People keep asking me about what I am going to be doing. I've said from the beginning of this adventure (December '06) that we know God is calling us to lead a ministry/church. To do that, we had to end our 18 years of service at Northside. Then I know that we are to separate ourselves from Northside. That is the season that we are in the midst of right now. If you think that is confusing for you, it definitely is for us. It is not easy to put space between your church family that you have committed almost half your life to. And of course... everyone has an opinion of what that should look like.
But as we move toward our next step, the questions come flying at us. One question that I really struggle with is "What model of church planting are you going to use?". I'm just not there. Why would I want to model a plan? Why do I have to do it like someone else? Can't I make my own mistakes? Can't you just speak the Truth and let it be? Do I have to market the Truth to plant a church?
Billboards, web sites, yellow pages ads, newspaper promos, CDs, brochures, yadda yadda... Marketing plans? What are we marketing? Jesus or the church? My lunch partner today reminded me that the church is not a business... it is something that is orchestrated by God. Or at least it should be. I'm not against these things (obviously you are reading my website). There is a difference between communicating and teaching Truth versus marketing Jesus and the church.
The church talked about in the New Testament didn't promote itself. Peter told the people to repent, be baptized (placed into Christ) for the forgiveness of their sins and they would receive the Holy Spirit. In one day, 3,000 people received those words and were baptized. They continued listening to the Truth, hanging out, eating and praying together. There was a sense of awe in the community. Amazing things began to happen. They had all things in common and shared all their possessions with each other. They consistently ate together while praising God and everyone liked them. Click on the above link and read it for yourself!
Sounds like a plan for me... speak Truth, people repent, the Spirit changes their lives, rejoice, pray, hang out and eat! How can we mess up that plan? Sound a little "idealistic"? Nah... just another unexplainable adventure!
Jesus isn't for sale. He came to give salvation for free and it cost Him His life!
Rusty
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
What's the point?
Labels...
"Heard you weren't going to be 'Southern Baptist' anymore?"
"Are you going to start one of those 'emergent' churches?
"Are you a person of 'grace' or 'legalism'?"
"I'm not 'unemployed'."
"Do they 'get it'?"
Business meetings...
Do you know why churches have business meetings? Because of the IRS. To be "legally" (according to US government) designated a church or nonprofit organization, you must have at least one business meeting a year with specific results (i.e. budget, ministry plan, etc.)
I sat in 5 business meetings at camp last week. We actually had fun and got a lot accomplished (without Robert there).
Bagel Holes...
I heard it is to ensure the bagel bakes and boils evenly.
Sunday Bests...
Where did that come from? Who are we dressing up for? This one is a real doosey! How does one square up this thought pattern? That is like asking, "What's a Hoosier?". You'll get some real educated responses and some quick answers... but the truth is... no one knows for sure! If you said, "We need to look our best for God.", does that mean God only sees you on Sunday Mornings?...
It is at this point in my posting of this blog that a gentleman at Panera approaches me and asks me if I am from Northside. I do not recognize him at all. We reintroduced ourselves again. I'm going through my mental Rolodex of names and faces and coming up totally blank. Then he said, "You baptized me!". Mentally, I am doing everything I can to process this name and face through the small talk.
Finally, I let him know that I was no longer a staff member at Northside and the conversation turned from casual to personal. It was if I had popped the cork and this man went on to say what all God had done in his life since that baptism. The change was done outside of the traditional church routine. He explained that his salvation was very real to him and that God is doing amazing things through his life and family. He knows the Spirit has restored his life.
As I am sitting there, processing all I am able to, I still did not know this man. But he absolutely was speaking to me very specifically about my recent decisions and even mentioned the issues I started rambling about in this very blog entry. The man was speaking to my soul with all sincerity.
The very thought crossed my mind, "This man was sent to me directly today to encourage me. This is another unexplainable event. Thank you Jesus."
We shook hands and said "Goodbye". I got up and collected my stuff and he was literally gone. I know exactly what happened today... I got the point!
"Heard you weren't going to be 'Southern Baptist' anymore?"
"Are you going to start one of those 'emergent' churches?
"Are you a person of 'grace' or 'legalism'?"
"I'm not 'unemployed'."
"Do they 'get it'?"
Business meetings...
Do you know why churches have business meetings? Because of the IRS. To be "legally" (according to US government) designated a church or nonprofit organization, you must have at least one business meeting a year with specific results (i.e. budget, ministry plan, etc.)
I sat in 5 business meetings at camp last week. We actually had fun and got a lot accomplished (without Robert there).
Bagel Holes...
I heard it is to ensure the bagel bakes and boils evenly.
Sunday Bests...
Where did that come from? Who are we dressing up for? This one is a real doosey! How does one square up this thought pattern? That is like asking, "What's a Hoosier?". You'll get some real educated responses and some quick answers... but the truth is... no one knows for sure! If you said, "We need to look our best for God.", does that mean God only sees you on Sunday Mornings?...
It is at this point in my posting of this blog that a gentleman at Panera approaches me and asks me if I am from Northside. I do not recognize him at all. We reintroduced ourselves again. I'm going through my mental Rolodex of names and faces and coming up totally blank. Then he said, "You baptized me!". Mentally, I am doing everything I can to process this name and face through the small talk.
Finally, I let him know that I was no longer a staff member at Northside and the conversation turned from casual to personal. It was if I had popped the cork and this man went on to say what all God had done in his life since that baptism. The change was done outside of the traditional church routine. He explained that his salvation was very real to him and that God is doing amazing things through his life and family. He knows the Spirit has restored his life.
As I am sitting there, processing all I am able to, I still did not know this man. But he absolutely was speaking to me very specifically about my recent decisions and even mentioned the issues I started rambling about in this very blog entry. The man was speaking to my soul with all sincerity.
The very thought crossed my mind, "This man was sent to me directly today to encourage me. This is another unexplainable event. Thank you Jesus."
We shook hands and said "Goodbye". I got up and collected my stuff and he was literally gone. I know exactly what happened today... I got the point!
Sunday, June 3, 2007
What do Donuts have to do with God?
Simon Birch asks the question... "What do donuts have to do with God?" The Lord revealed that answer to me in a real way.
My second day of being employed by Leavener (May 22nd), I took an impulse trip with a friend. He inquired about my "nut". I said, "What are you talking about?" He went on to explain that a "nut" is how much money you absolutely need to survive each month. Over the next 24 hours, I scrutinized my monthly budget to figure out how much of a "nut" would allow me to survive. (For those of you who know me... that means a detailed Excel file with fancy formulas... woohoo!!!)
Then on Friday, Michelle and I did our normal routine of brunch at Cracker Barrel. It was an emotional low for both of us. Tears were flowing (mostly from uncertainty). The food came and the routine prayer became more than that. It was a plea to God for wisdom and peace. I truly believe that before the meal ended, God had answered our prayer. We discussed our busy June/July family schedule and know that we are to rest for two months and trust Him. We hope to have oars in the water by August 1st for whatever adventure God has in store for us. There has been peace and joy since then. The two of us have had a great 10 days since. Thank you Jesus!
Which brings us to yesterday, June 2nd. Right before leaving for open houses and a wedding, I quickly reconciled my bank accounts for the end of the month. I opened the lovely Excel file and looked at that amount referred to as my "nut". Being the first month away from Northside, that nut was looking pretty overwhelming. I honestly said, "Lord, I have no idea how this is going to happen!"
Two minutes later, we climbed into the car to leave... Oh wait, here comes the mailman. Michelle says, "Chloe, would you get the mail, please?" Chloe comes skipping back to the car and hands the mail to Michelle. She hands me an envelope from some friends who have been tracking what God is doing in our lives. There was a check inside the envelope... oh my... that was quick Lord but it doesn't cover the "nut". Michelle hands me a second envelope. Another check... "You've got to be kidding me!!!". Within 15 minutes of questioning God, the Lord handed us two checks totaling 98% of the "nut" I had just reviewed. I turned to Michelle and said, "This is not happenstance." This is the exact situation that I referred to in my March 13th blog entitled "Unexplainable Adventure."
I have been told more than once... "You're going to have to do something... this is not going to just fall in your lap." I just can't buy that train of thought anymore. I am hanging out with my family and doing just as much ministry as I was before I quit as a staff member at Northside. I still hang out with people. I still pray with people. I still serve people. I still cry with people. I still encourage people. And I ABSOLUTELY LOVE PEOPLE. But truly, it is God that does it all. That may be semantics or a nice spiritual thought for you. But it is truly my way of life.
So what do donuts have to do with God? He gave Leavener all the "dough" I need for my "nut" this month! WOOHOO!!!
Rusty
My second day of being employed by Leavener (May 22nd), I took an impulse trip with a friend. He inquired about my "nut". I said, "What are you talking about?" He went on to explain that a "nut" is how much money you absolutely need to survive each month. Over the next 24 hours, I scrutinized my monthly budget to figure out how much of a "nut" would allow me to survive. (For those of you who know me... that means a detailed Excel file with fancy formulas... woohoo!!!)
Then on Friday, Michelle and I did our normal routine of brunch at Cracker Barrel. It was an emotional low for both of us. Tears were flowing (mostly from uncertainty). The food came and the routine prayer became more than that. It was a plea to God for wisdom and peace. I truly believe that before the meal ended, God had answered our prayer. We discussed our busy June/July family schedule and know that we are to rest for two months and trust Him. We hope to have oars in the water by August 1st for whatever adventure God has in store for us. There has been peace and joy since then. The two of us have had a great 10 days since. Thank you Jesus!
Which brings us to yesterday, June 2nd. Right before leaving for open houses and a wedding, I quickly reconciled my bank accounts for the end of the month. I opened the lovely Excel file and looked at that amount referred to as my "nut". Being the first month away from Northside, that nut was looking pretty overwhelming. I honestly said, "Lord, I have no idea how this is going to happen!"
Two minutes later, we climbed into the car to leave... Oh wait, here comes the mailman. Michelle says, "Chloe, would you get the mail, please?" Chloe comes skipping back to the car and hands the mail to Michelle. She hands me an envelope from some friends who have been tracking what God is doing in our lives. There was a check inside the envelope... oh my... that was quick Lord but it doesn't cover the "nut". Michelle hands me a second envelope. Another check... "You've got to be kidding me!!!". Within 15 minutes of questioning God, the Lord handed us two checks totaling 98% of the "nut" I had just reviewed. I turned to Michelle and said, "This is not happenstance." This is the exact situation that I referred to in my March 13th blog entitled "Unexplainable Adventure."
I have been told more than once... "You're going to have to do something... this is not going to just fall in your lap." I just can't buy that train of thought anymore. I am hanging out with my family and doing just as much ministry as I was before I quit as a staff member at Northside. I still hang out with people. I still pray with people. I still serve people. I still cry with people. I still encourage people. And I ABSOLUTELY LOVE PEOPLE. But truly, it is God that does it all. That may be semantics or a nice spiritual thought for you. But it is truly my way of life.
So what do donuts have to do with God? He gave Leavener all the "dough" I need for my "nut" this month! WOOHOO!!!
Rusty
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Just perfect...
A perfect ending... to eighteen years on staff at Northside. First of all, my Mom (Dixie), my sister (Heidi) and niece (Emily) drove all the way from Tulsa, OK to be here for this celebration.
My last official act as a Northside staffer was to baptize my friend Andy Deo. What an incredible testimony this man shares. We quickly reminisced over the last 18 months about him coming to understand his own identity in Christ. Having his boys, Ben and Nick, looking over the glass into the baptistery was a special moment. 
One of the cool things they did was produce a set of "Rusty Kennedy" baseball cards and t-shirts. So the whole field was full of fun, food and memories. It was great to hang out with friends and family (some that I hadn't seen for quite some time). What had been forecasted as a chance of thunderstorms turned out to be a perfect day of weather with bright sunshine and a cool 75 degrees.
My last official act as a Northside staffer was to baptize my friend Andy Deo. What an incredible testimony this man shares. We quickly reminisced over the last 18 months about him coming to understand his own identity in Christ. Having his boys, Ben and Nick, looking over the glass into the baptistery was a special moment. 
My friends at Northside planned the perfect party for my exit. It was all about baseball! It started with the National Anthem and my mom throwing out the first pitch. There was plenty of food (brats, sausage & dogs, cotton candy, nachos and of course Cracker Jacks). We split up teams and played some good ole boy softball.
One of the cool things they did was produce a set of "Rusty Kennedy" baseball cards and t-shirts. So the whole field was full of fun, food and memories. It was great to hang out with friends and family (some that I hadn't seen for quite some time). What had been forecasted as a chance of thunderstorms turned out to be a perfect day of weather with bright sunshine and a cool 75 degrees.Perfect... That is a word that drives many. For others, it is unfathomable. It is an adjective that can be good or bad depending on the noun. It is a description that I have come to embrace about myself. It is not my opinion. It is clearly stated in the Word of God. Have you ever considered yourself perfect? If you know Jesus as your Savior... God views you as perfect! Oh my! That is greater news than any perfect party!
Coming to the understanding of perfection in Jesus could cause others to view that as an arrogant claim. Absolutely NOT! It is because of my weakness that Jesus' grace makes me perfect. Once again, it is nothing that I have done but everything God did.
It was perfect... It is perfect... It is finished.
Rusty
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Leavener... it's a change agent. If I have chosen to name this ministry Leavener, then I most likely embrace the opportunity for change. But at the same time I am a loyalist. (i.e., I have served Jesus at Northside for the past 18 years and I am even still a Dallas Cowboy fan post-Landry era). So, as much as I respect loyalty and commitment, I also look forward to change and being on the cutting edge. Oh yeah... I even carry a picture of Michelle and me from when we were in high school (25 years ago)... ask me... I'll show it to you... We have changed a little! 
Some people have referred to this new adventure in ministry as the biggest change in my life. I cannot agree with that statement. It was about seven years ago that I learned the greatest change in my life occurred when I was eight years old. That means it took me 27 years to come to that conclusion. You may be thinking I am a slow learner. No, I was a loyalist who didn't want to change my mind. I was churning out my life and ministry but never reaching my desires. Nothing was ever good enough... including myself.
It was about seven years ago that I realized the change God made through His Son that caused me to be changed when I was eight years old. Get this... In Acts, Stephen was accused of proclaiming that Jesus will change the customs that came from Moses. Thank God for that change. You see, it was that very change in God's plan that allowed me as a child to die from the law and be free as a child of God. The problem is, I never understood that change until seven years ago. I was a freebird who lived my life under many restrictions and yet, never knew it! I repeatedly tried to be the best I could be and would always fall short of even my own expectations (not to mention many other's expectations). It was at that point of understanding that I no longer felt the pressure of what other people thought about me or the things I was doing. God's Spirit changed my heart and allowed this truth (Romans 2:28-29) to be discovered. I will never be the same. I have been changed.
Some people have referred to this new adventure in ministry as the biggest change in my life. I cannot agree with that statement. It was about seven years ago that I learned the greatest change in my life occurred when I was eight years old. That means it took me 27 years to come to that conclusion. You may be thinking I am a slow learner. No, I was a loyalist who didn't want to change my mind. I was churning out my life and ministry but never reaching my desires. Nothing was ever good enough... including myself.
It was about seven years ago that I realized the change God made through His Son that caused me to be changed when I was eight years old. Get this... In Acts, Stephen was accused of proclaiming that Jesus will change the customs that came from Moses. Thank God for that change. You see, it was that very change in God's plan that allowed me as a child to die from the law and be free as a child of God. The problem is, I never understood that change until seven years ago. I was a freebird who lived my life under many restrictions and yet, never knew it! I repeatedly tried to be the best I could be and would always fall short of even my own expectations (not to mention many other's expectations). It was at that point of understanding that I no longer felt the pressure of what other people thought about me or the things I was doing. God's Spirit changed my heart and allowed this truth (Romans 2:28-29) to be discovered. I will never be the same. I have been changed.
I truly believe this misunderstanding of the truth that I lived under for 27 years is prevelant in today's church. It is the evil one's way of keeping children of God bound up and even non-believers wanting nothing to do with Jesus. It has been that way for a long time. Even Paul tells the church in Rome they don't have to be bound up and fearful. They have the ability to see God as their "Daddy". It doesn't get any better than that. Truth that changes lives. It absolutely has changed mine and I can't do anything but be loyal to that transformation.
I don't want to hear any comments about that picture... I've changed!
Rusty
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Happy Birthday Leavener Ministry, Inc.
It's official... Leavener Ministry, Inc. Here is the birth certificate:
This is just the first of many hoops you have to jump through to become a legal ministry in the state and federally.
It doesn't have anything to do with who I am. My identity is not in what I do. The funny thing is... I have an official ministry recognized by the state of Indiana but I still don't have a clue what that actual ministry will look like.
My last day at Northside is still May 20th. Until then, there is plenty to do. I even get to "preach" this Sunday at both locations. This is proving to be a difficult task because it looks like it will be my last time to share with my church family as a pastor of the church. There is so much to say in such a short amount of time.
It's all good. Gotta stay focused on Jesus.
Rusty
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
All Charges Have Been Dropped!!!
For the last year, three Duke lacrosse players have been fighting for their freedom. They have been proclaiming they are innocent of all charges that they sexually assaulted an exotic dancer. Millions of dollars have been spent on this case (through media alone). Their short lives (and others) have suffered greatly through this experience.
Can you imagine the emotions of these three young men (and their parents) when the attorney general says, "Based on the significant inconsistencies between the evidence and the various accounts given by the accusing witness, we believe these three individuals are innocent of these charges"? What an incredible burden lifted. What joy went throughout the individuals, the courtroom, the state, and the country, even the world. Absolute relief and joy!
On the same day, in another room across the country, I got to experience people discovering even a greater joy than the three Duke lacrosse players. I have the opportunity to teach a class on the book of Romans with my very good friends Keith & Terry. Our class each week consists of 10-15 people who desire to discover truth through God's Word. I can honestly say this group has been given a desire to learn... it is absolute fun each week.
I asked the question, "What is going to happen when you and your sin are standing at the Judgment Seat face to face with God?" There is always hesitancy with that question because most people have an idea but aren't really sure. Most everyone in the class was brought up (in the church and at home) believing that we will be held accountable for our sins at the Judgment Seat.
So look at these verses:
Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 2:13
I John 2:12
Hebrews 9:26, 28
Jude 24 - Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy...
Romans 4:7-8 - "BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED. BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT."
Are you kidding me? How in the world can this truth be more evident in the Word of God yet we have been taught differently?
The realization of this truth caused freedom and joy to run amuck in our class. The three Duke lacrosse players experienced a temporary relief and joy. Our class experienced joy they will reign throughout eternity! One student in our class proclaimed, "I had never heard or understood this thought until tonight!!" I can imagine that he is going to sleep incredibly well tonight.
This simple truth that is hidden even within the church makes God's Word to be incredible news.
Some day... I'll stand at God's Judgment Seat and Jesus (the attorney general) will stand before God on my behalf and say, "Based on the lack of evidence I declare Rusty innocent of any charges"!
WAAHHOOOOOO!!!! Does it get any better than that?
Rusty
Can you imagine the emotions of these three young men (and their parents) when the attorney general says, "Based on the significant inconsistencies between the evidence and the various accounts given by the accusing witness, we believe these three individuals are innocent of these charges"? What an incredible burden lifted. What joy went throughout the individuals, the courtroom, the state, and the country, even the world. Absolute relief and joy!
On the same day, in another room across the country, I got to experience people discovering even a greater joy than the three Duke lacrosse players. I have the opportunity to teach a class on the book of Romans with my very good friends Keith & Terry. Our class each week consists of 10-15 people who desire to discover truth through God's Word. I can honestly say this group has been given a desire to learn... it is absolute fun each week.
I asked the question, "What is going to happen when you and your sin are standing at the Judgment Seat face to face with God?" There is always hesitancy with that question because most people have an idea but aren't really sure. Most everyone in the class was brought up (in the church and at home) believing that we will be held accountable for our sins at the Judgment Seat.
So look at these verses:
Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 2:13
I John 2:12
Hebrews 9:26, 28
Jude 24 - Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy...
Romans 4:7-8 - "BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED. BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT."
Are you kidding me? How in the world can this truth be more evident in the Word of God yet we have been taught differently?
The realization of this truth caused freedom and joy to run amuck in our class. The three Duke lacrosse players experienced a temporary relief and joy. Our class experienced joy they will reign throughout eternity! One student in our class proclaimed, "I had never heard or understood this thought until tonight!!" I can imagine that he is going to sleep incredibly well tonight.
This simple truth that is hidden even within the church makes God's Word to be incredible news.
Some day... I'll stand at God's Judgment Seat and Jesus (the attorney general) will stand before God on my behalf and say, "Based on the lack of evidence I declare Rusty innocent of any charges"!
WAAHHOOOOOO!!!! Does it get any better than that?
Rusty
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