Duncan Lee's Blog

The Family Church is Changing its name to...

2012-02-23T13:25:00.009Z

Have you ever had a dream so strong and so powerful that it has shaped your life? Or perhaps you dreamed of doing or being something and it never quite happened the way you saw it in your dream. When I was 6 I dreamed of being a professional footballer – it’s all I ever wanted! That dream never materialised but I do know this: dreams are incredibly powerful things.

When I was about 24 God dropped a dream in my heart, a dream that seemed so outrageous and so out of reach that it was almost too scary to think about.
It was a dream that so captivated me that in the end I knew God was asking me to give my life to seeing it happen.

It is the dream of being part of:- A church that is transforming the community- A church that brings hope to the hopeless- A church that helps people practically- A church that sees people freed up to live life to the full- A church that is full of life and laughter and fun- A church that is about being a community, a family, not attending meetings- A church that demonstrates the power Jesus has to heal the sick.- A church that is 24/7 loving, caring and serving this community with one aim – to introduce people to Jesus and the hope that He offers.

No one, including Jesus, wants crusty, dusty, stuffy dead religion – my dream is to be in a church that reflects the real Jesus, the real heart of Christianity to a world that is crying out for answers and hope and very often a miracle.

Let me invite you to connect to GodFirst. We call ourselves that because the dream is only possible as we put God FIRST. You could start by joining us on a Sunday. We meet every Sunday, 10:30am at the Regent Theatre. We are a lively church gathering over 200 people of all age groups and walks of life but with one BIG thing in common: We love Jesus. Our services are family friendly, informal and fun and you are welcome to join us. To find out more click go to http://www.godfirstchristchurch.org/

Alpha Launch Supper October 23rd 2011

2011-09-08T14:18:00.005+01:00

Manor House Burton 7:30pm 23rd October 2011

Kieran Dunne after dinner talk

Nice Meal

Come along and invite your friends!!

Jo Blog's about the Weekend

2010-11-22T19:59:00.007Z

Hi this is my first ever blog! It was too good a night not to mention far and wide! We had our lovely friends Nick and Connie with us-the Family Church for the weekend and wow it was good! The time drew near to Sunday night-our night for the ladies of Family Church.

Almost 60 of us crammed into Hope House awaiting how God the Father would lead us into knowing his love for us, after coffee, chocolate brownies (thanks Tania!) and a happy birthday song to Sam we focussed our attentions on God in worship and Nick and Connie led us right into the tender arms of our loving father, without any doubt God by his Holy Spirit was there.

Nick and Connie spoke for a bit, gave everyone a posy of flowers as a token to show God's love for them, they read a blessing over us and with the gentle songs of Laura Woodley playing ladies queued to be prayed for by Nick and Connie, one by one, precious precious ladies being touched by the Father whispering his love for them and words He wanted to say to them. I must say it was an absolute privilege to be a part of the evening and watch God at work in so many lives.

Time came and went and still the queue grew, I think the last lady waiting to be prayed for was after 11.30pm, the doors were locked at 11.45pm and we went home very happy and overwhelmed at Gods utter love for us.

This is one night I will never forget and am very excited about our future as a people pressing into God, into knowing his love for us each day.

The Father's Heart

2010-11-20T19:40:00.005Z

I thought that this weekend would be good first of all because God is good but also because I know Nick and Connie would be a gift to us. It is so encouraging and provoking to have these guys with us. They bring a real burden for people to know the Father heart of God but have a very winsome way of presenting truths in a way that is real and inspires others. They also demonstrate a love for people which means they started at 9:30am and are still praying for people now at 8pm have taught all day!

They particularly helped us learn how to walk with God and listen to the Holy Spirit. Jo and I have so enjoyed having them with us and we still have Sunday morning and evening to go.

God spoke to us through them about being a people who tenderly bring people to the fire of God. In other words introducing them to the presence and love of God. It feels like there was a sort of commissioning today and God was birthing something new in us. Let's pray into all that God has been saying to us individually and corporately as a church and believe that He is waking up the prophetic words over us as a church.

Baptism Sunday

2010-11-16T11:29:00.004Z

There is always a first time for everything. I remember when I was learning to ride my bike and nearly ended up under a car! Sunday was our first baptism service at the Regent and it was hectic but thank God it all run smoothly.

Six people baptised, about 8 new members welcomed in, a baby thanksgiving and a 2 minute silence for Remembrance! We jam packed the content and the people packed in too. We had over 300 there and there was the buzz to go with it. Perhaps the greatest miracle - I only spoke for 15 minutes!

The theme was New life - Jesus said we must be born again and that's exactly what we were celebrating this Sunday with those being baptised. By placing their faith in Jesus they have been born again and have eternal life in him. As amazing as new life is when a baby is born spiritual new life is even more incredible!!

I thank God for everyone of the stories that those six people told the wonder of salvation never stops moving me. I was especially thrilled to see that amongst the six getting baptised were two married couples and it was also fantastic to see those guys welcomed into the church family on the same day as members.

Praise Jesus that He truly is building His church!!

The Balcony Was Open

2010-04-05T13:35:00.009+01:00

Fantastic Easter Sunday Service! The Regent was racked and stacked. No official count but we must have had our biggest Sunday service ever - I am guessing circa 260-280 people. The Balcony was forced open by the number of people that we had and that was a great surprise but something we have prayed about! Jesus was worshipped and Christ crucified and Risen was preached. We had fun - Matt led worship excellently! Although we had no responses to the Gospel appeal I spoke to one person afterwards who was finding their way back to God and wants to do an Alpha course and who knows what other responses were out there. I truly believe God is on the move. I am finding that there are more and more people who are 'drifting' back to God and turning up on Sundays at the Regent.

I love the Gospel -

Jesus is who he said He is (God)
Jesus can forgive us
Jesus can give us eternal life

How do I know - because it is a historical fact that he bodily rose again and is alive today. That's the message, and I am looking forward to loads more people finding that truth out for themselves in Christchurch.

Let's keep preaching Jesus, let's keep going on mission together as a church into the community, Let's keeping putting GODFIRST!

2010-03-30T09:59:00.005+01:00

Goodfriday & Easter Sunday services at the Regent - come along and Invite your FRIENDS TOO!

Good Friday!

2010-03-23T10:56:00.001Z

What a Saviour! WATCH WITH CAUTION. Jesus sheds His blood for us, Jesus gives His life!

"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God". 2 Corinthians 5v21.

Its the great exchange and it happened on the Cross.

Getting in the Mood for FrontEdge

2009-10-16T15:37:00.003+01:00

Here's a story from in the church within the last two weeks - What a Thrill!

"About 10years ago I was diagnosed with a condition called Endometriosis and enlarged ovary. There is no cure and only the symptoms can be controlled and managed. For years I have been in immense pain mostly controlled by painkillers. For the last 6 or 7 years however I have only had occasional treatment for some of the symptoms. For the past few weeks I have been on painkillers and other medication to help prevent an ulcer which is a side effect to the painkillers, had numerous tests including an ultrasound. On Wednesday in Home Group we prayed for healing and for the scans to come up clear. Whilst being prayed for the area of pain gradually heated up until it felt like it was burning. After prayer I was unsteady on my feet, filled with the Holy Spirit. Ever since then I have not needed to take any of my medication, have had no pain or other symptoms. The Ultrasound came up clear and I had word in the week that all the other tests came up clear.

I thank God for his healing power and all of those of who that have been praying and supporting me through this".

Front Edge Christchurch

2009-10-16T15:19:00.003+01:00

Christianity: Boring? Irrelevant? Untrue?
What do you think?
JESUS: Lunatic, Liar or Lord?
Good question!
Is there a GOOD answer?

No army, nation or person has changed human history to the degree Jesus did over 2000 years ago. Our RESPONSE to the incredible person, life and work of Jesus is the most important RESPONSE we will make to anything or anyone.
Jesus made some bold claims that if TRUE change EVERYTHING
Come and have a listen to John Ifeanyi speak about the life, person and work of Jesus. We will also be praying for the sick and expecting God to do miracles. Come along to hear more or receive prayer and see what Jesus can do in 21st century UK.

You are so welcome to join the Family Church on
Sunday 15th November, 10:30am at the Regent Centre Christchurch
Please phone 01202 470480 for more information
We look forward to seeing you there.

364 Days Later and We Have Found a House!

2009-09-27T20:12:00.009+01:00

Its Amazing after 364 days (yes that is three hundred and sixty four days) we have finally located a house to purchase! We prayed specifically, for the area we wanted to be based, the type of house and God has answered our prayers. Our offer has been accepted on what is at the moment a small 3 bedroom semi-detached cottage but it will be extended and the plans are pretty exciting. It is a long story but perhaps the most incredible thing is that God found us a house before it came on the market and we were given a private viewing following some leafleting an estate agent had done on our behalf. This might not sound that incredible in the current housing market but here in Christchurch it is now a sellers market and properties are not coming up for sale and when they do they have been selling before you can even view them. Having fought to sell in Bedford this was a frustrating turn of events. Saying all that God has His way of doing things and His timing and we are thrilled to see how He opened this up in a very unusual way.

There is no upward chain and we should complete in 8 weeks. Please keep praying it all goes through no problem

Bear Grylls - I did Alpha

2009-08-19T09:53:00.001+01:00

Have you done Alpha?

Buckle up and Listen Good!

2009-07-29T14:44:00.005+01:00

It is with great pleasure that I am updating my blog with the joy of being able to tell you what we are going to be looking at in our preaching from September 2009 through to January 2011.

In September we continue and complete our devoted series with the last of of our mini-series sessions call Devoted:Church Prays. Its been great focussing in on Acts 2!

The sessions are as follows:

1. Introduction and Overview (Malcolm Kayes) Sept’ 20th
2. Pray Like Jesus (Duncan Lee) Sept’ 27th
3. Pray Like Elijah (Kevin Bartlett) October 4th
4. Praying Through the Pain (Duncan Lee) October 11th
5. Pray Like Daniel (Jason Evans) October 18th
6. A House of Prayer for All Nations (Duncan Lee) October 25th

Then we are going to move onto our 'Get Connected' Series which will be opportunity for us to consolidate and get ready for our launch as a church into 2010.

This series looks something like this:

1. Vision and Values

2. Values Part 2

3. Why Do We Believe In Membership?

4. Expressions of Membership Part 1

5. Expressions of Membership Part 2

6. On Apostolic Vision

Then we will have some guest services around Christmas and launch into the new series for 2010.

From January we will be preaching our way through Ephesians which I am really looking forward to. It is a book all about the supremacy of Christ and so get reading and enjoy!

I would really love it if you would read and re-read this book now ready for when we start that way you will be mightily blessed.

Also keep praying for the power of God to be amongst us - we continue to see people healed most weeks and I am desperate to see more and more saved!

evan rogers jalali yesu

2009-07-21T21:21:00.001+01:00

Evan comes to town and we had a jump-tastic time!

Chris Moyles Talks Up Church!

2009-06-12T13:37:00.001+01:00

The Church is alive!! Watch and listen to this as Chris Moyles is blown away by the church...

A Bit Of Rain Couldn't Spoil The Party

2009-06-08T16:35:00.008+01:00

The Family Church party's on through the rain. Well done team!! We started the day with a great service thanks Russell from Citygate for preaching the Gospel. More healings, one guy was very close to giving his life to Jesus. It is a man I know and I am thrilled how near he is to responding to Jesus. Then onto the Party in the Park. It has been a great build up but sadly it rained...BUT we still had a blast! Nothing could keep us down!! People came and enjoyed the party we laid on. I believe we really served the community this Sunday. Jesus is not dead, the church is alive and well we rocked AGAIN. Thanks everyone for your hard work.

Let's keep believing for more and more. God is on the move, His name was really glorified over the weekend and yes dry weather would have helped but not all was lost by any stretch of the imagination.

Pray for me, I am on Jury service this week and with so much happening it is never convenient. Who knows how God will use this time though. We are seeing people healed almost every week right now so lets expect even more!!

What a Birthday!

2009-05-08T19:27:00.005+01:00

What a great birthday, started with opening of presents which is a thoroughly established tradition in our house in terms of how the order runs. The kids were lovely. The day actually started with Annie singing to me which was very sweet! It crossed my mind that I am a very rich man in terms of the wife and children that God has given to me. Anyway back to the presents - The new Grisham book is now waiting to be read. Bacon sandwich followed quickly. Took kids to school and then me and Jo went shopping. Bought Walk the Line (Johnny Cash story which we are watching tonight). Then we had coffee and cake. Picked Harri up, had crab lunch on the beach looking at the sea. Followed by collecting the kids we returned home then we all went straight to the beach and I went surfing. Went home and had family viewing of 'Horton Hears a Who' which is actually a pretty spiritually loaded film in terms of faith and belief and perseverance and faithfulness and friendship and parenting and many other themes. Anyway tonight is waiting and means Chinese meal to eat. This was a great day, I have a great family and we have a Big God. Spoke to my brother about healing today he's a real encouragement. I am dreaming for more and we are going to press into some more this Sunday and at the Home Group leaders day tomorrow. It has a been a big week in terms of healing break throughs. At home group this week three people in the room had either been healed or God had markedly improved their health - that was cool too.

Catching the Wave and Riding it!

2009-05-03T18:55:00.008+01:00

Sunday did not disappoint at the Family Church. Peter and Joel preached their hearts out and they rocked. Very different styles but both nailed some good points and left us with some things to take away.

It was also great to hear testimonies of what has been happening in terms of physical healings over the last few weeks:

A healed Knee
A partially healed ankle
Depression healed by God followed by fibomyalgia being healed for the same person. This was a very moving story to hear.
Great improvement in sinusitis
I am sure there were more stories just getting the feedback from folk.

Words of knowledge are flowing and God is keeping his end of the deal which certainly helps. faith like a mustard seed is all that is needed.

Many more responded today for prayer and a hunger for God, His presence and His life changing touch is growing. I liken it to watching surfers. There is a lot of work to catch the wave in the first place but once on the wave it is smooth and effortless. If you want to see how it works go and watch the paddle boarders at Mudeford Quay.

I am also struck by Bill Johnson's teaching on the power of testimony. People's personal healing stories as they are publicly shared do two things. Firstly it brings much glory to God. Secondly though the personal victory can be claimed by others and so result in a corporate blessing and multiplication of the victory in others. I must preach on this stuff some time I find it very provocative -especially as we seek to ride the wave some more....

2009-05-01T20:31:00.008+01:00

What a week. I came back from the Global Awakenings Conference overwhelmed with the goodness of God and refreshed in faith and expectation for God to move. Scrapped my preach and just went for it sharing my heart and seeking to raise faith and expectation. We finished with praying for the sick and praying for people to be refreshed and receive a fresh touch from God. It looks like a number got healed and there were some very specific words of knowledge that seemed to be be right on the button (to quote a Simon Cowellism).

God was very present and He was even doing stuff before we started. One member told me how he was limping around helping set up for the meeting. He simply asked God to heal him and his knee was instantly healed. In a home group this week one lady's asthma seems to have got a lot better.

We have got to believe for more. Healing momentum is what I am looking for and for God to break in, in ever increasing power over the next months.

Today me and my friend Theo drove to Southampton General hospital to pray for a 6 year old lad who had undergone open heart surgery this week. We were asking God for a creative miracle. Got to believe for it.

Sunday - I am praying for more and even as I write this I am getting stirred to see more. The Kingdom of God is near. So let's keep going for it!!!

Easter 2009 at Christchurch

2009-04-12T19:07:00.007+01:00

Two great Easter services at the Family Church. Good Friday went really well. Jason did an amazing job of telling the story of the Cross as a narrative through the eyes of the Roman Centurion. It was encouraging to see a packed Regent Theatre with around 160 with guests amongst us who don't know Jesus yet. That's becoming more and more common actually. Cool! Keep invting - remember every Sunday is a guest service.

Then Part II today with Resurrection Sunday. A good mix of content everyone really playing their part very well and again opportunity to thunder out the Gospel. We were packed again!!! Jesus rising from the dead authenticates all that He said. It also proves He is who He said He is (God) and He has the power to do all he promised to do so He can forgive our past, He offers resurrection power to live today and He offers hope for the future.

It amazes me how few people really prepare for the one and only certainty that we have in this life, that is DEATH. Now there's a happy thought...But it is worth thinking it through. Jesus is alive and He offers secure hope because He is alive.

If you didn't hear it visit http://domain1291993.sites.streamlinedns.co.uk/talks/talks.htm in a few days and have a listen. This is life and death stuff so set some time aside and have a listen its worth it. Email me any comments I would love to hear from you if you are not yet a Christian and want to know more.

Normal service next week followed by baptisms in the afternoon at the Elim Church. Can't WAIT!

Accelerate 09

2009-04-07T12:10:00.001+01:00

For our second year, Newfrontiers churches in the South are together for a Bible weekend.This is an great opportunity to gather in the beautiful surroundings of the New Forest as we worship and hear from God and also catch up with the wider vision as Vinu Paul and Guy Miller speak in the main sessions. All this and more with plenty of down time, fun, sport, entertainment and food.

2009-04-03T22:48:00.006+01:00

I have discovered twitter, which I know is a bit slow off the mark but I am trying! It seems that I can even update it from my phone. So if you want to keep up with my life and on the move thoughts via the magic of twitter and the social networking tool known to me more formally as 'micro-blogging' then join the revolution. Perhaps this is a 21st century version of Acts 2 and a way that we can be in each others lives in this speeded up life we all seem to live.

SALE AGREED!

2009-04-01T21:50:00.001+01:00

Sale agreed, sale agreed, sale agreed. Its weird 'sale agreed'. 9 months it took but it is now 'sale agreed'. Praise God!!!!! We are now praying for the chain to go well and all to go through smoothly. We cannot honestly believe it. We love Repton Close, many happy memories there but we are also very excited about what God has for us here.

It was lovely this morning going down to Mudeford Quay and watching the sun rise. It was majestic it really was. This is a nice end of the world.

Any way did I mention that it is sale agreed!

'Easter 2009'

2009-03-24T16:45:00.000Z

Jesus is alive and we will be celebrating that fact on Sunday 12th April at the Regent Theatre. In one of my favourite passages of the Bible, Revelation 5, there is this awesome vision of a standing Lamb. I think this is Easter encapsulated. A suffering servant slain like a defenceless lamb for the sin of the world BUT who is now standing, in other words risen, alive, victorious...RESURRECTED He has stamped on the enemy’s head (cf Gen3) and is worthy of all praise.

I love Easter, not only is spring here and summer is close on its heels. Easter lifts my head heavenwards and I am reminded that we have a conquering King who has pioneered ahead of us and has made the way for us to follow on behind Him. Because He has risen so we too will rise!

Invite your friends, neighbours and relatives and let them hear the best story ever. This is not a Hollywood tale of rags to riches it is a raw riches to rags story that involved sacrifice, pain, humiliation, death but more significantly resurrection, vindication and victory.

Devoted: Better Together - Faster and Further Together

2009-03-11T20:41:00.000Z

I cannot believe we are so many weeks into our Devoted Preaching series. Right now I am very excited by the possibility of starting a revolution. If we all all listen and do what we are hearing things could really rock around here. In fact I sense that the temperature is beginning to rise a little - do you?

We are created for connection, community and living life together. It is not a nice warm cuddly idea it is a mega biblical truth. God dwells in perfect community. He is the model of better together. We are a saved people not just a saved person. Community is at the heart of the Gospel. When Jesus hung on the Cross what he had on His mind was the church . We are joined to Christ and to one another. No other club, institution or man-made idea has ever created such a strongly bonded community that is this radical and so lasting. The accusation that church is boring, out of date, toothless and irrelevant - No way does that stand! 21st century Christ centred people are on the move together. Watch out the church is coming!

Let me take this opportunity to remind you about the 'Step in' opportunities during our better together mini-series:

Not in a Homegroup - join one. I heard of one couple who went a long to a group for the first time last week and loved it! They took action and have been blessed.

Listen to all 6 talks in the series

Join the church

Family Church we are on the move. One person got saved in a Homegroup a couple of weeks ago. Alpha is running again with a handful of people very interested in Jesus. That's another one in the eye for the atheist bus campaign! (See previous post for more info on that). We are increasingly seeing God come amongst us, people have got healed in living rooms, non-Christians are encountering God through our outreach. Keep you eyes on Jesus He promised that He will build His church - and do you know what He is!

Prayer meeting this Sunday night - come expectant.

A Good Soldier - Classic

2009-02-06T23:25:00.001Z

The Man the Message and The Mission

Devoted: Church on Fire and the Gift of Google

2009-02-06T18:32:00.000Z

Following a great weekend we have heard more encouraging news of salvations and baptism in the Holy Spirit. It was such an encouragement to hear that all 5 of the ladies on the Alpha course have now responded to the Gospel. Praise God for that.

After preaching on Baptism in the Holy Spirit and my exhortation to keep asking the Acts 19v2 question and introducing people to the Holy Spirit it was awesome to hear one story of a brand new believer. She got baptised in the Holy Spirit and saw words being spelt out in her head but in other languages. She decided to 'Google' those words and found out that they meant 'grace' and 'thank you' in Spanish - how cool is that! I didn't know Google had the gift on interpretation either!

Finally on February 22nd we have a Baptism in the Holy Spirit seminar/workshop as a 'Step in' session for those who want to be baptised in the Holy Spirit, learn more about the Holy Spirit or get equipped to lead others into the baptism in the Holy Spirit. I am so looking forward to Sunday, expectation is growing. Come prepared, ready to contribute and open to respond to God.

Fun in the Snow

2009-02-02T11:23:00.000Z

Duncan Talks About the Church Weekend Away

2009-01-27T12:00:00.000Z

Apologies for the sound quality and Lip-sync - I am working on it...Devoted:Church on Fire continues this Sunday

Devoted Preaching Series Coming Soon...

2009-01-20T11:36:00.000Z

Starts this Weekend with

'Devoted:

Church on Fire'

Come prepared to encounter God...

To Believe or Not to Believe: Even the Atheists are Not Sure!

2009-01-13T14:30:00.000Z

The atheists appear a little confused. While buses are bringing this hopeless atheistic message to the masses in our cities other atheists seem, what shall we say, less certain and 'probably' warmer to the possibility that God does exist and that the Christian faith really does work. In the Times recently Matthew Parris (a self-professed 'confirmed atheist') wrote this fascinating piece entitled...

'As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God'

He goes on....'Now a confirmed atheist, I've become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects and international aid efforts. These alone will not do. Education and training alone will not do. In Africa Christianity changes people's hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good.'

I am not sure I could of put it better...In fact even Bill Hybels or my brother couldn't have worded it better! This makes me want to shout "yes"!!!

Let's engage with the atheists on their own ground. I like this bus campaign it gives us a perfect opportunity to present an apologetic to the world. Not to mention Darwin's 200 year anniversary and 150 years since his book The Origin of the Species. The debate is very open! Christianity gives hope, it can be well argued and it answers the gaping holes of hopelessness that atheism leaves people with. Credit crunch, unemployment, illness, social decay where we come from, who we are, why we are here and where we are going all need addressing and this campaign 'probably' gives us that opportunity if we'll take it.

As this nation spirals downward what it needs is salt and light. It needs preservation and truth (light) that will set people free. This is where the local church comes in because God's intent is that through the church His multicoloured wisdom will be on display NOW. The church is called to serve the area, love the area and reach the area so that people meet Jesus and are saved from the downward spiral of decay. What this conurbation needs are Bible preaching, people loving, Gospel declaring, area serving local churches that display God to a broken world. What this area needs is the church: a faith filled, love filled, Spirit filled new community of people that model something radically different and display the wisdom of God.

Bil Hybels put it like this:

“There is nothing like the local church when it’s working right. Its beauty is indescribable. Its power is breathtaking. Its potential is unlimited. It comforts the grieving and heals the broken in the context of community. It builds bridges to seekers and offers truth to the confused. It provides resources for those in need and opens its arms to the forgotten, the downtrodden, the disillusioned. It breaks the chains of addictions, frees the oppressed, and offers belonging to the marginalized of this world. Whatever the capacity for human suffering, the church has a greater capacity for healing and wholeness.” Bill Hybels Courageous Leadership

In the words of Hybels “Strong, growing communities of faith can turn the tide of history"

Let's devote ourselves to Jesus and then to each others with a missional mindset that realises we don't belong here but we have been sent to reach people with the love of God and see his Kingdom and many disciples won for Jesus.

Coming soon Devoted the preaching series that will equip and inspire us take up this mission and get even more serious about what we have been called to be and do.

Starting with 'Church on Fire' Family Church Weekend Away

Pray, Pray, Pray

2009-01-10T19:01:00.000Z

It was a great week of prayer and fasting! I was so pleased with how many turned out to pray and how fervently we sought God. God has chosen that we partner with Him through prayer and to quote David Holden prayer must be the steering wheel and not the spare wheel of church life!

Our approach was to have some planned structured items to pray about but primarily our aim was to give lots of space for God to speak to us and lead us and He did.
By the end I felt we had really made some good progress and won some battles in prayer.

We prayed numerous times for the area and that God would have mercy and save many. God responded by reminding us that we are a sent people and ready to go and he underlined to us that He would go ahead of us and prepare hearts. We specifically prayed for the next Alpha course coming up on 25th February. Who will you invite?

We prayed for the young people, we prayed for the children, we prayed for our Kids Club, we prayed for our Sunday services that God would be increasingly present with us, we prayed for wisdom for key decisions, we prayed for the elderly and the many internationals nearby. We prayed for many, many things!

The week definitely gained in temperature with each time we met.

It was particularly encouraging to hear some prayers that were answered even before the week was over!

Key Prophetic Words

Right at the start of the week God spoke to us about being woven together into a beautiful and powerful white stallion. He spoke to us about us having authority even over the hard places

God underlined this as he said we can move out with authority and wherever we put our God given sceptre of authority we will take ground for Him.

Again and gain he said He is with us empowering us, and will guide us.
God expanded our vision as he spoke to us about having a heart for the conurbation and not just Christchurch and the immediate area.

God spoke to us about a river of God flowing from His thrown and it has everything we need.

He spoke to us from John 15 and His promise to us that we are appointed produce much fruit.

He reminded us that we are a people of the Holy Spirit and we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us. Go on being filled - this was as a Church and as individuals.

As we prayed about international events God also spoke to us about being a people who through faith filled prayer can influence global matters and that we should ask Him for BIG things.

There were numerous other prophetic words, but for me the major themes were God reminding us of his authority and Lordship, that He is with us by His Holy Spirit and has sent us to take Kingdom ground for Him and that we are to go out with a missional attitude to win the lost.

Finally Me and Jo were greatly encouraged as at the beginning of the week we really prayed for our house sale in Bedford and by Friday we had received a request for someone to view the house who has no chain and a deposit. Please keep praying we really need to sell our house!

Well done Family Church we prayed, God heard our prayers and He is with us!

2 Chronicles 7:14-16
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.

God has promised that He will listen to our prayers and that He will do super-abundantly more than we could ever ask or imagine. Lots of worship and intercession went up to God and He heard every word. He will answer us and go beyond our wildest dreams. What a God!

Let's keep praying, keep pressing in and keep moving forward with faith and confidence that God is attentive to our prayers and will stretch out his strong arm of salvation over this area that is full of people who are like sheep without a shepherd and who desperately need Jesus as their saviour.

Keep praying and keep believing.

Coming Up..New Preaching Series...Devoted

2008-12-24T10:22:00.000Z

In 2009 we will be launching a new preaching series called 'Devoted' and Acts 2v42-47 is where we will be sitting for the best part of 2009. We will be opening up this passage and using it as a launching pad to explore foundational aspects of church life. Acts 2 is a snap shot of a holy Spirit empowered New Testament church and it is one that makes me stop and say "that's what I want to be part of". Have a look at it everything is in there.

Going forward as a church is going to be firmly planted on the very things we will be hearing and thinking about and then applying it into our everyday. I am also excited by the prospect of including something that I am calling 'stepping in' (working title). This will give practical opportunities within church life for us to specifically apply what we are learning. Jesus clearly said be doers and not just hearers of the word!

The series is about being devoted, getting the right foundations in place and lifting our sights again in terms of what the church is called to be and then going forward with confidence and doing what the church should be doing; which is demonstrating the manifold wisdom and glory of God.

Devoted:
1. Devoted: Church Rocks!
2. Devoted: Church on Fire
3. Devoted: Church Shaped by the Bible
4. Devoted: Church Better Together
5. Devoted: Church Gathers
6. Devoted Church Serves
7. Devoted : Church Hosts
8. Devoted : Church Gives
9. Devoted: Church Prays
10. Devoted: Church Serves
11. Devoted: Church Grows

The theme of the church weekend is 'Devoted:Church on Fire'. I am really expectant that God is going to move amongst us in power as we spend time thinking about this New Covenant of the Spirit that Jesus has brought us into by His life, death and resurrection.

We will then focus in on the Bible. Again this is in line with how God has spoken to us prophetically in recent weeks as He has told us that we will be a 'rivers meet' community or Word and Spirit community (see earlier posts for more detail). What better way to start then than by focussing in on the Holy Spirit and then the Bible.

God Bless you and I trust that you have a great Christmas!

Surfing with God

2008-12-16T21:01:00.000Z

Last Sunday was a slammer, nail-it, home-run of a Family Service. What a mix of events! You never quite know what is going to happen at these occasions especially when the kids are involved. A good crowd gathered, there were numbers of guests and there was a fun family atmosphere, and God was with us (good ingredients). I was told that one guest said "I didn't know church could be like this" (just to say I think that was in a positive sense!). I was so pleased to be able to preach the Gospel in a visual way with the white T-shirts and was absolutely thrilled when two people responded for salvation. Family Church keep bringing your friends people are getting saved. God is on the move! Let's surf with Him.

This Sunday we have the the Nativity Film in the morning on the big screen and then the Carol Service in the evening. The theme of the Carol Service is 'The Creator Comes'. Be there on time with your friends because it is an unusual start with film footage from the Apollo 8 Moon Orbit in 1968. Jim Lovell and others surprised the world by reading from Genesis 1 during their trip round the 'dark side'. This clip is followed with an audio reading from John 1 which links Jesus the creator with His creation, then we look closer at this same Creator who comes to Earth. I am really looking forward to pointing people to Jesus again and the fact that Christmas celebrates the Saviour (Creator) coming to planet earth, taking on human flesh which marked the start of God's rescue plan for humankind. That rescue plan was promised by God as far back as the book of Genesis 3 in the first Gospel sermon which was preached by God Himself.

Bring your friends - there will be free drinks for all which for Christchurch the land of expensive coffee is pretty special.

Finally, and totally randomly, but for the record, I would have surfed Sunday morning but leading the service meant I could not make it. Some are saying I wimped out because the cars had ice on them - NEVER!

Gospel, Open House and Cake

2008-12-01T14:30:00.000Z

What an encouraging day in Christchurch! It started with a great youth service. Well done guys. It was a challenging morning in many ways (I am not referring to Dave's scary wig either!). Seriously, I think we were all left re-assessing where our treasure is and I was thrilled that non-Christians were left in no doubt as to their need for Jesus. This was no fizzy, patronising lets give the little youth a go they smashed the Gospel home and nailed it!

Then later on we thoroughly enjoyed having loads of the Family Church over for our 'Open House'. Good cake and a lot of laughs were enjoyed by all. We think that is a pretty good combination in the Lee household. And yes it is true I was spotted washing up and there are photo's available for proof for those of you unable to witness that firsthand or doubting that this really happened. Thank you everyone who came along it really was a pleasure for us to have some time with you all and we felt really pleased that we had another opportunity to get to know you a little bit more.

Here's to more cake, more laughs and more Gospel preaching.

Bridge Building, Word and Spirit and Clearing up Vomit!

2008-11-28T11:37:00.000Z

I was very encouraged during our recent Newfrontiers regional meeting which was generously given over to pray for the Family Church Christchurch. Tony Goodman had in fact booked the date some time ago believing in faith that a new leader would be in place by the time of this meeting. It was so good to be able to stand and talk about a church that most people knew more about than me but also know with confidence that Jesus will build His church. Then the prophetic came......

Three very important prophetic words were brought which I believe are key for us as a church going forward.

God spoke to to us about being a 'rivers meet church' where Word and Spirit will meet to create a harbour. Christchurch harbour historically was a major national harbour of trading and sending. God spoke to us about being a word and spirit church that will become a major trading place with people being sent from the safety of the harbour to mission.

God also spoke through Matt Hosier about being a church that demonstrates the reconciling power of the Cross by reaching out to the the 'gentle' and the 'rougher' elements of Christchurch with the Gospel. Matt described how In the early years of the the church setting up the rented venue for Sunday occasionally involved clearing vomit up off the floor! Reaching out means exactly that!!

Then Guy Miller significantly prophesied about how he could see the River Severn and the two bridges the old and the new one side by side. He went on to say how what had been built at the church had created bridges into the surrounding community and that there is not another foundation to build but instead a new 2nd bridge is needed. The new bridge will be different from the old one but both need to be open just like the two bridges over the Severn. The new bridge will involve change but the result will be increased connections with the poor, internationals and greater freedom to connect with the community. The pace, and the 'traffic' will increase! The word honoured the first bridge (past) but looked to the new bridge (future) and ended with an exhortation to build the bridge!

I personally have been very encouraged by these prophetic words and also strategically helped. The reality is we are in a bridge building phase. It is not an incredibly attractive phase. Cutting the ribbon and opening a shiny new bridge would be less messy and much more fun! In fact I think building is mostly a lot of hard work. But this building phase is for purpose, it is for Gospel fruit, it is to facilitate connecting with the lost and reaping a harvest.

This Bridge building phase will take organisation, it will take faith to see the future and believe what we are building will work, it will cost time, energy and money as we use our gifts, abilities and finance to contribute to the bigger picture. This bridge will be big, it will carry load and it will have an impact. Can you see that bridge? I am looking to see something of significance and impact built here in Christchurch. It is a church that impacts the lost, heals the broken hearted, reaches out to the poor and destitute, gives hope to the hopeless and transforms heart after heart and sees many people redeemed, renewed and regenerated in Christ. This is some bridge we best get building! Are you in?

One to Remember! FrontEdge Christchurch

2008-11-09T20:45:00.000Z

This Sunday was FrontEdge at ChristChurch - for the uninitiated that is code for full on guest service with prayer for the sick and Gospel preaching! We built the Sunday around rememberance: Remembering those who have died in conflicts fighting for the freedom we enjoy today and remembering Jesus who died so that we can be free from guilt, fear, hopelessness and ultimately sin and death. It was a great blend of sober rememberance and the joy of focussing on Jesus and joyfully praising Him for our salvation.

Today was so much fun! Kieran Dunne from Glasgow was with us. Personally I have not laughed so much in one weekend for a long time - thanks for that Kieran! He is naturally very funny and an exceptionally good communicator. We laughed hard throughout his preach but everyone there was left in no doubt of their need to turn to Jesus for forgiveness and salvation. Powerful stories and illustrations led onto Kieran's appeal for salvation. The moment was tense....but immediately people stood in response (thank you Jesus!). We have some more follow up to do but we think there could be up to 10 first time commitments! With 250 people there at the service there was a real buzz of excitement as people responded and got right with God.

I was so proud of the church as many sat there with guests next to them. Family Church you rose to the challenge and you rocked!

Driscoll Rocks

2008-11-06T17:56:00.000Z

I remember discovering Driscoll about three years ago through a tip off from Joel Virgo. Driscoll's blunt, direct, raw, contemporary, biblically conservative culturally liberal, missional approach grabbed me from the off. Driscoll rocks no two ways about it!

This book is exceptionally clever in my opinion. The creative and fresh angle gets a hold of you instantly. He takes facets of the atonement (What Christ achieved on the cross) and then he applies those aspects of the atonement to specific pastoral situations via a letter written to the person he is pastoring. It is typically blunt with the expected Driscoll edginess but theologically weighty.

Here's an appetizer:

"Indeed, the human problem is sin, the divine motivation is holy love, and the death and resurrection of the God-man Jesus is the solution. Consequently, the death of Jesus is the most important event in the history of the world and the crux of how relationship with God is made possible. Because of this, Christianity is not based upon ideas or philosophies, but rather upon the one man Jesus Christ and the one event of his death, by crucifixion".

I am really enjoying the read and I would strongly recommend it along with all his other books. The below are good links to listen and read more of Driscoll:

http://www.theresurgence.com/
http://www.marshillchurch.org/

Tim Keller Rocks!

2008-11-05T21:26:00.000Z

This book is well worth the read. It is definitely brain stretching but Keller is very good at earthing his thinking and theory in examples taken straight out of his years of pastoral ministry experience which really helps.

I thoroughly enjoyed his unpacking of 'defeater beliefs' this is particularly provocative to me as I attempt to preach to both the believer and unbeliever every week whatever the subject matter. One pastor said to me this week that he no longer believes in the guest service. I am not 100% sure I agree but the sentiment of using every Sunday to address the unbeliever and anticipate a response sounds very attractive to me and very close to where Spurgeon was at when he preached.

Keller is a bit of a hero of mine now and I am hungry to keep reading and listening. The link below should help if you are hungry:

http://www.monergism.com/directory/search.php?action=search_links_simple&search_kind=and&phrase=tim+keller

Happy listening!

Back From Holland

2008-11-03T17:03:00.001Z

We are back from Holland which was fantastic. Great to be with Vince and Cherie and their lovely kids and relax together. Not sure 'relax' is the right term with 7 children age 10 years and under. Harri our youngest kindly brought his Chicken Pox along as well which was so kind of him - It was still great!

I Preached on Mary and Martha on Sunday and the encouragement was to keep sitting with Jesus and setting our attention and focus on Him. Have you noticed that there is always a lot to do or is it just me? Let's continue to choose the better thing and sit with Jesus before we serve. He loves you!

This Sunday we have Front Edge and I am really looking forward to having Kieran Dunne with us. He will be staying at ours and it will be great to catch up. We are looking to God for some salvations and healings - personally it will be a great encouragement to see that happen!

Hanging out With Jesus

2008-10-23T21:36:00.000+01:00

Have you noticed that who you hang out with effects you? That’s why parents warn children to pick their friends with care!

Have you noticed that hunger is contagious? Hang around hungry people and you just feel more hungry all the time (especially when you are fasting!).

Spiritual hunger works on the same principle. Hang with people who are hungry for more of God and you will catch their hunger – I can think of a few people who do that for me... Appetites are influenced by associations.

If appetites are influenced by associations I can’t think of a better person to hang out with than God Himself. As we already found sometimes Jesus’ teaching is hard to understand or just plain in your face uncomfortable or both. The bottom line though is when you hang out with Jesus He changes us.

That’s what I am doing as I preach in this series and I hope every series. We are opening our Bibles (which is always dangerous) and looking at Jesus. Come prepared in your heart for the God of the Bible to speak to you, change you and wonderfully mature you as His Word deals with your heart.

What we have done so far:

Session 1: Confidence in the Cross (1 Corinthians 1)
We looked at the centrality of the message of the cross and what Jesus achieved on that Cross for us. What a place to start!
1. The Cross Divides
2. The Cross Contradicts and Confronts us
3. The Cross Triumphs
As the people of God we can be confident that the cross of Christ is the answer to our sin and separation from God and we can be saved through grace as a gift so that no one can boast! This is the hope for all the world.

Session 2: Sitting Exams with Jesus (Matthew 15)
Exam Paper 1: What do you do when God is silent?
1. Sometimes Jesus tests us and through those tests the best is brought out of us.
2. Tests are not to punish or crush us but to develop and bless us.
3. Her first test was Jesus’ silence to see if she would give up at the first hurdle.
4. Through this test Jesus is also beginning to expose the disciple’s prejudice.

Exam Paper 2: Will you accept the status quo?
1. Jesus pushes her harder to see if she will accept how things are and give up but she doesn’t.
2. This exam exposes the prejudice of the disciples even more!
3. We discovered that God is calling us to reach out beyond our social comfort zones, deal with prejudice and bring the Gospel to all people.

It was great to look at this excellent women who pressed into Jesus and would not settle where she was. In the process the disciples prejudice was exposed and the glorious Gospel that transcends culture and background was put on display. It is a Gospel that is bearing fruit all over the world as the Apostle Paul said.

We didn't even get time to look at her faith for which Jesus commended her!!

COMING UP....

Session 3 Choosing the Better thing (Luke 10)
- I am so looking forward to expounding this beautiful passage of scripture and see what it means to choose the better thing.

Session 4 Lessons on the Road (Luke 24)
We will be looking at the disciples on the road to Emmaus and seeing what lessons we can learn from the way Jesus handled them.

Session 5 How Do I Handle Christmas (John 1)
We will grounding this session in John 1 but taking a very practical, and I mean practical, look at how to approach and survive Christmas.

Crab-ol-ogy

2008-10-19T19:09:00.000+01:00

I have not had much chance to add some photo's of us in the area so I thought that I would add some today. One major breakthrough was our crabbing success! We caught big fat zero the first time round but the 2nd time we went we caught 20 (yes two zero '20'). The pictures show everything that is needed for proof. It is unconfirmed at this stage but we think one of those bad boys would have weighed in at a crab-busting record breaking weight.

While we're on the subject of crabs I am struck by the little studied subject of 'crabology'(crab-ol-ogy). I am told that if you don't want crabs to escape from the bucket just put more than one in at a time. Everytime one starts to climb up and nearly escapes the other ones pulls it down. That to me sounds a bit like modern culture. Anyone who looks like they might do well seems to be pulled down as quickly as possible. The church, Christ's new community is called to be radically counter-cultural in every way. Let's be the best encouragers we can be and the shoulders upon which others can stand to succeed and do well. It is called synergy - we can do more as a team than we can do on our own. Christ is the ultimate example to us. He laid down His life and died a humiliating, agonising death on a Roman Cross so that sinners like you and me could be lifted up out of the 'bucket' of our sin. Christ is our victory! Let's follow Christ's example and lay our lives down for each other.

The Kids

2008-10-13T18:09:00.000+01:00

Reflections on Friends that have become family

2008-10-12T20:59:00.000+01:00

We set off at 7.24am for Bedford knowing it was going to be a full on emotional day - and it was! We are back now and I am sitting in 'our' lounge in Christchurch, having consumed a LARGE Donner kebab (nice!). Anyway, back to the day. It was great to be back amongst friends that have become family. A decade is a long time in anyones book and the journey we have been on at in Bedford was a surprise at every turn. We expected to simply pass through for a year of training in the church and we ended up staying a 'little' longer. Leading the church was never on the agenda (that was something God let us in on a bit later). Our family grew from a just black cat called Mizzie to three beautiful children who we love dearly. Our experience of church life, leadership, ministry and just about everything else also multiplied exponentially. We owe a lot to our family at Woodside. We have been shaped and have grown in so many ways because so many gave themselves to us - thanks for that. Our time with our Woodside family can only be described as formative. We will miss you all incredibly!!

Returning to say goodbye and see the chapter turn was a precious and unforgettable moment in our lives. Thanks to all who prayed for us and prophesied over us - there were so many words about God breaking out in this new chapter that we feel full of faith about what God is going to do.

We are also looking forward to serving the Lord here at Christchurch. The church is His and He is committed to seeing her built. It is a great privilege to serve Jesus here and contribute to seeing His Kingdom extended and established. Here's to all that He will do through His Church in Christchurch.

The chapter is turning

2008-10-10T22:31:00.000+01:00

Good to be back online! It is now 2 weeks that we have been down here and we are beginning to find our way around. The children are doing well at school and we are now settling into the area and John and Pat's house that they have kindly loaned us.

The church has been great we are feeling very accepted by folk. I have really enjoyed preaching the last 2 Sundays. I was at a house-group coaches meeting last week and I have not laughed so much in a long time that was great fun.

This Sunday is a big one for us as we return to Woodside for our farewell service. Due to the move being speeded up we were not able to do this before we left and so that is this now this Sunday. It will be great to see friends again but sad to say goodbye.

Our prayer is that God richly blesses Woodside, Bedford the region and the many friends we have there. Looking forward to seeing you all soon.

Explaining the Silence!

2008-10-03T11:23:00.000+01:00

I am sorry there have not been more updates we simply have not been able to get our home broadband sorted yet (I won't dish the dirt on which company have let us down!!!). Please do keep logging on we should be online from October 8th.

Here is a brief summary:

Our move has gone very well.
Kids have started school and are absolutely loving it. Making friends and settling in way beyond our expectations.
Me and Jo have unpacked boxes and boxes and boxes and boxes......
Mizzie the cat is even enjoying the south.
I preached last week for the first time at The Family Church on the centrality of the Cross and I am preaching this week on the faith of the Cannanite women and looking forward to focussing on Jesus and some of his provocative teaching about prejudice, world mission and faith.
This will be the first of a 4 part mini-series called 'Hanging Out with Jesus'

God bless and I will be back after the 8th technology permitting!!

Chryslers and Friends

2008-09-22T16:21:00.000+01:00

We had a great meal out last night with friends and travelled to the restaurant in one of these! A 1978 Chrysler Newport huge 6.6litre engine! It is great, it is massive, it lollops along, if has two settees in it front and back. Music stereo is an an 8 track player with an amusingly limited choice of music - so ABBA it was (that was a low point for me and a high for Jo!)I was thinking though how precious friends are and how blessed we are to have made so many good ones over the years here in Bedford. Thanks Lee and Sarah for a great night out! God is generous towards us in all sorts of ways and I am freshly struck by what a precious gift friends are to us.

Arriving sooner than expected!.

2008-09-20T22:41:00.000+01:00

What a week! I thought that there would be a bit less to do than there is but we are getting there - at least that is what me and Jo keep telling each other! I wanted to quickly tell you about an amazing God-intervention that happened a few weeks ago. The schooling system in Christchurch is complex to say the least and depends alot on what side of the river you live on. When our move was confirmed as Novemebr 1st we immeditely rang Dorset education to see what was available. They said it just so happens that we have two places available now for you at Christchurch infants and one at Christchurch junior we were thrilled until they said but you will have to take those palces up by the end of September . We immediatley said no we can't do that but after hanging up we began to realise what an utter miracle this actually was and wondered if we should try and go for it. Some people living in the area have been waiting two years for places and one lady we spoke to said to Jo this is unheard of. God is GOOD hey! We did a lot of talking and sensing that this new pace was God initiated we went for it and we move to Christchurch Thursday and boy is it busy! We feel the hand of God in all of this. John and Pat's house that they have so generously loaned us meant we got the school places because of how close it is to the school and having now visited the schools we are even more happy. As a dad it is so good to see that the kids seem genuinely excited at starting their new schools. Meg's teacher is even a Christian and Annie is allowed to wear watch yes wear a watch (that is big to a 6 year old)!

We are tired, busy, emotional at all the goodbyes to friends that we love dearly but thrilled at the way God is such a faithful dad and attends to every detail with such tenderness. Mixed with that we are so looking forward to being part of a new family and beginning to make new friends.

Keep logging on and I will try to keep posting a bit more frequently!

To Blog or not to Blog?

2008-09-06T22:08:00.001+01:00

I have to say I have always stayed as far from blogging as possible. What would I actually write anyway? But then I thought this could actually work as a way of staying and getting conected.

Thanks to Simon Holley I am on on the road and so I am planning to put some 'posts' (cool use of that jargon for a new boy hey!) on here that will give background about us, some of our story, whats happening, as well as plans, thoughts and things coming up for the church down in Christchurch.

Myself and Jo are so excited to be coming down to Christchurch soon (big reveal on dates coming soon!). We feel God has clearly led us and we are looking forward to joining you all there and playing our part in seeing Jesus lifted high in Dorset. Amazingly we have already had some of you guys round for dinner and weirdly enough that was in Bedford. Rob and Ola travelled all the way to Bedford to meet up. The real treat was the after dinner theatre show put on by the kids!

Watch this space for more important information like what is Duncan's favourite brand and flavour of crisp....

We're On Our Way...

2008-09-04T22:00:00.000+01:00

It's the news we've been waiting for. Just heard that we are all engines ago and ready to move down to Christchurch Dorset. We are very excited!! It will be so good to be able to tell both churches some definite news very soon. Watch this space for dates of move...