The CCC Blog
Fruitless Faith
Throughout Scripture, vineyards serve as powerful metaphors for God’s work among his people. This week, we explored three vineyards—two from Isaiah and one from the Gospels—each revealing deep truths about expectation, failure, judgment, and ultimate redemption. These passages challenge us to examine the fruit our lives produce and to embrace the hope of restoration through Jesus.
Throughout Scripture, vineyards serve as powerful metaphors for God’s work among his people. This week, we explored three vineyards—two from Isaiah and one from the Gospels—each revealing deep truths about expectation, failure, judgment, and ultimate redemption. These passages challenge us to examine the fruit our lives produce and to embrace the hope of restoration through Jesus.
The Vineyard in Isaiah 5: A Story of Unmet Expectations
Isaiah 5 begins with a song about a vineyard carefully cultivated by its owner. The vineyard was planted with the best vines, in fertile soil, protected by a watchtower, and prepared for a fruitful harvest. But despite all the effort, it produced only bad fruit.
The prophet reveals that the vineyard represents the nation of Israel and the people of Judah. God had given them everything needed to flourish, yet they yielded injustice instead of justice, unrighteousness instead of righteousness.Because of their persistent rebellion, judgment was coming. God declared that he would remove his protection, leaving them vulnerable to destruction and exile.
This passage raises a hard but necessary question: When God looks for good fruit in our lives, what does he find? Are we producing justice, righteousness, and faithfulness, or are we yielding the sour fruit of selfishness, greed, and idolatry?
A Promise of Restoration in Isaiah 27
Isaiah 27 gives a contrasting picture of a vineyard. Instead of destruction, this vineyard is fruitful. God watches over it, waters it continually, and protects it. He declares, "I am not angry." This passage speaks of a future restoration—a time when God's people will be renewed and flourish under his care.
This promise gives hope. Even in seasons of discipline, God’s ultimate desire is not destruction but restoration. He is in the business of redeeming what is broken, turning wastelands into gardens of abundance.
Jesus’ Parable in Matthew 21: A Hard Truth for the Religious Leaders
Jesus picks up the vineyard imagery in Matthew 21, telling a parable that would have been immediately recognizable to his audience. A landowner plants a vineyard, sets up protections, and entrusts it to tenants. When he sends servants to collect the harvest, the tenants beat, kill, and reject them. Finally, the landowner sends his son, thinking they will respect him, but instead, they kill him to seize his inheritance.
Jesus asks, "What will the owner do to those tenants?" His audience responds, "He will bring those wretches to a wretched end and rent the vineyard to others who will give him his share of the crop."
Then Jesus delivers a shocking revelation:
"The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone."
The vineyard—God’s kingdom—was being entrusted to those who would truly bear fruit, not just the religious elite, but the sinners, tax collectors, and Gentiles who would receive Jesus.
This moment was a turning point. The religious leaders had spent their lives trying to prove their worthiness, believing that strict obedience to the law would usher in the Messiah. Yet, Jesus declared that the kingdom was being given to those willing to surrender to him, rather than those obsessed with their own righteousness.
Jesus, the True Vine: A Call to Abide
Jesus transforms the vineyard metaphor in John 15, declaring, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing."
Unlike the vineyard in Isaiah 5, which failed to produce good fruit, Jesus himself became the true vine. Connection to him is what leads to fruitfulness. Without him, branches wither and are thrown away, but those who remain in him will thrive and bring glory to God.
Application: Where Is God Pruning?
Where have you been resistant to the new thing God is doing?
Are there parts of your life that are unfruitful?
Do you need to surrender those places to God and allow him to prune them away?
Seasons of pressing and hardship can feel unbearable, but they are often the moments where God refines us into who he desires us to become. Just as grapes must be crushed to produce wine, the struggles we face can shape us into something greater—if we remain connected to the vine.
Take time this week to reflect on the fruit in your life. What is God calling you to surrender? Where is he pruning? Trust that his goal is not destruction, but restoration, leading you to a life that flourishes under his care.
Message recap adapted from March 2, 2025, message by Minister Jed Logue
Josiah Part 2: The Chronicles of Judah
In 2 Chronicles 35, we are drawn into one of the most remarkable moments of biblical history—the reinstitution of the Passover under King Josiah. This wasn’t just a festival; it was a restoration of worship, identity, and purpose for God’s people. Josiah’s story is rich with lessons that challenge and inspire us to honor God with our whole hearts and live fully into our identity as his people.
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Day 1 | Jeremiah 32-34
Day 2 | Jeremiah 35-37
Day 3 | Jeremiah 38-40
Day 4 | Habakkuk 1-3
Day 5 | Jeremiah 41-44
Day 6 | Jeremiah 45-47
As you read:
Where do I see justice and hope in the passage? How do the two live together?
What does this tell me about God’s relationship with his people?
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Lord, give me the boldness I need to take the net steps you are putting on my heart and mind for my One More.
In 2 Chronicles 35, we are drawn into one of the most remarkable moments of biblical history—the reinstitution of the Passover under King Josiah. This wasn’t just a festival; it was a restoration of worship, identity, and purpose for God’s people. Josiah’s story is rich with lessons that challenge and inspire us to honor God with our whole hearts and live fully into our identity as his people.
A Legacy of Faithful Obedience
Josiah’s journey as king began at just eight years old. Despite being surrounded by the idolatry and chaos left behind by his grandfather Manasseh and father Amon, Josiah set his heart to seek God. By age 26, he was leading a nationwide revival—purging idols, repairing the temple, and rediscovering the Book of the Law, which had been lost for 75 years.
One of his most significant acts was reinstating the Passover. This wasn’t just a nod to tradition; it was a declaration that God was at the center of Israel’s worship and identity. Josiah’s faithful obedience set a precedent for how we, too, can honor God: by prioritizing his Word, encouraging one another in service, and celebrating his faithfulness with all we have.
Worship With Our Best, Not Our Leftovers
Josiah’s Passover wasn’t a small, understated affair. He provided an incredible 30,000 sheep and goats and 3,000 cattle from his personal wealth to ensure that everyone could participate. His officials and leaders followed suit, contributing generously to the celebration. The result was an extravagant display of worship and unity that hadn’t been seen since the days of the prophet Samuel.
This kind of “outrageous generosity” challenges us today. Are we giving God our best—our time, talents, and treasures—or are we offering him the leftovers? When we worship with our whole hearts and resources, we not only honor God but also inspire others to do the same.
Rediscovering Our Identity
One of Josiah’s first actions was to restore the ark of the covenant to its rightful place in the temple. This act symbolized putting God back at the center of Israel’s worship and identity. For 75 years, the nation had drifted into idolatry, forgetting who they were and whose they were.
In our own lives, it’s easy to drift. Distractions, priorities, and pressures can pull us away from our true identity in Christ. But just as Josiah reminded Israel, we must continually return to God, allowing his Word and Spirit to center us.
Jesus: The Better King and Perfect Passover Lamb
Josiah’s story ultimately points us to Jesus, who redefined the Passover in a way that no earthly king ever could. While Josiah’s obedience delayed God’s judgment, only Jesus’ sacrifice could satisfy it. He is the true Passover Lamb, whose blood delivers us from sin and death, and whose resurrection provides us with freedom, holy living, and a new identity.
Through Jesus, we are no longer defined by old systems, borders, or rituals. We are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and ambassadors of his kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:20). His call to us is to live as people redeemed by his grace and filled with his Spirit.
Living Out Josiah’s Legacy Today
Josiah’s story reminds us that worship is more than singing songs or attending services. It’s about aligning every part of our lives with God’s purposes. Here are a few practical ways to apply these lessons:
Prioritize God’s Word: Just as Josiah rediscovered the Book of the Law, we need to stay rooted in Scripture. Make it a daily practice to read, reflect, and apply God’s Word.
Encourage Others in Their Calling: Josiah encouraged the priests and Levites, reminding them they were made for their roles. Look for opportunities to affirm and support those around you in their God-given callings.
Give Generously: Worship involves sacrifice. Consider how you can give your time, resources, or talents to honor God and bless others.
Celebrate Jesus Regularly: Every time we gather as believers, we are celebrating the ultimate Passover—Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. Let gratitude and joy mark your worship.
As we reflect on Josiah’s story, may we be inspired to live with the same wholehearted devotion to God. And as we await Jesus’ return, let us worship with boldness, generosity, and unity, proclaiming the good news that he has conquered the grave and is coming again!
Blog adapted from December 1, 2024, message by Minister Jed Logue
Encountering God Through Worship
I recall a time not long ago when I was navigating a particularly challenging season in my life. During this period, a modern worship song became a profound source of comfort and connection. I played that song repeatedly—while driving to and from work, preparing dinner, taking walks, and even as I drifted to sleep. The music and the truth embedded in its lyrics resonated deeply with my soul. Tim Keller, in The Songs of Jesus, explains how psalms have the power to penetrate our minds and imaginations in a way that only music can.
I recall a time not long ago when I was navigating a particularly challenging season in my life. During this period, a modern worship song became a profound source of comfort and connection. I played that song repeatedly—while driving to and from work, preparing dinner, taking walks, and even as I drifted to sleep. The music and the truth embedded in its lyrics resonated deeply with my soul. Tim Keller, in The Songs of Jesus, explains how psalms have the power to penetrate our minds and imaginations in a way that only music can.
One morning, filled with joy and hope, I asked Mark, “Do you ever find yourself lost in a song that God uses to minister to your heart?” I expected a validating response, something along the lines of, “Yes! Those moments are special.” Instead, Mark replied pragmatically, “Nope. Music isn’t a primary pathway for me to connect with God, but I understand it is for many, which is why we have people like you on our team.” I was taken aback. How could someone not connect with God through music? It made me reflect on the diverse ways we experience the divine.
The Power of Shared Rituals
Jonathan Haidt writes about how communal rituals can elevate our experience and move us toward the divine. This isn’t limited to religious practices; it includes chants from sports teams, rally cries from schools, and national anthems. Even in my own family, we had songs for our table prayers:
“Be present at our table, Lord Be here and everywhere adored. These mercies bless and grant that we May strengthened for thy service be Amen”
And:
“Oh, the Lord is good to me, and so I thank the Lord For giving me the things I need, the sun and the rain and the apple seed The Lord is good to me. Amen. Amen. Amen, amen, amen! Amen!”
Engaging with God Through Worship
Today, let’s explore hearing God through worship. If music isn’t your primary way of connecting with God, that’s perfectly fine. This time may not resonate with you. But for those who find worship music central to their spiritual life, this session is for you. We will explore worship through three Lectio experiences using Psalm 100. We aim to engage creatively and holistically, tapping into a transcendent experience of God that moves beyond mere logic.
Lectio 1 – Worship Posture
Start Metronome
Worship means to serve, to humble oneself, to bow down, to ascribe worth. It’s a posture that aligns our lives with our creator. Just as a metronome maintains a steady rhythm, God’s rhythm is consistent—steady, faithful, unchanging. We find reminders of this rhythm in nature: the rising and setting of the sun, the changing seasons. When we align ourselves with God’s rhythm, we experience a deep sense of connection. Conversely, straying from this rhythm can lead to chaos and disjointedness.
Psalm 100: “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”
Reflect Where do you feel out of sync today? Are you creating chaos by marching to your own beat? How might resting in the rhythm of God’s goodness bring you peace?
Pray God, you are worthy of our worship and adoration. Help us to align our lives with your steady tempo. As we draw near to you, may we hear your voice and experience your faithfulness.
Stop Metronome
Lectio 2 – Worship Priorities
PAUSE
Worship involves prioritizing what matters most. We often find reasons to delay or avoid tasks, but we make time for what we truly value. God calls us to a life of faithful obedience, reflecting our worship through our actions. Psalm 100 is filled with actionable responses to a holy God.
Psalm 100: “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”
Reflect How have you been neglecting faithful obedience to God’s call? Take a moment to inventory where you might need to realign your priorities with God’s will.
30-60 seconds
Jesus commands believers to be baptized as an act of worshipful obedience—a public declaration of following him, dying to the old self, and embracing new life with Christ.
Pray God, awaken our hearts to your promise of eternal life. Help us celebrate the transformation occurring in our lives as we obey your call.
Lectio 3 – Worship Purifies
PAUSE
A life of worship aligned with God’s rhythm leads to noticeable changes in us. Our sensitivities, desires, and tastes evolve. Though much of life is lived in the mundane, God is actively working to purify us, shaping us to be more like himself. This sanctification process can feel slow, but as we surrender to God’s direction, he faithfully works within us.
Psalm 100: “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”
Reflect In what areas of your life is God refining you? How is he pruning away what is unfruitful so that you may bear more fruit, as taught in John 15?
Pray God, I trust in your deep work within me as I engage in worship. Purify my heart and life, and help me to consistently show up in your presence with a genuine heart.
Blog adapted from September 1, 2024, message by Minister Jed Lougue
Embracing Jesus’ Invitation
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, often losing sight of what’s truly important—compassion and connection. This struggle is not new. In fact, it dates back to biblical times, as illustrated in a powerful story from the Gospel of Luke. This story reminds us of the significance of compassion over rigid adherence to rules.
In Luke 14, we find Jesus at the home of a prominent Pharisee, engaging in a Sabbath meal. Here’s how the story unfolds: Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” But they remained silent. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him on his way. Then he asked them, “If one of you has a child or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull it out?” Jesus uses this moment to challenge the Pharisees and their understanding of the Sabbath. He questions whether it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath, effectively placing compassion and human need above strict observance of religious laws.
The Joy of Sharing a Meal
I love food. This is no secret. All types of food, too—tacos, Thai, pasta, pizza, burgers, brats… breakfast sausages! Recently, I made chicken shawarma in my oven and frequently whip up a mean charcuterie spread. There’s something special about food made for you—it just tastes better. In some ways, I have the same palette as a hobbit from LOTR. What about second breakfast? Elevensies? While the food itself is delightful, what I cherish most about meals is the rich, refreshing community that forms around the table. It’s a time to connect, catch up, slow down, and reflect on life together. Meals are a gift from God, a regular rhythm that forces us to stop and be present with one another.
Food and Fellowship: A Divine Gift
Around my table, we often do a “check-in,” something I learned from close friends in North Carolina. It’s simple: share a burden or a blessing. What are you thankful for? What is weighing heavy on your heart? We take time to share, discuss, and pray. This practice transforms a meal into a space of support and connection. Another way to enhance mealtime is by using a question starter deck of cards. Pull one from the deck, read it aloud, and give everyone a minute or so to respond. These little practices can turn a meal into a profound experience of community and reflection.
Sabbath Meal and Healing
The story of Jesus healing on the Sabbath, particularly during a meal, provides a powerful context for understanding the true spirit of the Sabbath. Jesus was at the home of a prominent Pharisee, likely invited to share in a meal, to dialogue, and to enjoy each other’s company. But as the text indicates, Jesus was being carefully watched.
One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. There in front of him was a man suffering from abnormal swelling of his body. Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” But they remained silent. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him on his way. Then he asked them, “If one of you has a child or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull it out?” And they had nothing to say.
Jesus’ actions and questions reveal a deeper understanding of the Sabbath. It was not merely a day of rest and refraining from work but a day to do good, to show mercy, and to embody God’s love. He challenged the Pharisees’ rigid interpretation, highlighting that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.
Reflecting on Humility and Hospitality
Following this event, Jesus turns the conversation towards humility and hospitality. He observes how guests pick places of honor at the table and offers a parable on taking the lowest place:
“When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Jesus expands the vision of hospitality, encouraging us to invite those who cannot repay us, embodying true generosity and love. This teaching invites us to reflect on our guest lists and to consider extending our hospitality to those who are often overlooked.
The Great Banquet: An Invitation to All
Jesus further illustrates this point with the Parable of the Great Banquet:
“A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses… The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’”
This parable underscores the inclusive nature of God’s Kingdom. Those who initially received the invitation but made excuses represent those who miss out on the blessing because of their preoccupations. The master’s decision to invite the marginalized shows that God’s invitation is open to all, especially those who society often neglects.
Embracing Jesus’ Teachings
The teachings of Jesus on the Sabbath, humility, and hospitality challenge us to prioritize compassion and inclusivity. As we gather around our tables, let us remember the lessons from Jesus’ life and ministry. Let us embrace opportunities to do good, show mercy, and extend our hospitality beyond our usual circles. In doing so, we not only follow Jesus’ example but also create a community where everyone is seen, valued, and loved. Let us open our hearts and tables, inviting others to join in the feast of God’s Kingdom.
At this table, everyone is welcome. At this table, everybody matters. So come, pull up a chair.
Blog adapted from June 16, 2024, message by Minister Jed Logue
Freedoms & Disciplines
Drawing from the teachings of 1 Corinthians 9:19-27, we're reminded of the profound wisdom of the apostle Paul. In addressing the young and messy church in Corinth, Paul navigates the complexities of freedom and responsibility in the context of a pluralistic society. Paul's response is both radical and instructive. Despite his freedom in Christ, he willingly becomes a servant to all, adapting his approach to reach different groups – Jews, Gentiles, and the weak among them. His singular focus? To win as many as possible to the gospel of Jesus.
As a child of the 80s, few things captured my attention and competitive spirit like the classic Nintendo game, Mike Tyson's Punchout. The thrill of facing opponents like Glass Joe, King Hippo, and the Sandman, while striving to emerge victorious as the underdog "Mac," coached by the wise Doc, is a memory that still brings a smile to my face. Reflecting on those days of gaming glory, I can't help but draw parallels between the challenges of Mike Tyson’s Punchout and the lessons of life – particularly the concepts of freedom and discipline.
In the era of the NES console, there were no save points or checkpoints. Every time you played, you started from the very beginning. If you failed, it was back to square one. For us 80s kids, it was a lesson in perseverance. There were no shortcuts, no easy ways out. You had to keep pushing forward, overcoming obstacles with grit and determination. Yet, amidst the seemingly endless cycle of starting over, Punchout offered a glimmer of hope – the passcode. With the right combination written down and remembered, you could jumpstart your progress the next time you played. It was a lifeline, a chance to pick up where you left off and continue the journey towards victory.
Paul's Radical Response: Drawing from the teachings of 1 Corinthians 9:19-27, we're reminded of the profound wisdom of the apostle Paul. In addressing the young and messy church in Corinth, Paul navigates the complexities of freedom and responsibility in the context of a pluralistic society. Paul's response is both radical and instructive. Despite his freedom in Christ, he willingly becomes a servant to all, adapting his approach to reach different groups – Jews, Gentiles, and the weak among them. His singular focus? To win as many as possible to the gospel of Jesus.
In a culture obsessed with personal rights and freedoms, Paul's example challenges us to consider a different paradigm – one of sacrificial love and humility. He lays aside his own preferences and comforts for the sake of others, embodying the essence of servant leadership. But Paul doesn't stop there. He likens the Christian journey to a race, urging believers to run with purpose and discipline. Just as athletes undergo rigorous training for a temporary crown, we are called to pursue an eternal prize – the salvation of souls.
Embracing Spiritual Disciplines
In a world filled with distractions and temptations, embracing these disciplines is no easy task. But as Paul reminds us, the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices. Every soul won to Christ, every life transformed by the gospel – these are the true treasures that endure for eternity. So, as we engage with 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 and reminisce about the joys of gaming, let's also reflect on the timeless wisdom of Paul's words.
May we embrace the discipline of freedom, running our race with perseverance and purpose, all for the sake of the gospel. And who knows? Perhaps, like in Mike Tyson’s Punchout, the passcode to victory lies not in shortcuts or cheat codes, but in the steadfast pursuit of Christ and the unwavering commitment to love and serve others. In the end, that's a prize worth fighting for.
Blog adapted from March 10, 2024, message by Minister Jed Logue
An Inside Look at the CCC Governing Board: Q&A with Ken Dick
For nearly 100 years, Christ Community Church has been an influential voice among churches in our city. Throughout that time, God has been faithful to provide great leadership—wise men and women who seek to hear from God and discern his voice in order to make the best strategic decisions that position CCC and its people to be in the center of the mission to which God has called us.
Photo by Austin Asay
For nearly 100 years, Christ Community Church has been an influential voice among churches in our city. Throughout that time, God has been faithful to provide great leadership—wise men and women who seek to hear from God and discern his voice in order to make the best strategic decisions that position CCC and its people to be in the center of the mission to which God has called us. In addition to a great pastoral staff and other leaders who serve in vocational roles, CCC is blessed to have another layer of leadership called the Governing Board of Elders. Jed Logue, CCC’s Executive Director of Ministry Arts, had the privilege of sitting down with Governing Board member Ken Dick over a cup of coffee to learn more about who they are and what they do.
Ken is a professor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and serves there as a Research Fellow in Telecommunications. Ken has a PhD in statistics, a Master’s in counseling, and a Bachelor’s in math and physics. Ken has worked in a variety of environments, from teaching public school to directing an alternative school for dropouts, to twenty years in corporate life and now twenty years at UNO.
How long have you been coming to CCC? How many years have you served on the Governing Board (GB)?
We have been at Christ Community Church for thirty years. I’ve been on the Governing Board for almost twelve years, and the way that works is really interesting. You serve in three-year terms, and after two terms you have to take a one-year sabbatical, which I think is really healthy. It gives you some distance and then you can come back. I’m finishing my twelfth year on the board with a year off in the middle.
What is the role and function of the Governing Board?
The GB works on the strategic direction of the church—where we want to be, long-term. All of the strategic plans that come up through Pastor Mark and through the Management Team (a staff team of executives/directors) go to the GB, and we get to interact with them. We also are involved in financial review—long-term budgets and any expenditure above a certain amount has to be approved by the GB. So, we’re sitting there as an accountability layer representing the congregation in the governance of the church. We do the annual review on Mark. We are his boss. We determine his salary and set goals and directions for him. When a creative “winds of the Spirit” idea emerges, the GB helps to ask the right questions and to discern how those ideas fit into the larger vision and direction of CCC.
Photo by Marie Dufour
I hear a theme of oversight—oversight to Pastor Mark, to the health of the church and stewardship of our resources, and also to the overall vision. What role does the GB play in terms of spiritual oversight?
We take spiritual oversight very seriously. From a spiritual standpoint, we are always thinking about the health of the church and what we need to do in order to help our people grow and mature in Christ. We recognize that none of us have arrived. We are all in need of continuous progress in our spiritual walk. That’s the thing I love about the elders of our church. We are all growing, and we are seeking to support and create an environment in our church that allows people to grow in their relationship with Christ.
How do you even get on GB?
There is a process that involves a nominating committee made up of board members and other people in our church. Those being considered have an application to fill out that asks about theological and doctrinal beliefs, and there is also an interview that each person sits through. We are looking for people with a variety of skill-sets, but we are also looking for people who are doctrinally sound and who also have the grace to work with others. They really want mature, solid leaders in place. You’re not going to find someone on the GB who just joined the church last week. They need to have a history—a history of ministry and of being involved.
So these are people who love Jesus, have a depth of understanding in Scriptural and doctrinal truth, and they’ve shown themselves faithful to the CCC community?
Yes, and everyone on the GB is involved in different ministries at CCC. Some in the high school ministry, some in other ministries, but we’re all involved. I am the elder representative on the Management Team, so I get to bridge both the GB and the Management Team. We like that so there’s not just a single point of contact between the two. Pastor Mark wants another voice, so I get to go to all the Management Team meetings.
What are some of the reasons you continue to say “yes” to serving in this capacity? It obviously takes something of you in your schedule and commitment to consider these decisions in a prayerful way. Why do you keep doing it?
Meet CCC's Governing Board of Elders on our leadership page.
For one thing, I feel like God is calling me to it. I love the old expression that when God calls you, you’ve got to get off the couch and do it. Second, I feel like we all need to contribute to where God is calling. I also believe I bring something to the table in terms of a perspective that might be different. My biggest goal in life is to further the Kingdom and impact the next generation. I’m a firm advocate of developing the next generation of leaders. As a church, we have great resources, and we need to use those resources not just within our walls, but we need to use them to develop people and send them out. I feel strongly enough about it that I want to continue serving on the GB to make sure that happens.
Is there anything else you’d like us to know?
I would like to encourage everyone to interact with the GB. We need to hear from our people. That doesn’t mean we need to agree, but we need to have the grace to allow the elders to disagree. We don’t need to think the same, because that’s boring.
Jed Logue is the Executive Director of Ministry Arts at Christ Community Church