Posted on Thursday, August 3, 2017

Don’t Forget Who You Are

“I’m a failure.” “I won’t make it.” “I can’t finish this race.” “I can’t pass this class.” “I can’t raise these children.” “I will never get married.” “I don’t think anyone really loves me.” “I’ll never get that job.” “I have made so many mistakes, there is no way God would want to use me now.” Ever had one of these thoughts cross your mind? Ever adopted one of these sayings deep into the recesses of your soul? One of these game changing thoughts that repeats itself in your head so much that you lose sight of hope? Forgetting who you are is no joke. It could quite possibly be the cause of most of the pain in our world.

“O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage” Daniel 10:19

It’s hard to forget your name, but unfortunately it’s rather easy to forget who you are, what you are about and lose your purpose. Many of us are defined too much by things people say, opinions of others, the amount of money in our bank account, a title on a business card, or even our popularity, status and notoriety in the world. In our striving to “be somebody”, we have forgotten the point. You already ARE VALUABLE, and you really don’t have anything to prove. When you forget who you are, you tend to lose your way, make mistakes, say and do things that are out of character. Your identity CAN’T be wrapped up in the above things. What are the things that are constant about us as humans that should define us?

Four Things You Have To Remember…ALWAYS

1 – You Are Greatly Loved – This is so real. So many of us feel unlovable, find our security, self esteem and value in the approval of others, and are in constant performance mode. This is not necessary. God loves us, made us with the gifts, looks, and the abilities he wanted us to have. The process of discovering about ourselves has nothing to do with the consistency of His creativity and passion. God is Love. Period.

“For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you.” 1 Thessalonians 1:4

2 – Fear Not – Anxiety is real, but you cannot add a day to your life through worry and inner turmoil. Contentment is a hard place to reach but fear is always easily accessible. You don’t have to be afraid, secure is what you are. You are not alone, abandoned, and left for dead. God came and took care of the question of security. He has it covered. Don’t forget it.

“Fear not, for I am with you;” Isaiah 41:10

3 – Peace Be With You – Chaos seems like it is winning, but it is not. There is an inner struggle and an outward pain in the constant fighting and power struggle in our lives. We fight for control at work, home, as parents, in our marriages, but we don’t have to. We can choose to be peaceable. It is who we are when we choose to follow Jesus.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” John 14:27

4- Be Strong and of Good Courage – Things aren’t always as they seem in the temporal world. You are probably being deceived in some situation in your life. You may not feel strong outwardly, but it’s a truth about you that can’t be denied. When you start to put your faith and trust in a God who created the world, died for you as a man, identifies with your pain, and comforts you in Spirit, You can’t deny your strength. It is God LIVING in your being. NOTHING is too difficult for God. Remember your joy!

“And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

SO, when are you going to choose to believe who God says you are? Don’t forget who you are.

Josh

Josh Conn is the founding pastor of 217church, a contemporary church in Mercer County NJ. 217church meets Sundays at 10:30am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ. Visit www.217church.com for more information. or watch a weekend message here. On Sunday August 6th 2017 we will meet at the Elks Lodge in East Windsor, NJ for our outdoor Summer celebration.

Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2017

Being A Courageous Dad

What is one of the most serious issues in our culture? I believe it’s fatherlessness. Want to make an unmeasurable difference with your limited days? BE A DAD! Being a Dad is well, hard. I’m not complaining, that is just a reality. So many men bail on being a dad for a variety of reasons, but I am here to tell you it is worth it. There is nothing quite like loving, caring for, and raising kids to understand what is most important in life. But let me reiterate, it ISN’T EASY! To put it bluntly, if you are going to excel at being a dad you are going to have to develop one SIMPLE THING… COURAGE.

“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13

So what does it take to be a courageous father? Courage is the art of dependance on God. The writer of the ancient scripture above states that God is like our father and he shows compassion. God is a compassionate God and we are to depend on God for EVERYTHING. Why don’t we have more courage as fathers? It takes courage to make tough decisions, to stay faithful to one wife for a whole lifetime, to love unconditionally, to set an example for our children. Courage is necessary and here is what stands in the way.

What A Courageous Father Must Overcome…

1 – Danger – As dads, so many things threaten our family: garbage content from the media, habits of the world, music that creates crippling mantras, addiction that destroys, friends that use them, and worst of all, the battle for a healthy mind. For example, suicide is one of the leading causes of death among our children. We must stand up for them, teach them, discipline, pray and fight for them in every way possible.

“Hear, O sons, a father‘s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight.” Proverbs 4:1

2 – Distractions – What have you mis-prioritized in your life as a dad? Does work too often take precedent over time with your children? Are you too busy saying no and pursuing your own preferences rather than teaching and investing time in your children? Do you take time and listen, play with and just be with your children? Have you placed God at the center of your life and are you teaching your children to depend on God?

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” Joshua 24:15

3 – Disappointments – Life is full of letdowns, but we must stand up as dads and fight through all the times when we have felt like we got dealt a raw deal. Maybe it was your dad who failed you? Be the Dad that you wanted growing up!

“…For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8

4- Devastation – For some of us it takes courage just to wake up every morning. We have battled abandonment, addiction, disease, divorce, depression, death of a son or daughter…The list goes on and on. The good news is, this is why the church exists. This is why Jesus came and set an example for us. Only He can turn your devastation into meaningful direction. What is the secret? Dependence. When your dependance is unshakable your courage is undeniable. No matter what circumstance you find yourself in, #Takeheart.

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

What else? What is one way you need to be courageous as a Dad for your family? I’m choosing #courage fighting for these 7 that God has blessed me with…

Josh

Posted on Thursday, February 9, 2017

What To Do With A Colossal Failure

You watched the Super Bowl right? The Falcons choked – We have ALL been there – The project fails, we lose the job, the plan goes up in smoke, we break a promise, the spouse is extremely angry with us. Failure happens, but we know failure is going to happen, so what should we do once it happens?

1 – Depend on others – Surround yourself with people who love you. Now is not the time to just “get over it.” You will probably need some time with some incredibly supportive people. How long? Probably longer than shorter. Being around people who care about you restores your confidence and reaffirms your value.

2 – Disconnect – Now you are ready to get some time alone and go back to your vision. Two key questions to ask as you disconnect. These questions help you to rediscover what on earth you are here for.

Why did you start this journey in the first place?
What is the single biggest motivating factor in your life?

3 – Dissect – Please DON’T skip #1 and #2. Resist the temptation to go right to the details because you probably aren’t in the right emotional state to handle the truth. If you start here it leads to destructive behavior.

Ok, now you are ready for some details, what went wrong? Take ownership of the failure and don’t blame. Don’t beat yourself up but be honest with the facts of what happened. Sometimes you won’t know why. Sometimes stuff happens to you. I know it takes courage, but don’t leave the failure, live with it for a while.

4 – Determine Your Next Steps – How will you win the next time? What thinking needs to be in place? What actions MUST you take? Are there patterns in your life that need to change? Developing a plan is key and you probably need a few of those people in #1 to help you to formulate some new ideas. DON’T go it alone!

5 – Direct Your Life – Implement it! It won’t feel the greatest at first because it probably is a risk. Never forget the feeling of a great loss but don’t allow your impact to be ruled by the pain. As you are directing your life and implementing the plan, here are a few reminders:

Share the new vision slowly, not everyone needs to know everything.
Take a team of people with you. Once again – Destructive pride is the result of individual accomplishment. Teams build individual humility.
Get an outside coach to help you see what you can’t. Having an outside perspective will keep you OUT of a lot of trouble.

Now go get it!

Josh Conn is the founding pastor of 217church, a contemporary church in Mercer County NJ. 217church meets Sundays at 10:30am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ. Visit www.217church.com for more information. or watch a weekend message here. Josh is also the Executive Coach at Activate Coaching LLC, coaching leaders in all spectrums of industry and non profits to optimum spiritual, family, financial, physical and professional health. He can be reached at josh@activatecoaching.com.

Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2017

You Need A Watchdog

I love dogs and this is Harley, my golden doodle. She looks out for everyone in the house. She is flat out AWESOME! If there is a fight amongst our other dogs, she breaks it up. If there is a fight among people, she gets between you. If you come to my door uninvited, well, let’s just say she will let you know she is there. She is the enforcer, but with a loyal, justice driven motive. There is something about the qualities she exhibits that reminds me of what we should be for each other as the church. Who is looking out for you? Who are you looking out for?

“I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.” Romans 15:1

SO…Who are you looking out for? Is there another person you feel personally responsible for? Everyone needs someone to look out for and for someone to look out for them. This is the definition of what the church should be doing for one another. This scripture implies also we should believe the best about the motives of one another and be careful not to assume the worst. We are responsible for one another. As a matter of fact, there are over fifty “one another’s” in scripture.

How To be a “Watch-dog” and Look Out For One Another…

1. Privately Correct – We are all going to blow it, mess up, make mistakes – say something we shouldn’t say, post a photo we shouldn’t post, act in public in a way that isn’t God honoring. FOR EXAMPLE – I saw something on Facebook the other day that disturbed me. It was a public rebuke of what some would consider an “inappropriate photo” But here was the problem…It was rebuked in a public way by someone, without gentleness and in an embarrassing manner. More and more I am of the opinion that public social media rebukes are pointless. The person almost NEVER hears what you are really saying and written harsh communication on a social media channel will almost ALWAYS be misconstrued in some way. If something someone posts troubles you and you aren’t willing to privately go to them, don’t say anything. After all, when you love someone enough to say something privately, you are respecting the image of God in them. Disagree? private message me, but this verse implies you are just flat out WRONG!

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” Galatians 6:1

2. Adamantly Protect – I love it when I know people have my back. I love it when people who are a part of our church and our small group communities stand up against gossip amongst each other. I love having someone to protect and having someone protect me. This is what we are called to do for one another. If you always have to have your way, you are prideful. If you are always complaining about a church, another church, or your small group, something is desperately wrong. The person you just criticized was made in the image of God and is a son or daughter of God. I love watching the church care and stand up for one another. And one more thing – Please, if you claim to be a Christian – please work out your issues with other Christians in a private matter. You are destroying the testimony of the church by airing all your complaints.

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3

3. Carefully Instruct – Life isn’t easy and we all will get led astray, but we must be allowed to speak into each other’s lives with conviction and passion. If no one can speak into your life, you have a serious problem. Quick, name the person who has that authority in your life? You need someone who is helping you in your marriage, finances, parenting, personal knowledge of the bible, you need a go to person who is doing the good work of discipleship in your life.

“…filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.” Romans 15:1

4. Relentlessly Care – If someone is fighting sickness, battling addiction, struggling in their marriage, facing a loss of a job, desperately alone, hopelessly abandoned, OUR ROLE IS TO WATCH OUT FOR THEM. Fight for those who can’t fight for themselves. Don’t just talk a big game, get in the game and let your life be about caring for the church and those who are your brothers and sisters. Loyalty matters, take a cue from my Harley. Be a #Watchdog

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

This past Sunday we had 24 new people said they wanted to commit to the vision of 217church. They have made a covenant to protect the unity of the church. I love it. Jesus died for us so let’s come together and stand together for what he wants to accomplish through us and for what he has promised to us.

Josh

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 eastern Pennsylvania that meets Sundays at 10:30am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ. 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, Burlington 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 Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Giving Tuesday – How Much Should I Give?

Today is #GivingTuesday and I am thankful for all the people who have given towards the vision of 217church to help rebuild lives in Mercer County, NJ over these past seven years! All gifts today will go towards helping us buy a piece of land to build a church for the glory of God in Mercer County, NJ. Click here to GIVE an online gift. Read more about our Accelerate land vision here.

Do you remember getting your first ever paycheck? Man what a rush! Then, sudden frustration towards a guy named FICA taking 7% of my paycheck! I was a bus boy at a local restaurant and at 14 years of age I felt like I was on top of the world. Money changes you. In my family growing up I had watched both my parents and my brother practice giving to my local church. 10% first to God’s work, no questions asked. It was just what we did, and man am I thankful my family taught me the foundations of a lifestyle of giving. I think most ALL of us reading this post would agree that we should all be GIVERS. I mean c’mon! Especially if you claim to follow the teachings of Jesus there is almost no possible way to claim the lifestyle of a disciple and not be a financial giver. Now let me be clear, I am not just talking about giving to a local church. But for anyone who wants to fully follow Jesus, the money under your care MUST point to a acknowledgement and dependance on Jesus. How you handle money is a way you prove your faith in God.

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.^“ 2 Corinthians 9:7

There have been so many incredible stories I have experienced both personally and church wide, of people listening to God and giving. They are too numerous to list here. Last year over 400 families gave a financial gift to our church. Easily, that is over 5,000 acts of worship through financial giving. This is the church in action fulfilling the vision! Your giving and your handling of the money God has entrusted you with IS a spiritual issue. But many of us have lived with guilt, frustration and even abstaining from talking about giving habits because of pain, debt, mistrust and let’s be honest, a hard heart. If this is you the enemy is ripping you off! So what do I do?

How MUCH Should I Give?

1. Start Somewhere – Maybe the one “thing” holding back your faith is a reliance on things. Once you think you rely on things and more of them, your trust in God goes down. Giving proves you aren’t self sufficient. If you have never made a gift or it has been a very long time. It is time to take the first step and make and offering to God. Ask him to bless it, use it. be bold and ask God to show you more fully his plan for His money, remember it’s not really yours, you cant take it with you. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19-20

WHAT YOU GIVE THE ENEMY CAN’T STEAL.

2. What God Tells You – What? Am I listening for the audible voice of God? Maybe, but for most of us, it won’t happen that way. The above verse frees us from guilt and compulsion motivations. Does this mean if someone is tithing it’s wrong? ABSOLUTELY NOT! What matters is the heart of the giver, not the percentage of the gift. Our motivation should be to give AS MUCH AS WE POSSIBLY CAN! Now, that’s probably not something you have prayed lately. Once we reduce giving to a check box or a legalistic matter, our heart will become corrupted. We may even think we are better than someone else because we give and they don’t. Be careful though, comparison is NEVER the pathway to spiritual maturity. Also, don’t let this one be an excuse to rationalize giving less and don’t let the enemy sneak into your budget and steal your blessings with material things!

WHEN YOU GIVE THERE IS GREAT JOY AND ANTICIPATION.

3. In Rhythm – Often giving in rhythm helps you determine the amount to give. Did you get paid this week, there is your answer. Now, talk to God, your wife, your kids, and give first. Is 10% your percentage? I would suggest you are never going to go wrong with that. In Malachi 3 God says “test me.” However often you get paid there should be a moment of reverence when you set aside your gift before the Lord to acknowledge his provision in your life. You see, every time you get paid is an opportunity for spiritual growth. Give by cash, Give by check, Give online, Give by text, It really doesn’t matter how, but give in rhythm. Give as a BOLD declaration of your trust in God to give you more. You should love getting paid because it means you can NOW give! “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

WHEN YOUR GIVING IS CONSISTENT IT IS A SOURCE OF CLARITY IN YOUR LIFE.

4. In Faith – Some of us have been tithing for a very long time. This is a very commendable thing. Continue to excel in this discipline! Keep going! It’s incredible what you have done by faith. Over $4 Million over the life of 217church in the past 7 years! Now, I have heard of Christ followers upset at others for not “doing their part” You may even feel this way in your heart. Never make your giving based on what others have given. Tithing 10% is like training wheels on a bike. It’s there to teach us the discipline and we weren’t meant to stop there but simply start there. Once you ride on training wheels you will want to take them off and ride like a big boy, of course! So let me ask you a question…Who feels like Barnabas today?

“Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, ³⁷sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” Acts 4:36-37 I’m pretty sure that wasn’t a tithe but a gift of faith. When you give, something wonderful happens, you don’t have to worry about it anymore.

DON’T JUST GIVE WHAT YOU HAVE ALWAYS GIVEN, BUT GIVE WHAT CHALLENGES YOUR FAITH.

There is a little known verse in Proverbs that may be the best wisdom on giving you will ever here. Try praying this and let me know how this changes you. You won’t be the same if you implement this…

“give me neither poverty nor riches;
    feed me with the food that is needful for me,
⁹lest I be full and deny you
    and say, “Who is the Lord?”
or lest I be poor and steal
    and profane the name of my God.”

Proverbs 30:8-9

Click here to give an online gift today

MORE ABOUT OUR ACCELERATE VISION HERE: (Please note: If you are viewing video on a Mobile Device you must scroll to bottom and enable “DESKTOP MODE”)

Josh

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 at 10:30am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ. 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, Burlington 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 Sunday, October 16, 2016

Expectation – You Need Some

10 Things that Accelerate Vision: Principle #2 – Expectation

I love the moment right before take off – It’s a total rush! Over the next 10 weeks I will be sharing one attribute every week that is proven to accelerate vision. This week is #2 Expectation. These are essential if we are to take our vision further faster. These lessons don’t just apply to our church, but to every area of our lives. What will it take to #accelerate the vision of our lives and our church?

Principle #2 We must believe with EXPECTATION

“Without fatih it is impossible to please God.” Hebrews 11:6

Expectation inspires commitment. I’ll never forget leaving for Marine Corps boot camp on a plane as an 18 year old boy. I say boy because boot camp was part of my essential journey of becoming a man. Everything in me wanted to be a United States Marine. My father was a Marine and there was something about the experience that for some reason was alluring. I wanted to serve my country. I wanted to challenge myself. Everything from the motto, “The few the proud the Marines,” to the sharpness of the uniform and challenge of serving my country. I never went in doubting I could be a Marine. After all my dad did it, My Grandfather did it, My uncles did it. And I was EXPECTED TO DO IT. I was committed to the process without wavering and without compromise

Why Expectation is Important

#1 Increasing Faith – No doubt there will be things we are called to do as a church and in our lives that will challenge us. We can’t do it, but God will do it for us. Our faith will increase.

#2 Community – The group of people I graduated boot camp with were incredible young men. We will always have that shared experience. To this day, whenever I meet a Marine, any Marine, there is a brotherhood that can’t be broken.

#3 Hope – You need hope. No matter what you are hoping for: Paying off your debt, graduating from college or high school, a different place to live, a wife or husband, a son or daughter to forgive you; No matter what it is, you must hold out hope!

Expect it and you will accelerate the vision!

Join us at 217church and our SERIES #Accelerate – Let’s celebrate what God has done through 217church this Sunday!

October 16 – Courageous Sacrifice – Sharon School in Robbinsville 10:30 am Combined service

For more on our NEW SEASON and Why we are moving out of the Theater Click HERE

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 at 10:30am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ. 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, Burlington 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 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 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!

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 Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Should I Do It? I’m Just Not Sure

What do I do? What decision do I make? Life is full of questions and one thing is for sure, this will not change anytime soon. But sometimes we have a gut feeling something is right or wrong. When presented with the option to come to Jersey and leave a ministry we loved, when presented with the option to plant a church, when presented with the option to adopt three children from Uganda, we had to make BIG decisions, and we couldn’t just trust our gut. These decisions were full of faith, uncertainty and a lot of trust. BUT how do we know whether or not we are called to do something? or rather, IT?

The distance between our current reality and our calling is RISK.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

So back to the question; Should you do IT? Are you called to IT? Is it a deep conviction? Here are some things to do when you are unsure if IT is for YOU. And a little hint, you probably won’t be 100% sure, that is ok. God likes us to step out in faith! You CAN’T please him if you don’t. (Hebrews 11:6)

You Might Be Called to ‘IT’ If…

#1 You can’t stop thinking about it – Ever had a moment where you KNOW you heard from God and then time went by and you just COULDN’T get that thought out of your head? Yep – that is sometimes how it works. You didn’t think it, God put it there. If you can’t let go, you MIGHT need to do it. Here is a hint: If there is a scripture that lines up with it, BINGO! Even more confirmation.

#2 It will cost you everything – If you are going to do something that is a GOD sized idea, it won’t be cheap and easy. If it is, it probably ISN’T from God. God calls us to a faith based relationship with him, not just a facts based relationship.

#3 You use every possible excuse not to do it – Reasoning yourself out of following God is a recipe for deep pain. Remember Jonah? He didn’t want to go to Nineveh, so he ran as far as he could. Not good. Trust me, the vision God has shared with you will find you out. It will be a sobering revelation about your level of trust in God.

#4 You are one of the few who can actually do it – Why do you think you have that skill, speak that language, possess that gift or have the resources and finances to pull it off? Some things just make sense and you need to stop running. God has positioned you for it, equipped you in it and empowered you already. Go do it!

#5 You are terrible at what you do now – Ever seen someone who is ATROCIOUSLY misaligned with their organization or personal skills? What a waste. We all have, and I’m guessing you’ve been there. If you don’t fit, move on. God has something better for you. Relax and trust because that is why he gave you this vision and called you in the first place. He KNOWS!

#6 You notice the people around you suffering because of your lack of willingness – If we don’t follow God’s plan we can hold our family, our co-workers, our church, and those around us back. When you are the ‘bottleneck’ and the stumbling block to people around you, maybe God is calling you on. It’s ok! Change is part of life and it doesn’t mean you aren’t valuable, it means God has a better spot for you!

It is time! Go and do IT!

Josh

Join us for our New series beginning June 26 – Overboard – Things we say to God

June 26 – I Don’t Want to July 3 – Help Me!

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

Photo Credit – Here’s who to thank

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

Josh Conn

Live Differently

Category Archives: 217church

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Should I Do It? I’m Just Not Sure

Achieving Clear Vision