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.”

robbinsville worship

“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

     jonah-concept

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

3 Keys to a Healthy Small Group

Guest post by 217church Staff Pastor Matt Murphy

When Jesus left earth He gave us His final commissioning as His disciples. He told us to “Go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all I have commanded.” In that commissioning He gave us a new identity. He gave us the identity as disciple makers. None of us are exempt from that. The role of disciple maker is not just reserved for paid professionals. He gave us the identity as being a disciple. If we are going to teach Christ’s commands we must know and live them out ourselves. Jesus didn’t just know, He lived. Jesus gave us the identity of the Trinity. In the trinity we are sent as witnesses by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are servants of the Son because He served us, and we are part of God’s family because He adopted us as His children. Because of Jesus we are disciples sent as a family of servant missionaries to make disciples.

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Discipleship is the point of the church. It is what the church is called to do. We do that through many different venues. One key one is the small group structure of the church. In fact, when we study the early church we see that they organized in smaller family type groups. We cannot explore what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in the context of a room full of 100s of people in an hour a week. We should be doing life with people in the context of a spiritual family. It is important that we have a small group of people that we know by name that we can do life regularly with. Do you have that in your life? Does the small group that you are in do that

If you are in a small group I want you to ask yourself the question is discipleship happening? If that is the point, is it happening? Let me be clear discipleship is not just the passing along of Christ’s teachings. Jesus proclaimed the good news with both word and deed.

 

Here are three things that every healthy disciple making small group will have.

  1. Family 

I think that this is the most important one. Jesus said, “by your love for one another they will know me.” Jesus spent a lot more time building the relationship with His disciples than actually teaching them. I could write a whole blog series on the importance of family but if you don’t like each other no one will want to come. Family knows each other deeply and how to apply the truths of Jesus to every situation.  Family spends time together outside of the meeting. In my own family I have organized family times but we also have a lot of organic times we hang out. In your small group do you spend any time together outside of your meeting just having fun and getting to know each other? A healthy family will see each other regularly and often outside of the meeting.

2. Gospel 

Does every member of your small group know the good news of Jesus? Do they know it so well that they can apply it to every area of life? Every area of scripture points to the good news of Jesus. No matter what you are studying you can point it back to Jesus and the good news. A small groups time of study should be focused on the Gospel because the Gospel is the point of scripture.

3. Neighborhood 

Does your group have a heart for a neighborhood? There is are people in your neighborhood that need your family and the good news of Jesus. It goes beyond just serving. If your small group serves, great, but are you building relationships in the midst of that? Do you know multiple names of people in a neighborhood? Do you know there stories so well that you can bring the good news of Jesus to their life? Every healthy small group has a neighborhood that their heart breaks for and orients everything that small group does.

Does your small group have these functioning in a healthy way? What area could your group use the most help? Discuss it as a group. Get coaching in the area you are weakest and make it a strength. We are human so we will never have the perfect group but by God’s Grace we can walk more in step with what it means to be a disciple maker.

Matt is the staff 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.

 

Integrity – Day 28 – Relaunch Video Journal

Integrity – “Integrity is being the same person in public as in private.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 6:10-14

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Nehemiah faced the problems in his community head on.  In John 14:23 Jesus says, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word and my father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” Nehemiah knew how to keep his word.  In Psalm 101 David greatly desires this relationship with God, he’s cleaning house. Declaring his intention to live with integrity in his home and community, he sets the mark for his own behavior – nothing but steadfast love and justice. He draws a line in the sand regarding those he hangs out with, his employees and those he will do business with.  Is there room for steadfast love and justice in my life? Can I weigh all my relationships in light of God’s desires and when they don’t measure up and can I clean house with the confidence of David?  May we live lives of integrity today.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 4 of Relaunch:  “Striving  For Unity” Here:

The more you love others, the more you leave your pride.  There is no place for pride when working on a high performance team.  The people are pulling together to rebuild the wall amidst the opposition, and they are learning how to be absolutely unified.  In order to strive for unity we must rely on the power of God, remain alert, and rally to the needs of others.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE

Gossip – Day 27 – Relaunch Journal

Gossip – “Repeating something when you are not part of the problem or the solution.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 6:1-9

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My wife Summer, likes to say, “Don’t gossip. If people gossip to you, they’ll gossip about you.  Remember there are two sides to every story.  If you must listen to gossip, give people the same benefit of the doubt you would want them to give you.”  Wow!  I shudder to think how the words of people have destroyed vision, relationships, and unity.  I know, we all think we get a free pass with our words.  We use excuses.  The excuses are invalid.  If you are not a part of the problem or solution, it’s gossip.  If you haven’t told the person your problem, don’t tell someone else.  Let our words be seasoned with love and encouragement for each other bringing unity.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 4 of Relaunch:  “Striving  For Unity” Here:

The more you love others, the more you leave your pride.  There is no place for pride when working on a high performance team.  The people are pulling together to rebuild the wall amidst the opposition, and they are learning how to be absolutely unified.  In order to strive for unity we must rely on the power of God, remain alert, and rally to the needs of others.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE

Agreement – Day 26 – Relaunch Journal

Agreement – “Compromise means admitting your fault and advancing towards a common goal.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 5:12-13

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Once the grievance is on the table and out in the open, the problem seems to go away.  The community in Nehemiah gets agreement about the problem.  They admit their faults and make a covenant to discontinue the behaviors that are damaging community and unity.  Agreement is core to unity.  If we can’t agree on what the problem is, the conversation becomes pointless.  Have you ever had a problem with the way a situation was handled?  In your life, who do you need to achieve unity with?  Pray and ask God who you need to forgive and walk forward in unity together.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 4 of Relaunch:  “Striving  For Unity” Here:

The more you love others, the more you leave your pride.  There is no place for pride when working on a high performance team.  The people are pulling together to rebuild the wall amidst the opposition, and they are learning how to be absolutely unified.  In order to strive for unity we must rely on the power of God, remain alert, and rally to the needs of others.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE

Action – Day 25 – Relaunch Video Journal

Action – “Don’t just say you will do something, DO IT!”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 5:6-11

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Someone has to do something in order to correct things that just don’t seem right, but it takes an incredible amount of courage to take action.  Sometimes, it’s because we don’t prioritize and other times because we are just not paying attention.  Nehemiah knows full well the complication of dealing with problems “in house.”  Who in my life do I need to take action and fight for so my testimony can go forward?  Scripture says they will know us by our love for one another.  Who do I need to reach out to with love in order to ensure that we keep unity in our faith, in our church, and in our group?  Is there anyone you feel has wronged you?  Confront the grievance with gentleness.  The distance between your intentions and your implementation is the measure of your integrity.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 4 of Relaunch:  “Striving  For Unity” Here:

The more you love others, the more you leave your pride.  There is no place for pride when working on a high performance team.  The people are pulling together to rebuild the wall amidst the opposition, and they are learning how to be absolutely unified.  In order to strive for unity we must rely on the power of God, remain alert, and rally to the needs of others.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE

Outcry – Day 24 – Relaunch Video Journal

Outcry – “Fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 5:1-5

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It seems that nothing really progresses forward until there is an outcry for justice and an absolute intolerance for usury.  I don’t think this means life will be “fair”.  Nothing will destroy unity more than someone who takes advantage of someone else.  How can we be change agents in our culture?  How can we look for injustice in our communities and be the ones who choose to bring love and care to the situation?  We must not allow the opportunity for personal gain outweigh the benefits of community advantage.  As a church we must always look to take care of one another in every aspect.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 4 of Relaunch:  “Striving  For Unity” Here:

The more you love others, the more you leave your pride.  There is no place for pride when working on a high performance team.  The people are pulling together to rebuild the wall amidst the opposition, and they are learning how to be absolutely unified.  In order to strive for unity we must rely on the power of God, remain alert, and rally to the needs of others.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE

Striving For Unity – Week 4 – Relaunch

Watch Week 4 of 217church Relaunch:  “Striving For Unity” 2-28-16 Here:

Download the Notes Here (pdf)

I am so excited about what God is doing through Relaunch, our 40 day spiritual growth emphasis.  This is week 4 – “Striving For Unity” Nehemiah 4:15-23

The more you love others, the more you leave your pride.  There is no place for pride when working on a high performance team.  The people are pulling together to rebuild the wall amidst the opposition, and they are learning how to be absolutely unified.  In order to strive for unity we must rely on the power of God, remain alert, and rally to the needs of others.

Follow along with the Relaunch journal starting with week 4 Here

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE

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Week #4 “Striving For Unity”

Our official #Relaunch Sunday celebration is Sunday March 20, 2016 

We are officially #Relaunching @217church after 6 full years of ministry on March 20th, 2016.  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

Commitment – Day 23 – Relaunch Video Journal

Commitment – “There is nothing like knowing someone has your back.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 4:21-23

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Not on my watch.  That is a phrase I have heard used before when it comes to unity.  Nothing is going to harm my brother or sister while I am keeping watch!  There is a contagiousness around unity that is electrifying and magnetic.  When I know the person on my left and right is looking out for me, I forget about myself and I am able to fully commit.  I am not holding back because I trust that the person next to me has my best interest in mind and I choose to believe the best about them.  I was on a cross country team once that achieved this.  We pushed each other, trained together and in the end, achieved more that we could have on our own.  We weren’t competing with each other but cooperating.  This is the picture of rebuilt lives in our community.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 4 of Relaunch:  “Striving  For Unity” Here:

The more you love others, the more you leave your pride.  There is no place for pride when working on a high performance team.  The people are pulling together to rebuild the wall amidst the opposition, and they are learning how to be absolutely unified.  In order to strive for unity we must rely on the power of God, remain alert, and rally to the needs of others.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE

Rally – Day 22 – Relaunch Video Journal

Rally – “Together we can accomplish anything”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 4:19-20

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Whenever we hear the call, we must rally to it.  The vision is the rally point and we must do whatever it takes in order to ensure the vision happens.  There is an excitement and adrenaline that comes with rallying to the cause.  What would keep us from feeling we can go all in and rally to the vision?  The interesting thing about rallying is you stop caring how you look, you stop worrying who gets the credit and you start running with all your energy.  You know that someone on the team, in the camp needs you to step up for them.  I pray we are a church that comes together regularly, celebrates our rally points and encourages each other through seeing the possibility of unity.  Let us make it a reality through our commitment to one another.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 3 of Relaunch:  “Fighting For The Church Family” Here:

When the work on the wall is in full swing the people of Jerusalem are attacked fiercely by the opposition.  They are jeered at, humiliated and their physical well being is even threatened.  Like the people rebuilding the wall, as we rebuild lives one person at a time we must come together and fight for our church family through praying continually, working tirelessly, and motivating constantly.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE