Posted on Sunday, September 11, 2016

5 Marks of an Incredible Team

We HAVE HUGE NEWS at 217church today. It just so happens today is the Day many as well have been waiting for – the kickoff of the NFL Sunday season. The preparation, the anticipation and the signal of a NEW SEASON. I can guarantee you one thing, the overarching quality that makes for an incredible team that will be in the next Superbowl is…CHEMISTRY. The qualities listed below create attractive, effusive chemistry. Incredible teams don’t have perfect people but everyone understands their role and what the goal is…WIN. This is Exhilarating!

It’s not personal ego or accomplishment that matters, but in the end it’s what is on the SCOREBOARD.

“In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.” Nehemiah 4:20

Teams rally together and in the case of a church, if God is for us who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) Our scoreboard is lives rebuilt, small groups living sent on mission, and disciples made. All of these things happen through teams. From the beginning, everything we have done has been around the idea of teams. It exciting to be a part of an INCREDIBLE team.

5 Marks Of An Incredible Team…

#1 Unselfishness – When one person gets all the credit, the team is dysfunctional. Unselfishness seeks to advance others for the betterment of the team and the advancement of the cause. When one person makes decisions based on what is best for them rather than the team, it all falls apart. Unselfish people are constantly early for the meeting.

QUESTION: Do you look out more for yourself or others?

#2 Reliability – Not just when things are good but even more so when things aren’t looking good. If you disappear when things get rough, your hurting the team. It’s easy to be a part of a team when things are great, but your true commitment is tested when you don’t see a solution. Reliable people are present through ALL circumstances and they KEEP their word.

QUESTION: Do you support or subvert the vision when things get tough?

#3 Clarity – The greatest teams I have been about are clear and concise about what the common goal is. This happens when people understand how what they do fits with the overarching vision. Where there is clarity there has already been great conviction. WE MUST do this, WE WILL do this, NO MATTER WHAT, THIS IS HAPPENING! The vision is razor sharp, easy for people to see and experience.

QUESTION: Is your team clear about what your team is about?

#4 Urgency – Look, there is limited time to complete the vision. Working diligently to accomplish something that has a noble purpose should not be intentionally delayed. For our church, the urgency is critical. If we don’t work quickly, people go hungry, kids don’t find Jesus, parents lose direction, people lose hope, the enemy temporarily wins. Now is the time!

QUESTION: Are you complacent or compelled when it comes to your team’s vision?

#5 Honor – This may be the most important of all the qualities. When honor is present there is a deep respect of the people you are working with and for. People matter to God and their gifts are to be encouraged. No gossiping, no side conversations, not a critical spirit. But encouragement, direct communication and love for one another.

QUESTION: Are you a complainer or a champion of unity?

Wear your favorite team jersey this Sunday and get ready to be a part of an incredible TEAM! Go 217church! What else would you add to this list? Can’t wait to share the HUGE NEWS with you!

Josh

Our Next Series study of the Book of Romans Starts September 18

September 18 – Unstoppable Gospel

September 25 – Unstoppable Grace

Josh Conn is the founding pastor of 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ. 217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 10:00am and Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ at 11:00. Our new Robbinsville/East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday. If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Lawrenceville NJ, Ewing NJ, Robbinsville NJ, Hightstown NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, we would love to have you join us. Don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information. or watch a weekend message here

Posted on Thursday, September 1, 2016

Courage For a New Season

Next Tuesday I am sending my six children BACK TO SCHOOL! Mostly there is excitement for my kids, but I’m sure underneath the surface it isn’t all anticipation and joy. Do you remember the first day of school? So much anticipation every year with new friends, new teachers, and many times a new school. Inevitably something creeps into our mind though…FEAR. What will happen? Fear makes cowards of us all and makes us want to give up, sometimes even before we start. That’s right, the most debilitating four letter word known to man is FEAR. It will destroy you. But what does it take to have courage in this new season of your life?

“Courage isn’t having all the answers, but believing God has them.”

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Growing up this verse above was on my wall. I would read it every day. Eventually it stuck in my brain and somewhere along the way it made its way into my heart. What am I trying to say? DON’T GIVE UP!

What It Takes To Have Courage

#1 No Turning Back – “Let go of your past and embrace today.“

Life will NEVER be the same. There I said it. This may be hard news, but fear of stepping forward many times has to do with the debilitating effects of past experiences. This pain can cripple us, but we must use our pain as a powerful motivator of what is to come. The Israelites knew pain. A whole generation died, the people were in slavery. You can’t go back, things will NEVER be the same, and you have to let go. The past will either paralyze you, Preoccupy you, or prostrate you before God.

#2 No Limits – “Vision makes some people nervous, but it inspires others.”

There really are no limits to what God can do. This doesn’t mean God WILL do it, it means he CAN do it. This is the dilemma of the Christian life. Our frustration comes when we disagree with God on what HE DOES. However, our belief and prayers have to be that God has our best interest in mind, and His limits and possibility are unrestrained.

#3 No Doubt – “Courage doesn’t mean careless, it means careful dependence.”

Doubting God is like arguing the sunrise. Will it happen? Inevitably, but is it hard to wait and it seems like the night is dragging on forever. One thing you can be sure of though, God’s timing is NOT our timing. The more we listen to God the more we understand His timing and the less we tend to doubt. The younger we are, the harder this is because we simply don’t have the experiences built up helping us understand the faithfulness of God. Dependence on Him is His aim. Believe.

#4 No Excuses – “Life is short, just take the step.”

I have met so many people who have so many excuses of why they aren’t doing what they feel God is calling them to. Here is a question to end all questions: Did you do the LAST thing you felt God told you to do? I’m not talking about the warm fuzzies. I am talking about the absolute clarity you had to take a step, confirmed by wise counsel, but you JUST – COULDN’T – TAKE – THE – STEP. Today is the day, now is the time, MAKE IT HAPPEN

Josh

September 11th is VISION SUNDAY at 217church – We have HUGE NEWS for you about the future of the church!

Our Next Series study of the Book of Romans Starts September 18

September 18 – Unstoppable Gospel

September 25 – Unstoppable Grace

Posted on Monday, July 25, 2016

Are You Spiritually Sick?

The American Cancer society spent over $45 Million on cancer awareness last year. Here is why…People don’t like to go to the doctor, but EARLY DETECTION IS VITAL to surviving the disease!

Now – How spiritually healthy are you? What can you see from your perspective? Want your health to get better? What you put your identity in can propel you forward or prevent you from growing in your spiritual health. Knowing who you are and where you come from leads to transformational perspectives in the heart of a leader and eventually it flows to behaviors. But too often leaders – get – sick. Really – sick. The greatest distraction in our spiritual health is PRIDE. Left to our own pride, our identity begins to come from the wrong things, like an inflated sense of self worth or obtaining more things. Sometimes our pride lead us to the point where we lose credibility, family, marriage, ministry, and even our very sanity. Spiritual health and vitality is at the center of who we are as humans and our spiritual health guides and directs every other area of life.

“Strength happens intentionally not accidentally.”

“…but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

The spiritually healthy person understands balance, focus and intentionality. Balance between being around people and being alone. Focus on why we do what we do and not just what we are doing, and intentionality in action so we can reach our ideal health plan.

What Does a Spiritually Healthy Person Look Like?

#1 They Soar – “they shall mount up with wings like eagles;”

Everyone needs time to dream dreams and see the big picture where we soar. The above scripture says, when we WAIT on the Lord we rise above the action allowing God to show us things we didn’t see before. Soaring means gaining clarity and perspective in action in where you are going. When you soar you gain better understanding of what has happened and where God is calling you. Soaring helps you see what is MOST IMPORTANT. Each one of us needs to learn to soar in our spiritual health. We each need a spiritual health vision statement. Mine is simply this… “to be with Jesus.” Casting a strong empowering vision statement for your spiritual health will give you clarity.

Action Plan: Plan a 1 day spiritual getaway to cast a vision for your spiritual health.

#2 They Stride – “they shall run and not be weary;”

While running the Marine Corps Marathon a few years back I “hit the wall!” Mile 19 was the worst mile I have ever ran in my life. I was weary. My legs were tired, my breath was shallow and my resolve was pathetically weak. I wanted to quit and I didn’t feel like I could complete the race. But then I remembered my motivating factor, If my father a Marine endured through Vietnam, then I can do this. Let your why define your what.

When you are striding you need the right motivation for your action. If you are striding and are weary you probably need to soar more. You are living an imbalanced race.

#3 They Slow Down – “they shall walk and not faint.”

I have met with and coached with so many people who refuse to, and don’t want to slow down. Do you work from your rest or do you rest from your work? This is an important distinction. We were created for God and His purpose and asking His direction seems pretty important to a balanced life. Waiting on the Lord is a primary necessary behavior in the life of a leader and we must excel in this if we are to achieve excellence in our health. “no fainting allowed.” He won’t allow it.

Do you have a vision for your spiritual health with tangible action plans? Can you see clearly the next steps God has for you? Soar, stride, and slow down in your leadership. Live in balance and rediscover your originally intended identity.

Are you striving to be a high capacity leader? Are you a Pastor and need a coach? contact me at josh@activatecoaching.com – Let’s craft your health plan together.

Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Diversity Creates Incredible Unity

As I walked into 217church this weekend, I met a man born in Nigeria, his name was Castellanos. He has been coming for over 4 years and I asked him why he comes. He said, “I love the different kinds of people, black, white, asian, hispanic, the music, the friendly people. I think this is what heaven will look like!” BAM! He hit the nail on the head! Every week I get to meet with an amazing diverse group of people as 217church. When we started the church over six years ago, we wanted it to look like the neighborhoods we planted in. This meant we were going to be diverse. And wow, did God make us diverse. Yesterday as I looked out over the people of our church, here is what I saw. I saw people from almost EVERY CONTINENT. People from South Korea, Nigeria, Uganda, China, Venezuela, Great Britain, Philippines, Ecuador, India, Mexico, Columbia, Puerto Rico, Chile, Kenya, Poland, and of course the United States. People from the rural areas and people born in urban Brooklyn, the Bronx, Newark and Trenton. Because of our diversity of background, it helps us to appreciate and celebrate our differences. Something that is sorely lacking in some communities and people groups. We are striving to understand what it means to be a missionary to our culture in the way Jesus.

“God never gives up on His people.”

“Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.” Colossians 3:11

Our Gospel Work…

At our church we are simply, IN CHRIST. Because of the differences already represented in our people by their cultural background, we are living a Gospel where all are accepted and where peace reigns supreme. We have become a beautiful expression of the Gospel. I have been experimenting and praying over this idea for some time now. While I believe the Gospel must be brought into individual cultures to be expressed in a way people understand in their native cultural framework, the Gospel also must be experienced in a way where we lay down our preferences and celebrate the different ways God expresses Himself through a redeemed people group. We have become and are becoming an “local international church” in the heart of New Jersey. Whereas one hundred years ago we had to travel thousands of miles to reach the nations, now in 2016, the nations have come to us. As opposed to “working hard” to reach people who are different than us, we are finding that the GOSPEL DOES THE HARD WORK OF ACCEPTANCE.

Our Hope…

These last few days, seeing the exhibition of racism, intolerance and disregard for human life has made me sick. Absolutely sick and totally disappointed. Certain people are using these terrible circumstances for their own benefit but through it all, there IS HOPE!

Even in the midst of murder, chaos, racism, deception, betrayal, pain, and loss, the church today must preach Jesus. We must celebrate the Gospel – Today is a day of healing – Today is a day of restoration – Today belongs to God and all that is in it – Today We celebrate Jesus redefining the sabbath – Sunday is a reminder of the resurrection, pure and simple. The indescribable, unrelenting, mysterious love of God through his son Jesus, crucified, RISEN, that we may be forgiven and extend that same forgiveness to others. The love of Jesus takes my breath away.

No matter what we look like, what happened this week, what our background or preferences. The Gospel demands and calls that we come together and proclaim peace and humility forgiving one another. Maybe the most important thing you do this next week will be to start the week in the presence of the Holy Spirit, surrounded by the body of Christ, caught up, receiving communion together. If even for just a moment, in the Glory and awe of the power, the protection and the power of Jesus is felt and recognized, THIS – IS – LIVING!

What is the Point?

Could it be that the church, not politics, not media, not a social action group, should be the way for us exert the maximum leverage on the issue of racism and oppression in our communities? I believe it is. I’m not talking necessarily about just the institution of the church, but the uncontrollable, unstoppable, formation of God’s people at work in the community, praying, fasting, serving the community relentlessly, bringing the restorative narrative of the Gospel to the people one act of love at a time.

For more on this idea: Listen to last Sunday’s message here: God Never Gives Up On His people

This Sunday July 17 – “I Don’t Approve, God”

217church meets at 10 AM at the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 11 AM at the Robbinsville Sharon Elementary School every Sunday morning. If it is your 1st time, we have a special gift waiting for you!

Posted on Thursday, July 7, 2016

I Need a Second Chance

Anyone feel like they need a SECOND CHANCE? Take a number, we all do. This is what is beautiful and appealing about being in relationships with those who will forgive. It’s hard to believe I have been in a relationship with one girl for 21 years, and she has given me so many chances. What a lucky guy I am! I love being around people who are willing to give second chances. We have all been given at one time or another, a second chance. In the second chance there is an incredible opportunity. A chance to reflect the love of God.

“God never gives up on His people.”

“If one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive…” Colossians 3:13

If you have been given a second chance, then you have an incredible opportunity. You have been given an immeasureable gift! A chance to right what was wronged. A chance to do the right thing. A chance to redeem what is broken. But what is most important is BEING a person who gives second chances. Here is what I believe you should do with your #secondchance

Redeeming the Second Chance…

#1 Learn From Your Mistakes – Repeating the same mistake over and over again leads to mistrust and deep hurt. There must be a progression in your development. If you want to have integrity in relationships you must be willing to change. Teachability creates reliability.

#2 Forgive The Past – No question about it, people will hurt you, there is no stopping this. But just like we want to be forgiven, the mark of a mature person is one who lives the narrative of forgiveness. Don’t burn bridges, build them.

#3 Share the Mistake – If you want to be one who has credibility, start sharing your mistakes so others can learn from them. Only a truly humble person will be willing to share their mistakes. When other people see your vulnerability, they will translate that quality into deep character development. Let your life be one that others learn from.

#4 Major in the Majors – Keep the main thing the main thing and let everything else go. IN essence focus on the BIG things because no one is perfect. Just face it, people are not going to do everything YOU want them too. It’s ok. Focus on what is important and realize your won’t be perfect and neither will they. This means we can’t demand perfection in every little thing. If you aren’t perfect, why should you demand perfection from others? This in no way means we should lower our standards or not hold each other accountable, but let your yes be yes and your no be no, and be careful what you say yes to.

The second chance is a gift, use it wisely!

Josh

Join us for our series – Overboard – Things we say to God

July 10 – I Don’t Agree God July 17 – I Won’t Approve God

217church meets at 10 AM at the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 11 AM at the Robbinsville Sharon Elementary School every Sunday morning. If it is your 1st time, we have a special gift waiting for you!

Josh is the founding pastor of 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ. 217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 10:00am and Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ at 11:00. Our new Robbinsville/East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday. If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Lawrenceville NJ, Ewing NJ, Robbinsville NJ, Hightstown NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, we would love to have you join us. Don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information. or watch a weekend message here

Posted on Saturday, June 11, 2016

Achieving Clear Vision

Not too long ago I had an eye exam and the goal was clear: Walk out with contacts that allow me to see with 20/20 vision. If I walked out of the office and didn’t feel I had achieved that or gotten close, I would have been unsatisfied. An eye exam is essentially trial and error where they systematically eliminate the options that don’t allow you to see clearly. It usually takes a while, then all of the sudden, out of the blue the doctor presents you with an option that is crystal clear. Mission accomplished!

Clarity in vision creates consistency in daily living.

“Write the vision, make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.” Habakkuk 2:2

The journey forward in Central Jersey for 217church is becoming clearer and clearer every day. We know there are some specific things ahead for us and God is painting a picture of the future. I am getting really pumped because I believe God is about to reveal something HUGE to us. But how do we get more clarity? The enemy wants to confuse us, but here are a few tools we can use to get clear.

3 Ways To Achieve Clarity in Vision…

#1 Intentional Prayer – Here has been my intentional prayer over these past months: “Lord do something BIG on our behalf.” Have you ever set out on a path with a vision and THEN asked God to bless it? That is the WRONG way to do it! Failure to get the message from God first means there will be constant division in your life. You will be fighting with God in conflict. Learning to align yourself with God in prayer is a life long discipline. No matter what you are facing, IF you will pray intentionally for clarity, God will speak. There is nothing wrong with telling God what you want, just make sure you stop long enough to listen for his guiding directional changes.

217church Action Step: Corporate Weekly Prayer Times – Every Sunday at 9:20am in Hamilton and 10:00 am in Robbinsville we have a prayer time all are invited to. These are powerful times of seeking God and healing.

2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

#2 Increasing Faith – Life is about incremental growth. Some seasons feel extremely intense and other seem a bit more laid back. One thing is for sure though, the more your faith increases the clearer the vision gets. Many times we don’t achieve what God wants for us because we choose fear or facts instead of faith. Fear and facts can sometimes FOOL you into thinking you are making the conscientious decision when in reality you are just making the most comfortable one. God will increase our faith, all we have to do is ask. I’m ready! You ready?

217church Action Step: Meaningful Sacrifice – It’s time to believe God for a permanent home for 217church! That means we are going to GIVE BIG! Yes that means a piece of property and building for 217church! Just this week we looked at a piece of property. Do You Believe it can Happen? I do! (more on this at the Sunday Services, don’t miss it!) You can already Give here towards the building fund

Luke 17:5 “The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

#3 Impacting Action – Make it happen! We are in the business of rebuilding lives one person at a time. You have to be willing to take STEP 1! No procrastination is allowed because today is a day of action! The distance between your intentions and your implementation is your integrity. Even if you aren’t crystal clear, do SOMETHING! For our church we know this means living out our value of authentic relationships. When you feel like you are fuzzy in the vision, take a step forward in what you know to be true. Here is a truth: You are a part of the Family of God. You belong in deep, transformational relationship with other Christ followers.

217church Action Step: Join A Transformational Small Group – I can almost guarantee if you are willing to get in a small group, the vision for your life will become clearer. You need meaningful relationships and Godly counsel in order to push forward.

James 2:14 “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?.”

This vision is getting clearer, are you ready to seize it? Let’s Go!

Josh

Our Vision: Make 10,000 disciples, 1,000 small groups, 100 churches, 10 years, 1 life at a time

Our Mission: A restored family sent on mission to make disciples

217church meets at 10 AM at the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 11 AM at the Robbinsville Sharon Elementary School every Sunday morning. If it is your 1st time, we have a special gift waiting for you!

photo credit here

Posted on Monday, May 23, 2016

Inspiration to Take Action – Get it DONE!

I looked over at my neighbor’s lawn the other day. It was a perfect, pristine, well manicured, well taken care of front lawn. Every week I see the landscapers come and take care of the lawn, like clockwork. MY lawn however, uh, was quite the opposite. There were overgrown weeds taking over, yesterday’s evidence of kids playing and eating in the front yard, and to top it all off, trash, yes trash. We have ALL been there before haven’t we? Sometimes, we have to get to the point when we are so disgusted with ourselves and our “lawns” that out of our absolute discontent, we FINALLY make a change. But here is what I had to see: A vision for what my yard could look like. My neighbor has inspired me.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24

How long does it take you to transition something in your life? What has to be the circumstance before you will change something you know that you know MUST be different? For most of us, it takes a while. Here are 4 words to remember as you contemplate what needs to be different.

4 Words That Inspire Action…

#1 Performance – This word has received a lot of bad press in Christian circles. But let me clarify: We are to do everything for the glory of God, but the practical outcome of that here on Earth will be others benefitting from our actions and seeing our convictions. We don’t “perform” for the accolades of others, but deal with it, others are watching you, even when you don’t think they are or want them to. It’s the way God created it. We were created in community to set the example for each other. You have influence and it’s time to use it.

1 Timothy 4:12 “Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

#2 Motivation – How you are motivated to do something reveals the depth of your character in your heart. Our motivation is deeply interwoven into our past experiences and even our own self perception. But the key to motivating correctly is seeing yourself like GOD SEES YOU. Whatever is holding you back because of past circumstances, Jesus gives you the freedom to live TODAY differently. Motivate from forgiveness and grace not fear and guilt.

Romans 8:34 “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.—

#3 Idealism – What do you wish was different? Do you want the present situation to change? Here is a promise to us: Eventually, things WILL get better. But here is the hard part: I just don’t know when. But it’s coming and it’s called hope. Dream the dream, write the vision. Pray, plan and expect God to move. Looking forward and asking God what his vision is for your immediate future can be a powerful catalyst for transformative action. So make it happen!

Romans 8:18 “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.“

#4 Freedom – That’s right! Maybe you feel like you can’t take that action, break that addiction, parent that child, or maybe even just get out of bed today. But those are all lies. Terrible lies. Procrastination IS NOT from God, it is a DEFEATED MENTALITY from your enemy. You are FREE through the Spirit of God. Remember it is the Spirit of God that empowers you to live His purpose for your life and your contribution to the community. You aren’t slave so take off the shackles, stop making excuses, and start listening to the Spirit of God in you. The same Spirit that resurrected Jesus, lives in you!

Romans 8:15 “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!””

Take ACTION! Time to mow the lawn!

Josh

217church meets at 10 AM at the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 11 AM at the Robbinsville Sharon Elementary School every Sunday morning. If it is your 1st time, we have a special gift waiting for you!

photo credit: <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/39405629@N00/26018728764″>115/366</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/”>(license)</a>

Posted on Sunday, April 17, 2016

Why Last Sunday WAS INCREDIBLE

This last Sunday Princeton Alliance Church and 217church did a “pulpit swap” with the lead pastors of each church. It was a weekend full of energy and passion. At three different campuses in Plainsboro, Hamilton and Robbinsville the word was preached. Six years ago, 217church was the first church plant of PAC, and man what an incredible journey it has been since then. But there was something different about last weekend. God has taught us many lessons along the way about being a church plant multi-site movement. This movement started in 2010, we are on the move and you are a part of it. #Unitymatters

“Pastor Josh Conn of 217church and Pastor Boyd Hannold of PAC preaching last week in a pulpit swap.”

“So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.” Acts 9:31

When you look at the possibilities of the church in Central New Jersey, the upside is staggering. Multiplication is entirely possible. We live in the most densely populated state in one of the most diverse states. There is one problem, it is widely known up here in the northeast that churches that are sending disciples of Jesus and multiplying churches are hard to be found. We want to reverse this trend. We want God to move in our county and state. We will do everything possible in order to reach people. This is why weekends like last Sunday were so important.

It Reminded Me…

#1 God Wants to Use us to Bring Hope – I had the opportunity to preach in the “Hope Unleashed” series at PAC. Hope is a key word for this movement and a powerful concept for us. I shared last Sunday that God gives us second chances, has a great work for us, and God is about to surprise us. God hasn’t given up on Central New Jersey and is about to do something BIG through us. All we have to do is follow him in humility and unity. #Incredible

Ephesians 4:4 “…just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call.“

#2 God Wants us to Work Together – From the moment I walked in this weekend to speak at Princeton Alliance Church last weekend, I was met with nothing but absolute hospitality from our mother church. From the audio visual team working with our worship teams and myself, to the hospitality team, people were so warm and welcoming. This is what it is going to take to help people know the Gospel. The ‘BIG C’ CHURCH always working together in unity. I can’t say enough about the attention to detail and servant’s attitude of the people at both churches last Sunday. #Incredible

Ephesians 4:3-4 “…eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—

#3 God Has Called us to be a Sending Church – Can you imagine a church planting, disciple making community movement spreading across this area exponentially greater than we are already experiencing? This will no doubt involve us focusing on the training and deploying of disciples, groups of disciples and larger gatherings through new worship sites and churches. If we believe that God wants us to multiply than our role is to take the next step. It will involve sacrifice, it will involve some discomfort but it’s worth it! We have already started 3 new places where the Gospel is going forward. It won’t be perfect, it probably won’t be our timing, but it will be all for HIS GLORY if we are willing to be sent. #Incredible

Last Sunday was #incredible. I can’t wait to see what God reveals next.

Matthew 10:40 “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.”

Josh

Princeton Alliance Church meets every Sunday at 9:45 & 11:15 at 20 Schalks Crossing Road in Plainsboro.

217church meets at 10 AM at the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 11 AM at the Robbinsville Sharon Elementary School

If it is your 1st time, we have a special gift waiting for you!

Join us at 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ. 217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 10:00am and Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ at 11:00. Our new Robbinsville/East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday. If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Lawrenceville NJ, Ewing NJ, Robbinsville NJ, Hightstown NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, we would love to have you join us. Don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information. or watch a weekend message here

Posted on Saturday, March 26, 2016

If the Easter Story is True…

This Sunday, more people will probably worship Jesus corporately on one day than EVER have in HUMAN HISTORY. The church is on the move and you can be a part of it. If it’s true that Jesus rose from the dead, and if Jesus really is God, there are some SERIOUS ramifications for our day and the rest of our lives. This day is going to be INCREDIBLE and here are 4 reminders for you. I believe you MUST do these things this Easter:

“There is NO power greater than LOVE.”

“And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.” Luke 24:5-6

See that tomb, yep, it’s EMPTY! Ain’t nobody there. He isn’t there. You can look again, but he isn’t there and Jesus hasn’t been for close to 2,000 years. Death has no sting! You have been forgiven and his blood WAS GOOD ENOUGH to redeem us. You can have eternal life through the power of Jesus. Think about that for a while and let it sink in. SO, if this is TRUE, what now?

It’s Easter – Do This:

#1 Reflect on Where You’ve Been – What sins are you carrying or have you carried in the past. They have no ownership and absolutely NO POWER over you! Do you believe it? If you do, you will live differently. Once you start to make a list of the sins you have committed and the INCREDIBLE grace that has been given, you start to release the guilt, leave the legalism and depend on God’s love.

1 John 4:4 “…He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” That’s #ResurrectionPower

#2 Worship Big Time – Don’t hold back on the expression this Sunday. Don’t come to a worship service and give a half baked expression of your love for God! Mumbling casually in some religious obligatory way won’t cut it. C’mon church! Raise your hands, scream out and celebrate, and dig deep into his Word. Pray like you’ve never prayed before and sing like it’s your last worship song on earth. Be found as one who W
ORSHIPS.

Psalm 30:11 “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing…” That’s #ResurrectionPower

#3 Claim Victory – This is the Sunday to stomp on the head of the enemy. Go ahead and give that visual a moment to sink in… STOMP – ON – HIS – HEAD. CRUSH HIM LIKE THE BELLY SLITHERING INVERTEBRATE THAT HE IS! God has given you the victory. Depression – defeated, guilt – gone, pain – healed, debt – paid, sin – forgiven.

1 Corinthians 15:55 “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? That’s #Resurrection power

Let’s do this…

Josh

Easter is upon us Sunday March 27th! I can’t believe this will be the 7th Easter we have celebrated together at 217church! 217church is a multi-campus church with 3 services in 2 locations this Easter:

9 & 10 AM at the Hamilton AMC24 Theater

11 AM at the Robbinsville Sharon Elementary School

If it is your 1st time, we have a special gift waiting for you!

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2016

Live Resurrection POWER this Easter

“There is NO power greater than LOVE.”

“And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.” Luke 24:5-6

It’s Easter – Do This:

1 John 4:4 “…He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” That’s #ResurrectionPower

Psalm 30:11 “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing…” That’s #ResurrectionPower

1 Corinthians 15:55 “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? That’s #Resurrection power

Let’s do this…

Josh

9 & 10 AM at the Hamilton AMC24 Theater

11 AM at the Robbinsville Sharon Elementary School

If it is your 1st time, we have a special gift waiting for you!

Josh Conn

Live Differently

Category Archives: 2016

5 Marks of an Incredible Team

Courage For a New Season

Are You Spiritually Sick?

Diversity Creates Incredible Unity

I Need a Second Chance

Achieving Clear Vision

Inspiration to Take Action – Get it DONE!

Why Last Sunday WAS INCREDIBLE

If the Easter Story is True…

Live Resurrection POWER this Easter