investments. Wanna come along?

The Next Step: Embrace the Dream

When I was a kid, I went through a series of phases (some may call them identity crises… I prefer the term phases), during which I threw all of my energy into “being” something. For a while, I was a skater (Rob Raskob board; killer trucks; bangs to my nose). I flirted with the grunge thing too, believe it or not (Doc Martins; lots of dull greens and blacks; strange friends). I even entertained a little hip-hop phase (8-ball jacket; saggy, baggy pants; the bass turned up as high as it would go).

While you’re rolling on the floor laughing, let me sober you up with some scripture. Nehemiah 2:19 reads, But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it [the work Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem were beginning to do to rebuild their walls and restore their gates], they mocked and ridiculed us (NIV).

Nehemiah and his people looked just as silly to their enemies trying to do something big for God as I did as a teenager trying to be something I wasn’t. The only difference was that in their case, God was on their side. Or more accurately, they were on God’s side. It was God who planted the dream of a better future in the heart of Nehemiah. It was God who gave him the opportunity he needed and the favor he requested to set this great dream in motion. And it was God who moved the heart of the people to sign up and get started.

The next step toward a better future is to embrace the dream – even when there seem to be compelling reasons to procrastinate, temper, or otherwise avoid what God is pressing us to do. Do you know how Nehemiah responded to the critics who were mocking his dream? It’s in verse 20 – I answered them by saying, “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.”

The MJV (Mark Johnston version) reads, “In your face.”

Are you in on the dream God has given The Journey? The God of heaven will give us success. We’re getting started. We’re gonna do this thing – give half a million dollars to maximize our current campus to reach and connect people; hire staff to empower believers for ministry; and prepare to move to a new and better place. We’re going to dream and grow and serve and give… with or without you. If you choose to be a dream detractor, all that means is that you’ll miss the opportunity to come along. If you sit on the sidelines, your hesitation, fear, or misgivings aren’t going to stop the dream… they’re just going to stop you.

God is funny about this kind of stuff. He tends to honor the dreams of those who honor His. He tends to go out on a limb for those who go out on a limb for Him.

We’re praying and fasting for 40 days this fall for this reason – readying ourselves to head out on a limb during Life Investments. When we meet together in Life Groups this week, it’s to acclimate ourselves to the purpose of God – to dream again, for our lives, families, careers, community, and church.

If you’re a follower of Jesus, your life is intended by God to be lived big – big faith, big risk, big sacrifice, big joy. Have you embraced the dream? Are you ready for the three year journey of Life Investments? Are you in on what God is doing at The Journey?

Looking back, it’s pretty clear that the long bangs, weird shoes, and baggy pants were all just a phase. This isn’t a phase. It’s a dream. It’s going to happen, and it’s going to be big. Wanna come along?