Not everyone wants to have their hand shaken. Churched people want
handshakes (unless there’s a flu epidemic, then no one wants a handshake);
people new to your church may only want a courteous “hello.”  Read the body
language of your guests to determine… Continue reading →

This is more than technique. More than a list of “best practices.” We’ve
been invited to God’s agenda to redeem and recreate his creation. We’re in
on his movement to restore human life. This is his kingdom. We’re mere
citizens and stewards of his work.

I need my eyes constantly open to see what God is up to… Continue reading →

This is more than technique. More than a list of “best practices.” We’ve
been invited to God’s agenda to redeem and recreate his creation. We’re in
on his movement to restore human life. This is his kingdom. We’re mere
citizens and stewards of his work.

I need my eyes constantly open to see what God is up to… Continue reading →

I’ve been looking into these eyes for nearly 35 years. These are the eyes of my treasured wife, Laura. They still get me. They comfort me. They help me understand what’s going on inside of her. When these eyes look deeply into my own, I know my wife is seeing more than an iris or pupil. She sees deeply inside me. If I’m honest, my eyes say more than I wish they did sometimes.

You’ve heard this before: the eyes are a window into the human soul. We look at someone, regardless of the depth of relationship we share, and say things like:

• “He had a smile on his face, but his eyes didn’t say the same thing.”
• “Her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree!”
• “His eyes were open, but nobody was home.”
• “She seemed so hollow. Like there was no life at all.”

Our eyes – like it or not – convey anger, sickness, disappointment, fear, confusion, fatigue, joy, empathy, life and lifelessness.

More than a biological compilation of cells, we human beings carry a divine intricacy that reflects our Maker’s intent for us to live life fully alive, fully integrated. God’s creation of the human body, mind, will, and soul is nothing short of a miracle. A miracle that extends life to others – if we live lives that are integrated: body, mind, will… and soul. 

It is the soul that holds the capacity for real life. The soul longs for life, is created for life. And that life is only fully realized when our soul is at peace, at rest with our Creator. 

“The “with God” life is not a life of more religious activities or devotions or trying to be good. It is a life of inner peace and contentment for your soul with the maker and manager of the universe. The “without God” life is the opposite. It is death. It will kill your soul.” 
― John Ortberg, Soul Keeping: Caring For the Most Important Part of You

We will our body and mind to hide the disintegration we sometimes feel. But our souls, that’s another story. Our souls won’t allow the hiding. Our soul holds the truth. And that truth is measured in terms of life or death. 

My friend and GCC teaching pastor, Jason Miller, said this in our opening week of The Walking Dead last weekend:

“Resurrection is for dead people. If you don’t get honest about what is dead inside you, you’ll miss out.” 

Jesus said, 

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” John 11:25-26

At Granger Community Church we’re exploring the invitation of Jesus to experience resurrection, to find and live real life. If you’re in the Michiana region, don’t miss these next two weekends. if you missed the first week, you can catch it here. 

Are your eyes tired of trying to convey a happy story about the condition of your soul? Jesus said, 

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” Matthew 6:22

Continue reading →

I’ve been looking into these eyes for nearly 35 years. These are the eyes of my treasured wife, Laura. They still get me. They comfort me. They help me understand what’s going on inside of her. When these eyes look deeply into my own, I know my wife is seeing more than an iris or pupil. She sees deeply inside me. If I’m honest, my eyes say more than I wish they did sometimes.

You’ve heard this before: the eyes are a window into the human soul. We look at someone, regardless of the depth of relationship we share, and say things like:

• “He had a smile on his face, but his eyes didn’t say the same thing.”
• “Her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree!”
• “His eyes were open, but nobody was home.”
• “She seemed so hollow. Like there was no life at all.”

Our eyes – like it or not – convey anger, sickness, disappointment, fear, confusion, fatigue, joy, empathy, life and lifelessness.

More than a biological compilation of cells, we human beings carry a divine intricacy that reflects our Maker’s intent for us to live life fully alive, fully integrated. God’s creation of the human body, mind, will, and soul is nothing short of a miracle. A miracle that extends life to others – if we live lives that are integrated: body, mind, will… and soul. 

It is the soul that holds the capacity for real life. The soul longs for life, is created for life. And that life is only fully realized when our soul is at peace, at rest with our Creator. 

“The “with God” life is not a life of more religious activities or devotions or trying to be good. It is a life of inner peace and contentment for your soul with the maker and manager of the universe. The “without God” life is the opposite. It is death. It will kill your soul.” 
― John Ortberg, Soul Keeping: Caring For the Most Important Part of You

We will our body and mind to hide the disintegration we sometimes feel. But our souls, that’s another story. Our souls won’t allow the hiding. Our soul holds the truth. And that truth is measured in terms of life or death. 

My friend and GCC teaching pastor, Jason Miller, said this in our opening week of The Walking Dead last weekend:

“Resurrection is for dead people. If you don’t get honest about what is dead inside you, you’ll miss out.” 

Jesus said, 

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” John 11:25-26

At Granger Community Church we’re exploring the invitation of Jesus to experience resurrection, to find and live real life. If you’re in the Michiana region, don’t miss these next two weekends. if you missed the first week, you can catch it here. 

Are your eyes tired of trying to convey a happy story about the condition of your soul? Jesus said, 

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” Matthew 6:22

Continue reading →

This weekend at Granger Community Church we celebrated what God has done through the faithfulness of our people – through our resources, our gifts, our time and our very lives. God showed up, that’s for sure! Here’s a snapshot – enjoy!If you misse… Continue reading →

This weekend at Granger Community Church we celebrated what God has done through the faithfulness of our people – through our resources, our gifts, our time and our very lives. God showed up, that’s for sure! Here’s a snapshot – enjoy!If you misse… Continue reading →

Photo credit: Mark Beeson (on a warmer day)

This weekend, January 3/4 Mark Beeson will deliver the 2015 State of the Church address.Maybe you hear “State of the Church” and think “State of the Union” and think “rh… Continue reading →

It’s gone quickly, 2014. And it’s been full. It’s almost impossible to reflect accurately on all my memories from this past year, but journaling and digital pictures helped me document some key experiences. Experiences I want to hold on to. Experiences filled with God’s faithfulness and people I love. 

If you care to scroll, here are some pictorial moments from this past year. 

Helping lead the memorial service for fallen soldier, Staff Sgt. Jesse Lee Williams was humbling. What an honor to celebrate his too-brief life and give tribute to his selfless sacrifice for family, friends and country.

Celebrating Jesus, remembering His ultimate sacrifice and life was the right way to begin a year of weekend services at our church, Granger Community Church.

We saw 109 inches of snowfall last winter – South Bend’s 5th highest in history. Our daughter, Liv (those are her glowing eyes) and her then boyfriend (now, fiancé), Jacob Alexander dug out a cozy snow cave in our front yard in January 2014.

January 10, 2014 was my wife, Laura’s final radiation treatment. With chemo complete the prior November, her treatment for breast cancer was finally complete! What an inspiring Warrior and example of trust in our Creator.

Laura and I enjoyed a week north of Cabo with some dear friends in January. God’s creation is evident in Michiana, but the sunsets over the Sea of Cortez are unparalleled. 

In late January I had the privilege of working through my LifePlan with the master and my good friend, Doug Slaybaugh. Clarifying. Challenging. So, so helpful.

Photo credit: Mark Beeson

Food Drop 2014 was a memorable day with hundreds of GCC folks distributing thousands of pounds of food to thousands of hungry people across Michiana. Always special to share this serve with my family (Liv, Jacob and Laura).

Yes, thanks to our good friends Kent and Becky Bontreger, Laura and I discovered the delicacy of candied bacon. OMB (Oh my bacon).  

In March we were invited to work with Milton Keynes Christian Center in the UK. Billy and Nicola Ritchie were premier hosts (along with Mark and Alison Sherratt and Emily Brake). What a thrill to see God’s work through MKCC!

Photo credit: a random stranger we trusted wtih our camera

Exploring London with Laura was extraordinary. Tea? Again? Yes, please.

Photo credit: Laura Waltz

Literally bumped into long-time friend, John Roberts, in London (John lives in WA)! Loved catching up!

Discovering VooDoo Doughnuts was only one of many highlights while visiting w/our friends, Jack and Elijah Magruder (Sami and Perry also! – not pictured) in Portland, OR this spring.

Laura participated in two runs this year to fight breast cancer. Thanks to our friends Ken, Albert, Kim and others who donated to this worthy cause and participated with us!

Every time we visited Liv’s studio at Herron School of Art & Design (Indpls), our hearts grew with pride and gratitude. She was awarded a painting scholarship this past spring! Interested in her work? Want to commission a piece? Visit her here.

Liv and Jacob both turned 21 this year. Finishing school soon, engaged… all grown up. Love these too!

Witnessing Lily and Jake’s baptism and assisting hundreds more publicly declare their decision to follow Jesus was – and always is – a highlight of God’s grace at GCC.

Photo credit: Mark Beeson

In June my friend and our lead pastor, Mark Beeson, asked me to serve as executive pastor at GCC. I trust Mark, love his heart for God, and share his vision for the church. And I love our team! Humbled and honored. Don’t miss his STATE of the CHURCH address this weekend!

Laura got a new puppy – Izzy – this summer. This particular day was one of several in God’s great nature in our area. 

We hired Josh King this summer as our director of discipleship who helped over 1,200 adults Group-up at GCC this fall. Everyone has a next step. And next steps are better taken together. 

Although this past year has been more challenging than the year of treatment, Laura’s persistent faith has encouraged me and inspired thousands. God is so good. 

Trips to Lake Michigan refresh our souls – any time of the year. 

We moved Liv and Jacob into college again this fall – their SENIOR year! (No seniors were hurt in the process.)

The Stray Dog Cafe in New Buffalo with this hottie was a memorable way to wrap up summer. 

Time out for everyone – including me – to snap a smartphone Instagram photo! What fun to help my niece, Stef and her man, Casey make their marriage vows in Indy.

Highlight read of the year: John Ortberg’s Soul Keeping. If you haven’t, do.

GCC’s Breakthrough series featuring Rick Warren’s Transformed journal and group-up guides was a catalyst of change as thousands took next steps toward Jesus! (Yes – this Mark Beeson’s journal.)

Notes like this one from Liv make me thank God over and over for the rich relationship we share. 

This Fall had to be one of the most spectacular displays of God’s rich color – in years!

The Lasting Hope with front man, Logan Oakes, played just north of us this fall. What a great show!

Kercher’s is a fall tradition we began when we moved to the area 17 years ago. Always a memory-maker with the family!

Navy Pier, Intellegentsia Coffee and my fav people made Chicago a perfect get-away day this fall.

One of the many reasons I was attracted to Laura in our high school years – she’s always at the center of FUN! Celebrating her birthday with some of her family was a special reminder of the gift she is.

We discovered Pinecrest Christmas Tree Farm in Galien, MI – Score!

Photo credit: Leah Boehle

THIS happened! We couldn’t be more thrilled that Jacob proposed to Liv this December! Yes. She said “yes.” When Liv was an infant in our arms, we began praying for the young man she would marry. Answered prayer. 

Experiencing Christmas Eve services at both our Granger and Elkhart campuses brought rich meaning to our family’s joy, celebrating Jesus Christ. Over 9,100 people joined us this year!

What a gracious, God-filled year! Trusting Him for what’s next, convinced that a year from now will be a reflection of new graces and generosity from our Father. 

Happy New Year!

Continue reading →