The Church at Brook Hills

Brook Hills College – Blog

1. Radical Wallets and Purses

   January 21, 2010 by Britten Taylor

   Sacrifice our Money on Specific Purposes

   For those of us who are on board with the Radical Experiment, we have committed to look at all of our expenses within the church, individual and family budgets and begin to view them through the lens of specific need in the world.The hope is to set a cap on our lifestyles so that we can free up as much of our resources as possible to be used for the sake of the glory of Christ in His church, among the lost, and among the poor.

   A few weeks into the Radical Experiment I personally believe that this is the most difficult of the 5 commitments to keep.  We can discipline ourselves to read and pray daily. But there is always an aspect of dying to self that is involved in saying no to indulging ourselves and saying yes to sacrificing for others in dire need (especially those we have never had the opportunity to meet).  Despite the fact that we are aware that 26,000 children will die today of starvation and/or preventable diseases and we are aware that there are more than 1 Billion people who have no access to the Gospel- it is still exceedingly difficult to go without when it comes to our American luxuries. The past 3 weeks have proven that in the Taylor family and I assume it has done so in your life as well.

   So, on day 21 of 365 of the Radical Experiment- I wanted to help remind you of why we should be dying daily to our unnecessary purchases on self.

   (if you are viewing this through RSS feed, you might need to click HERE to watch the embedded video)

   “We have money to use it in such a way to show money is not our god, but God is our God…Money is not our treasure, Christ is our treasure!” Piper

   “Because your steadfast love is better than life” Psalm 63:3

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2. The Institute for Disciple-Making

   January 19, 2010 by Britten Taylor

   

   Gallop Poll on Religion was quoted some years ago saying, “We are having a revival of feelings but not of the knowledge of God. The church today is more guided by feelings than by convictions. We value enthusiasm more than informed commitment” So many in our culture look to the Church to provide goods and services, that will enable them to continue in their self-absorbed life. Thankfully, I see something drastically different here at Brook Hills. I believe the direction is actually polar opposite, and that starts at the top with our Elders!

   Need an example?… Disciple-Making Institute!

   One of the umpteen reasons I am humbled to be a part of covenant community called The Church at Brook Hills is the The Institute for Disciple-Making (IDM). The Institute was birthed out of a biblical conviction that the best context for the training of God’s people to fulfill God’s mission is the local church.  The classes offered through IDM seeks to prepare church leaders in numerous capacities—small group leadership, worship leadership, pastoral ministry, missionary service, and much more. Below is the philosophy driving this picture.

   Philosophy of Ministry

   The Institute for Disciple-Making at Brook Hills seeks to align itself with and support the Vision, Mission and Goal of this faith family.

   • We seek to glorify God by loving Him with all of our heart, soul, and mind (Matt. 22:37). His character, will, and ways are infinitely worthy of our reverent and serious contemplation.

   • We seek to make disciples by teaching the Word of God. Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples by baptizing and teaching (Matt. 28:19-20). Disciples are sanctified by the truth; God’s Word is the truth (Jn. 17:17).

   • We seek to make disciples of all nations by learning for the sake of others around the world (Matt. 28:19). Our efforts here are intended for world impact.

   As you see below, there are some pretty potent classes offered this semester. I think it would be well worth the few hours per week to dive into one (or more) of these classes.  Remember, as CS Lewis said, “He (Christ) wants a child’s heart, but a grown-up’s head!”

   Spring 2010 Offerings
   Class	Day	Time	Room	Registration
   Evangelism and Missions Dr. David Platt & Jonathan B.	Sunday	4:00-6:00pm	M17	Click Here
   Biblical Counseling Dr. Mark Shaw	Tuesday	6:30-8:00pm	M17	Click Here
   Intro to the New Testament Dr. Bart Box	Wednesday	6:30-8:00pm	M17	Click Here
   Christian Theology II Dr. Bart Box	Thursday	9:00-11:00am	M17	Click Here
   Christian Theology II Dr. Bart Box	Sunday	6:00-8:00pm	M17	Click Here

   We seek to make disciples of all nations by learning for the sake of others around the world (Matt. 28:19). Our efforts here are intended for world impact.

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3. Responding to Haiti Earthquake

   January 13, 2010 by Britten Taylor

   

   A powerful 7.0 Earthquake hit 10 miles west of the capital city of Haiti, Porte-au-Prince. It happened this past Tuesday at 4:53pm.  Reports say it is the strongest earthquake to hit that area since 1770.

   Haiti is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, with more than ½ of the population living on less than $1 a day.  Abject poverty is the norm with unemployment rate over 80%.  It is hard to even imagine the struggles of life that Haitians face day in and day out.  And now, on top of all of that, a large portion of the country has literally collapsed.

   Haiti’s infrastructure was among the world’s worst, even before the devastating earthquake.  One government official said, “It was a catastrophe waiting to happen…sadly, it has happened”. I spoke to a friend earlier today who has been to Porte-au-Prince before. He said he did not see how that city could withstand even a strong wind, much less a massive earthquake.

   Reports say that 1/3 of the 9 million people of Haiti may need emergency aid and there are probably 100’s of 1,000’s already dead as a result of the earthquake.

   So what can we do?

   I suggest 3 primary means of offering help to our Haitian brothers and sisters…

   • Pray. I know this might seem trivial to some, but I am reminded of what Oswald Chamber said concerning prayer- “Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.” Pray to God that He would be an ever-present help in time of need (Ps 46:1-2). Ask the Father to meet the needs of the Church, so that they could meet the needs of others (Ephesians 4:28). Ask God to transform the lives of scores of unbelievers in Haiti through this horrific tragedy (2 Corinthians 7:10). Beg God to send out laborers to the harvest, we all know suffering is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world (Mt. 9:37-38).  And finally, pray to God that your own soul would be softened by the news of the tragedy and be moved to action in Jesus name ( Micah 6:8).

   • Give. It is simple. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Luke 12:34). We will spend enough money on our luxuries over the next few days to cover the cost of immediate emergency relief for many families in Haiti. God has blessed us, not for our own comfort, but to shine forth His salvation to the world (Ps. 67).  Sure, there will be scammers at every turn. And I hope you will be wise with your choice of who to give to. So, in light of many poorly run and down right fraudulent charities who will ask for your $ I  offer you one of many excellent options- Compassion International. They are Christ-centered, local church based, and adhere to the highest standard of integrity with donated money.

   • GO. When the door of opportunity for effective ministry opens, GO! Scrounge up the $500+, buy a plane ticket, and board the plan headed to the earthquake zone! Give your time, energy and tears to serve the people in Haiti in Jesus Name. In doing so, it will be an incredible reminder to the Church in Haiti of the precious promise of Jesus, “I will be with you to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).  We will keep you updated on opportunities for you to GO as our Global staff and other ministries put together trips in the near future.

   In closing, in the midst of this tragedy and every other tragedy, I pray you cling to the promises of Ps 46-

   God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam though the mountains tremble at its swelling. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
   he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.” Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. -Psalm 46
   

   Britten

   Category: Mission, Uncategorized Comments (0)

4. Radical Update… (Week 1)

   January 11, 2010 by Britten Taylor

   We are off and running…

   Radical Experiment is officially underway. We are currently clobbering Genesis while praying for the entire world via Operation World.  Amazingly, some have even gone so far as refraining from their $8 Venti Tri Pump Quad Shot Café Mocha.  I know it is hard to believe, but it is true. Seriously, we hope you have joined in on the sanctifying fun, but if not…we urge you to do so quickly.  Go to Radical Experiment to get all the details.  Whether you are in Birmingham beginning classes for your spring semester or in another state on Jan-Term break, you can stay on track with the rest of your church family by keeping up via the Radical website.

   Multiplying Community…

   One of the facets of the Radical Experiment is committing to a Multiplying Community. Although it is not the common trend among college students, every Christ-follower should commit wholeheartedly to membership of a local church (see Stephanie’s post on Church Membership). But, even deeper than that, we should commit ourselves to a disciple-making small group that is intentionally sharing, showing, and teaching the Word while serving the world together.  If you are not already connected to a College Small Group, there will be several opportunities for you to do so over the next month.

   1. GroupLink: Our adult ministry is hosting a Group Link next Sunday, January 17^th at 6pm in the Student Building.  College Ministry will have several small group leaders for you to connect with and our staff will be there for those who want to form their own group.
   2. College Mixer: This is a time is for college students to hangout and learn more about the Brook Hills College Ministry while enjoying a FREE catered lunch. The College Mixer will also give you an opportunity to connect to an existing College Small Group or form a new one among your friends. Spring Semester College Mixer will be January 31 at 12:30 p.m in the student building.

   I cannot stress to you how important it is to connect to biblical community, especially in light of our church’s year long Radical Experiment.  Most of our College Small Groups will not start up until the first week of February (the week following the College Mixer).  So until then, I pray you maintain consistency in your daily reading through the Word and praying for the world.

   Below is last week’s sermon by David Platt. It would be worth the 45min watch to get a good overview of what all The Church at Brook Hills is committing to over the course of the year and the resources that are available.
   

   Britten

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5. IMPACT: New Member’s Workshop

   January 7, 2010 by Stephanie Fain

   

   IMPACT: New Member’s Workshop: Begins January 24th

   I know that many of you have heard about the IMPACT class here at Brook Hills but we thought we would take a minute to explain again the importance of being connected to the body of believers through membership. “Meaningful local church involvement is not an optional spiritual discipline; it is the essential context within which believers are intended to find Christ and grow in him.” Sometimes we view membership of a local church as a supplement to our spiritual life but it is intended to be the very community of God’s redeemed people who have fully put their trust in Christ alone.

   This summer, through David’s teaching, we were given a great picture of what the Covenant Community at Brook Hills looks like. Here are just a few key bullet points and reminders of why it is so important to be committed to the church:

   The Foundation of a Church …
   +We are a community grounded in the Word of God.
   +We are a community sustained by the grace of God.
   +We are a community promoting the good of one another.
   +We are a community demonstrating the glory of God

   The Value of Church Membership…
   +Church membership is implied by church gatherings.
   +Church membership is implied by church discipline.
   +Church membership is implied by church leadership.
   +Church membership is implied by church accountability.

   The College Ministry staff highly encourages students to commit to membership of a Local Church. If you are interested in joining Brook Hills here is the link to the IMPACT class starting January 24th. Don’t wait to sign up, spaces are limited!

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6. 2010 Radical Commitments

   January 4, 2010 by Britten Taylor

   

   Pray for the entire world

   Through a prayer emphasis that revolves around Operation World, we will pray together for the entire world over the course of a year.

   Read through the entire Word

   Using a chronological Bible Reading plan, we will read through the entire Bible together as a faith family. Daily devotional guides, weekly family worship times, small group discussions, and our worship gatherings will all be coordinate around our readings in the Word.

   Commit our lives to multiplying community

   We will commit ourselves wholeheartedly to the local church. But even deeper than that, we will commit ourselves to a small group that is intentionally sharing, showing, and teaching the Word while serving the world together.

   Sacrifice our money for a specific purpose

   For the next year, we will look at all of our expenses as a church, individuals and families through the lens of specific need in the world. We will work to set a cap on our lifestyles so that we can free up as much of our resources as possible for the sake of the glory of Christ in His church, among the lost, and among the poor.

   Spend our time in another context

   As we continue to give the majority of our time to making disciples right here in Birmingham, we will commit, as individuals and families, to give 2% (one week) of our time in Gospel ministry outside of Birmingham for the sake of God’s glory in all the world.

   stay connected with the Daily Reading Schedule, the Daily Prayer Focus, and more at the Radical Experiment Website

   Category: Church, UncategorizedTags: 2010, radical experiment | Comments (0)