Kevin Campbell

Crank It Up Starts This Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:29:00 +0000

This Sunday at Elevate we start a new series called Crank It Up: Living an Amplified Life.

Join us as we take a few weeks to discover how our lives can make an even louder impact! It is time to live life AMPLIFIED.

As we gear up for the Fall, it is time to crank it up in our lives and to the great things God has called us to do through Elevate Church in San Diego and throughout the world.

Ephesians 3:20 is just as true today as it was 2,000 years ago. Let's live in a way that proves we believe it!

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21

Sunday Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:07:00 +0000

Here are some thoughts from Sunday:

It was a great day at Elevate! It was the last week of our Encore series and we did a message called Breaking Free from Worry.
I am so proud of those who took the time to invest in and invite people to Elevate. The church is people NOT a building. It was great to see our people getting that!
The message really helped a lot of people. I don't know one person who doesn't struggle with worry including ME.
Let's call it what it is: Worry is a sin!
Worry is trusting yourself instead of God. It is actually you trying to play God yourself. It's trying to control the uncontrollable.
It is time to stop trusting in everything BUT Christ. (Psalm 20:7)
Read Matthew 6:25-34 and Proverbs 3:5-6. If you need to, read those verses over and over. Let it sink in.
The good news is you aren't born with worry. Over time you and I train our minds to drift into worry. If it is learned, it can be unlearned. You must re-train your mind from thoughts of worry to thoughts filled with faith.
If you have time to worry, you have time to pray. Turn your worrying into praying! God can do much more with it than you could ever imagine.
To worry about something you can't change is useless. To worry about something you can change is ridiculous: Change it!
It was a great day at Elevate and the best part was three people receiving Christ as their Lord and Savior! THAT is what this is all about.
Next Sunday we start a series called Crank It Up: Living an Amplified Life. Who can you bring with you on Sunday? We are talking about Cranking it up with God.
Too many of us have settled for ordinary when God has called us to extraordinary. It's time to step out in your faith and let God step in!

Random Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:24:00 +0000

Here are some random Friday thoughts:

This Sunday is Big Day at Elevate as we have the finale of our Encore series. This Sunday we share the most requested message: Breaking FREE from Worry.
I know this message is going to help a lot of people. Do whatever you need to do to get them to church on Sunday!
"Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity." (Colossians 4:5) Open your eyes! God wants to use YOU.
Susan and I went on a date for dinner and a movie the other night. We saw Inception and weren't that impressed.
If you are a pastor, you must read this post about focus and perseverance.
Also, this is a great post by Steven Furtick about building a "house" you want to live in.
I am about to start P90X again. The hardest part is actually starting! If I can persevere for a week or two, I will be back in the swing of it. I must practice what I preach: Fight for the discipline and eventually it will become a desire!
I have Jury Duty on Monday. That ranks up there with changing my kids diapers.
The Lebron James Camp at UCSD starts next Thursday. I'm looking forward to being a part of it again this year.
We have used this Summer to really evaluate some key areas to gear up for the Fall at Elevate. I am very excited about some changes were making to help us reach more people!
I am looking forward to a great weekend with the family AND for a great Sunday at Elevate!

BIG Day at Elevate

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:34:00 +0000

I am excited about this Sunday at Elevate! We are sharing the most requested message for the end of our Encore series:

Breaking FREE from Worry.

I have no doubt that God is going to use this to help a lot of people.

For the finale of this series we are challenging everyone to bring someone to church with them this Sunday.

Every first time guest and the person who invites them will receive a FREE movie pass.

Last weekend we shared the story of Ian and Ashley. They were invited to church, came Easter Sunday, received Christ, were baptized a few weeks later, and are now serving at Elevate!

Who is your Ian and Ashley? Who do you know that needs Christ and this message about releasing the choke hold of worry in your life? People matter to God! Let's get them to church this Sunday.

I can't wait to see what God is going to do!

Sunday Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:35:00 +0000

Here are some thoughts from Sunday:

It was week three of our Encore Series and we talked about the Power of the Tongue.
The book of James is definitely one of my favorite books of the Bible. It is so practical and so powerful.
Read James 3 when you get a chance. James doesn't hold anything back. I would love to hear him preach. I guarantee he brought it.
The words you use are powerful and direct where you go. If you want to change the direction of your life, change the declaration of your lips!
Instead of talking about how bad your situation is, begin to speak of how BIG your God is! (Ephesians 3:20)
Watch what you say to your kids. They are becoming what you are speaking to them and about them.
It isn't even about words you can/can't say. It boils down to your attitude and intentions.
Ultimately, whatever is in your heart will come out of your mouth. (Matthew 12:34)
Everyday you can either choose life or death with your words. You can use your words to build up or tear down.
We shared the story of Ian and Ashley. It was a great story of someone at Elevate using their words to reach someone for Christ. Ian and Ashley were invited to our Easter service, gave their lives to Christ, were baptized a few weeks later, and are now a huge part of Elevate. THAT is what this is all about! Reaching those far from God and leading them to become passionate followers of Christ.
The power of an invitation: someone used their words to bring someone else life and literally changed the course of their life as well as where they spend eternity.
This coming Sunday is the last week of our Encore series and we are sharing the most requested message: Breaking Free from Worry.
Be there on Sunday AND every first time guest you bring will get a free movie pass!
Who do you know that struggles with worry? Bring them! It's going to be a great week.

Sunday Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:44:00 +0000

Here are some thoughts from Sunday:

It was week two of our Encore series. We talked about How to Drift from God AND what to do when it happens!
It happens to all of us. Will you continue to drift or fight to return to your "first love?" (Revelation 2:4-5)
Read Psalm 63:1. When is the last time you desired God like this?
BTW, the podcast recording didn't work properly so we don't have a copy of yesterday's message. Bummer!
One way to drift is to hang around bad influences. "If you surround yourself with clowns, you will get a circus." (1 Corinthians 15:33)
Another way to drift is to love this world more than you love God (1 John 2:15). Billy Graham said "Give me five minutes with someone's checkbook and I'll tell you where their heart is." Ouch!
When you have a moment of free time where do you constantly run to: the computer, facebook, another TV show, or God?
By the way, none of these things are bad unless they take your focus off Jesus and are placed before Him. He is either Lord in your life or He isn't. There is really no middle ground.
I needed to hear this message as much as anyone. Very convicting stuff!
We sand Center by Charlie Hall after the message and added the hymn Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. I love that hymn and confession!
We had someone receive Christ during the service! THAT is what this is all about. We had many others who prayed to return to their "first love."
This coming Sunday we are talking about the Power of the Tongue. I know you have no trouble saying things you shouldn't but invite your friends and co-workers who do! :-)

Random Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:25:00 +0000

It has been a while since I did a random Friday post so here we go:

First of all, be sure to join us this Sunday for week two of our Encore series. Doing a message from our Five Easy Steps to Wreck Your Life series called How To Drift From God.
I am excited to talk about how it happens AND most importantly what to do when it happens!
We had a mission team from GA here this week. We had an awesome week! They all had incredible servant's heart and a willingness to do whatever it takes. One of the things we did was host a block party at Ocean Air Park in our community. We had over a hundred people show up and made a lot of great connections with people in the community.
One lady asked if she could give an offering and was blown away when I told her it was all free. I am grateful for all of those who sacrificially give to allow us to do these free events to serve our community. If you want to give to help us do more of these events, you can go here and give online.
We are doing a BIG Day at Elevate on Sunday, July 25th. Everyone who brings a first time guest will get a free movie pass for themselves and their friend. We are also sharing the most requested message for the Encore series on that day. Let's pray, invite, and let Jesus do His thing!
I have missed my wife and kids big time this week. They get back today at 4:30pm. I can't wait to see them!
I thought Lebron James was going to sign with the Elevate basketball team but the terms of the contract didn't work out. :-) Oh well, have fun in Miami!
The weather has been incredible in San Diego. Sorry East Coasters but the high in San Diego all week has been 65!
I read three books on vacation. Yes, I love to read.
Can't wait for this weekend! Jesus is Lord! Live for Him and Love Him. Nothing will satisfy your soul like Him!

What's Your Story?

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:03:00 +0000

I read a great book on vacation by Donald Miller called A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. He challenges the reader to live a great story. You know, the kind of life that is worth talking about when you're gone. We don't mean one that builds you up but that lifts the name of Jesus through your life. It really is the only type of life worth living.

The quote below from the book just blew me away:

People love to have lived a great story, but few people like the work it takes to make it happen. But joy costs pain.

It immediately reminded me of Hebrews 12:2-3:

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

It's time to get off the sidelines. Get in the game! Yes, it will painful. Yes, you will get hurt and sometimes will have to play injured but keep pressing on for Jesus!

The old saying is true: "No pain, No Gain."

There is no victory without the battle! No matter what you are going through remember that joy costs pain.

God may be preparing you for something that you can't even begin to comprehend yet!

Let the words of James 1:12 encourage and challenge you today to be faithful to whatever God has put before you:

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

Sunday Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:10:00 +0000

Here are some thoughts from Sunday:

It was week one in our Encore series. We let people vote on their favorite messages they would love to hear and this week we talked about the Hope Filled Life.
You can listen to the message here or on our Itunes Podcast.
We talked about Hope as we looked at the life of Joseph.
It is true that you either just got out, or going into, or in the middle of trouble. Life isn't like the movies. Jesus said you would have trouble but thankfully He has over come!
Don't let your circumstances define who you are. Let Jesus define who you are! You are adopted by God, a child of God, forgiven by God, and deeply loved by God!
You are not worthless you are priceless! Actually, Jesus paid THE highest price for you: His very own life!
The Scriptures said over and over that no matter Joseph circumstances that "The Lord was with Joseph."
Read these verses and memorize them: Romans 15:13; Lamentations 3:19-25. If you need hope right, let these verses truly sink in your heart.
Be faithful here before you can get "there." It is a biblical principle laid out in Matthew 25. When you are faithful with a little God can entrust you with more. We see this principle occur in the life of Joseph.
He was a slave or in prison for 13 years before he was brought to a place of prominence! Don't give up. Keep pressing on for Jesus. There is no victory without the battle!
You can use your adversity to make you better or bitter. Joseph used it to make him better. He didn't get bitter at his brothers for selling him into slavery. He embraced God's higher purpsoe through it all: "The saving of many lives." (Genesis 45:3-8; 50:20)
We watched the video of Zac Smith at the end of the message. It is such a powerful testimony of someone embracing a higher purpose: God is God and God is good. To God be the glory.
It was awesome to have lots of new people there on the 4th.
By the way, I am very thankful for all of those who fight for the freedom in this country. Thank you for the sacrifices you make.
Next Sunday we continue our Encore series with a message from the 5 Easy Steps series called How to Drift from God. Join us for the remix!

ENCORE

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Encore is a 4-week remix of some of the best messages and series from the past year and a half at Elevate Church.

Ever hear a message or have a series you wish we could have spent more time on? We are taking some time to revisit past series by YOUR request, so let us know what you would like to go over one more time and we will venture into them together again in a fresh way!

So get ready - the second time around is the encore you've been asking for.

Vote here for your favorite messages!

Join us starting Sunday, July 4th and throughout July for the Encore!

Sunday Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:30:00 +0000

Here are some thoughts from this weekend:

It was the final week of our Unstoppable Series. I am very grateful for Chris Reynolds preaching at Elevate! He did a message called Unstoppable Purpose.
I heard it was great and we had people who received Christ! That's awesome! I can't wait to listen to it on our podcast.
Our family has been in South Carolina this past week visiting family and taking a vacation. We had a great time at the beach and visiting with everyone in our family.
On Sunday, I had the privilege to preach at Radiant Church in Greenville, SC. They were doing the same Unstoppabloe series as Elevate. It is great to see so many churches partner together and share resources in the Unstoppable Series.
Radiant is a great church AND we had two people receive Christ too!
I preached a similar message that I shared the week before at Elevate called Unstoppable People.
A few quick points that I didn;t already mention from last week's "Sunday Reflections." :
I'm thankful Jesus isn't a quitter. He stared the cross and death in the face and defeated it.
Don't ever give up on something God has called you to do. One day you will face Jesus and look at His nail scarred hands. Every excuse you could give him wouldn't make a difference at that point.
Satan messes with those God is using. If you haven't had an encounter with Satan lately, it could be that you are headed in the same direction.
Stay united. Stay focused. Be relentless.
We have two mission teams coming in July to San Diego. I look forward to doing some outreach with them! It is always an encouragement when we have teams come in town.
We start a new series this Sunday on July 4th called Encore. Go here and vote for your favorite messages and join us for a remix of some of the best!

Sunday Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:58:00 +0000

Here are some thoughts from Sunday:

We made it to Charleston, SC on Sunday night for a vacation so I just wanted to hit a few quick highlights.
It was week three in our Unstoppable series. The message this week was called Unstoppable People.
I didn't preach for two weeks and I was grateful for the break. It was also great to preach today. I love our people!
We've been working on a lot of systems and getting ready to crank it up around Elevate so that's what I've been working on.
Happy Father's Day! Dads you have an incredible opportunity. Make the most of it and be the men God has created you to be.
We gave every dad a copy of You Have What It Takes by John Eldridge. It is a short book and every dad should read it.
By the way, you can listen to the message here. The first few minutes were unfortunately cut off but you can still get the majority of the message.
I shared three characteristics that it takes to be Unstoppable. It is true for a marriage, a family, and of course our church.
Unstoppable People are united, focused, and relentless!
We spent some time at the end of the service to honor Ellenor Sullins and all of her service to Elevate. She started out as Elevate's Children Director and then became one of our overall amazing volunteers. We love her and look forward to what God does next on her journey as she moves to Atlanta!
This week we end the Unstoppable series with a message called Unstoppable Purpose. Also, Chris Reynolds will be here too! Can't wait!
We start a new series on July 4th called Encore. We're bringing back some of the best messages for an Encore. It will be a remix and even better than before!
Go here to vote for your two favorite messages you would like to hear during July.
I heard a lot of great stuff about Donald Miller's book called A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. I love to read and look forward to reading it while we're on vacation.
The next six months at Elevate are going to be the greatest we've seen so far. What are you doing to make a difference for Jesus? It's going to take everyone stepping up! Praying, serving, and inviting others.
Our God is greater, Our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other!

Sunday Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:19:00 +0000

Here are some thoughts from a great day:

It was week two in our Unstoppable Series and the message was called Unstoppable Courage. It was a great message by Pastor Craig Groeschel of Lifechurch.TV.
He shared from a great story in 2 Samuel 23:20-23 about Benaiah chasing a lion in a pit on a snowy day.
I highly recommend a book by Mark Batterson about this story. Several of us read it before moving to San Diego and it really set the stage for us in making the move across the country.
Below are some thoughts from today or you can listen to the message right here.
The path to your greatest potential is often straight through your greatest fear. Remember fear doesn't come from God! (2 Timothy 1:7)
People with real faith chase lions!
People that chase lions don't let fear stop them from what God has called them to do.
People with unstoppable courage know that the bigger their God is the smaller the lions become.
People with unstoppable courage understand that playing it safe is risky.
The goal of faith is not the elimination of risk. It actually increases risks. (Hebrews 11:6)
A statement that hit me hard was when he said "Imagine if Jesus walked away from the cross."
It's a great reminder that the same One who lives in me chased the biggest "lion" of all and conquered it!
We hosted a gathering for our volunteers after the Service. I love the people God has blessed Elevate with on this journey.
I am excited about what the next six months are going to look like at Elevate. We are making some changes to our ministry teams and further developing some of our systems.
I love the life change that is happening in our people right now!
I absolutely love our Life groups. It is awesome to see some new people getting connected in them as well.
I am excited to be preaching this Sunday for Father's Day! The message this week is called Unstoppable People.
Don't miss it! We have some great giveaways for all the Fathers AND I can't wait to share the message God has put on my heart to share!

Random Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 22:47:00 +0000

Here are some random Friday thoughts:

It is week two in our Unstoppable Series and we are talking about Unstoppable Courage.
Chew on this to get ready for this weekend's message: "The pathway to your greatest potential is often straight through your greatest fears." Wow, that is good!
I can't wait for this Sunday! I also can't wait to share with some of our amazing volunteers after the service for our Momentum Gathering.
God is definitely putting some stuff on my heart for what's next at Elevate. Can't wait to share more when the time is right!
Naomi turns 8 years old tomorrow! That is so hard to believe. She is our oldest and I love her so much.
Susan took her and a friend to LA for the day today. That meant I had the other three all by myself the whole day. We survived!
I had In-n-Out today for lunch. I really enjoy it but they definitely should give it another name. There is nothing about being in and out in that place.
I am almost finished reading Christian Atheist by Craig Groeschel. That book has been messing me up. Very challenging!
I'm reading a couple of other books right now too. I'm bad about reading several books at once.
The kids get out of school next Thursday and they are so excited.
We lost again this week in our basketball game. I am sure you are not surprised by now.
I am loving the NBA Finals! 2-2 and one more game in Boston. My prediction is whoever wins Game 5 will win the series.
I got to ride along with a policeman earlier this week who attends Elevate. Planning on going with him on a late night ride along at some point soon. That will be fun. :-)

Two Years Ago This Happened

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:56:00 +0000

This picture above was from two years ago. I think we were somewhere in Louisiana at this time. Susan and I were driving the biggest Penske truck they provide for moving and we were pulling my car behind it! It took us about four days to drive across the country but somehow we made it. We made some incredible memories but I don't think I ever want to drive one of those across the country again. :-)

Several times throughout that trip we looked at each other and laughed. We wondered what in the world are we doing and we sometimes still think that. It kind of reminds me of the time when God told Abraham's wife, Sarah, in her old age she was going to become pregnant. She laughed BUT God did exactly what He said He was going to do.

As I look back I realize we really are not the same people. Yes, we still have the same personalities and all that, but God has done such a work in our hearts over the past two years. It really is amazing. I can see the difference God has made in those who moved with us and joined this journey as well. We are not the same people. God is doing amazing things in our hearts. He has stretched our faith in ways we didn't even know was possible two years ago.

I have realized that for God to do a great work through you He must first do a great work IN you. I feel that the past two years have been as much, if not more, about what God is doing in me and the others who have joined this journey.

Last night as someone sat in our living room wrestling over their decision of crossing the line of faith and becoming a follower of Christ, I was reminded THIS is why we are here. We moved across the country to lead people far from God to become passionate followers of Christ!

Church planting is hard work but I wouldn't trade what we are doing for anything else in the world. The thirty plus people who have given their lives to Christ since we have moved here makes it all worth it!

I don't know what the next two years will look like but I do know the best is yet to come...

It's Not An Accident

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:16:00 +0000

One of my favorite verses is Acts 17:26:

"From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the EXACT places where they should live."

It bothers me to hear people say things like:

- I'm just killing time. - Are you really OK with wasting the most precious thing given to us which is time on this earth?

- Once I get THAT job, then I can make a difference. - If you aren't making a difference for God's Kingdom now, what makes you think things will change once you get that job or promotion?

- Or when people think the only way to do missions is to go to Africa or some third world country. - If we can't go across the street, do we really have any business going around the world?

It's time to realize that God has YOU divinely positioned at this EXACT place in history to serve His purposes to those around you!

Seriously, let that thought sink in.

Your job really isn't a job. It is a divine calling from God whether you work there the rest of your life or for the next six months.

The place where you live is no accident. God has divinely positioned you at that house or apartment to reach those around you. Make no mistake about it - He wants you to love them and be Jesus to them.

It is no accident when interruptions happen throughout your day. Don't get frustrated. Instead figure out how God wants to grow you or use you in those moments.

Remember it is not an accident.

You only have one life to live so seize every moment God gives you on this planet!

Sunday Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 19:00:00 +0000

Here are some thoughts from Sunday:

We kicked off our Unstoppable Series with An Unstoppable Comeback from Pastor Herbert Cooper of Peoples Church. It was a great message!
He shared the story of Moses in Exodus 2 and 3. Moses waited forty years after messing up before God used him to bring the Israelites out of Egypt.
God is always in control. He is the God of second chances!
Failure isn't final.
No matter what has happened before remember that God still has a plan.
God's plan won't happen over night.
God cares, He forgives, and He restores.
God is more concerned about what is happening in you than through you. He is more concerned in what you are becoming than what you're doing. (Philippians 1:6)
Don't put a period where God has put a comma!
Get back up. (Proverbs 24:16)
It was a great message and you can listen to the whole message here or on our Itunes podcast.
We sang Our God and it was a great way to end the service. "Our God is greater, Our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other. Our God is healer, awesome in power, OUR GOD"
I really believe a lot of our people needed to hear this message.
It is so awesome to see some new people getting connected.
Read Maggie's post about a couple she talked to almost two years ago. Don't ever give up on the people in your life. You never know how God will use your words in someone's life whether next week or two years later. Be faithful. Be persistent. Leave the results to God!
Next Sunday we continue our series with Unstoppable Courage. Pray for those you need to invite and trust me you don't want to miss this message!

Random Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 20:06:00 +0000

Here are some random Friday thoughts:

It is the first week of our Unstoppable series as a part of the One Prayer series. We are excited about joining other churches across the world for this series.
Trust me, you don't want to miss this first week!
"Don't put a period where God puts a comma!" This Sunday at Elevate: Unstoppable Come Back.
Game one went to the Lakers. I'm thinking it's going to be Lakers in six games!
"Give me five minutes with a person's checkbook, and I will tell you where their heart is." - Billy Graham. Wow, that's so true. Whatever is in your heart will eventually come out in your actions and through what you do with what has been given to you.
Not sure if it's the British accent or Charlie's reaction but this video is funny. I love the remix too.
We are still winless in our basketball season. We are getting closer though! We lost two weeks ago by one in overtime and this Tuesday by three in regulation.
I love this little girl! She is growing up so fast.
The kids get out of school in less than two weeks. They are so excited!
We are going to visit family in SC in a few weeks. We can't wait to see everyone. It only happens twice a year so we always try to make the most of these times.
Have you ever heard the history of how the 12 apostles were killed? Read this. It is amazing.
"Spiritual warfare is going to happen if you are doing anything significant for God." - Nelson Searcy
I'm in a coaching Network with Nelson Searcy of Church Leader Insights and Pastor of the Journey Church in New York. It has been great and very challenging. Last week Rick Warren joined our conference call. I love Pastor Rick! He has an incredible heart for Pastors.
"It doesn’t matter how you start the ministry but how you finish. You don’t get something for starting the marathon but finishing it." - Rick Warren
"Doubt your doubts and believe your beliefs." - Rick Warren
By the way, Rick Warren is extremely encouraging too. It reminded me of the type of people I need to surround myself with: Highly productive people not high maintenance people, positive and optimistic people NOT negative and pessimistic people.
Life is too short! Surround yourself with people who can build you up and help you become more like Christ.

One Prayer Series Starts This Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:59:00 +0000

We are excited to join churches from around the world for One Prayer again this year. The theme for this year is Unstoppable. When the church unites, we are unstoppable!

One Prayer began in 2008 to explore the question: We pray to Jesus asking Him to answer our prayers - what if we became the answer to His? In John 17:20-24, He prayed that we would be one, and One Prayer is an opportunity to see what can be accomplished when the Church works together.

For two years, millions of believers around the world have united to pray, learn, and love others. God has worked in amazing ways each year, and we can't wait to see what He does during One Prayer 2010. During June, we’ll come together for four weeks as we learn more about our Creator and go out into the world to share, serve and give.

Join us during June for this great series.

Because God is on our side, we are unstoppable!

Sunday Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:08:00 +0000

Here are some thoughts from Sunday:

We celebrated on Sunday with Worship and Communion. It was a really awesome time of worship!
Jesus paid an unbelievable price for you!
Read Isaiah 52:14 and 53:2-7 to reflect on the price he paid.
I shared part of my testimony during the message. One of the greatest realizations I had was my own desperate need for the Savior. Many times we think we're not that bad or that other people need to be "saved" but we just need to be helped out.
That is the furthest thing from the truth. We are doomed without Christ and in desperate need of His saving grace. (Colossians 1:21-22)
God traded all of my imperfection for His Son's perfection.
If you ever doubted God's love, all you need to do is look at the cross. The cross proves His love for all eternity!
Get out of the South Parking Lot and start heading North! You'll have to listen to the message to get that. Let's just say it includes me and more trouble at the Atlanta airport.
Is what you are living for worth Christ dying for the way He died? That is a tough question that we all need to deal with.
Some of the most powerful verses in Scripture are 1 Corinthians 15:54-58. Jesus stared death in the face and defeated it! I don't know what you are going through but I know someone who can help you conquer it: Jesus!
We sang The Wonderful Cross after the Lord's Supper. It was a really powerful time. I was overwhelmed singing those words.
We sang Shout unto God at the end of the Service. I love that anthem.
We had a Barbecue after the service and played Volleyball. The team I was on lost every game we played. Not quite the way I planned! :-)
We start a series called Unstoppable this coming Sunday. We are joining churches all across the world with this series. It is going to be a great series! Because God is on our side, we are unstoppable.
I am so excited about this summer and some of the great things we have planned!

Kingdom Momentum

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Thu, 27 May 2010 23:00:00 +0000

I am finally getting to some books I had for a few years but forgot about because they were in boxes in our garage. That's what happens when you are a church planter with no real office. :-)

Now all of my books are on bookshelves at our house. One book I found and finally read is called Momentum: God's Ever Increasing Kingdom by Steve Hickey. It was a good book and here are some quotes that really stood out:

"Kingdom momentum is enhanced the more we preach Christ." - I know this is a simple statement but seriously do you care more about being "cool" or seeing people become more like Christ?
"If you are losing steam between Sundays in your personal life with the Lord, it probably has more to do with your daily life with the Lord."
'The level of greatness in our church only increases in direct proportion to the level of great character increasing in us."
"Something must die in each of us for God to fully come alive in and through us."
"A zero tolerance policy for destructive criticism and gossip about something we are doing keeps division away from the vision."
"Relational momentum begins to emerge when we surround ourselves with high-productivity people, not high-maintenance people."
"If you are in the same place spiritually that you were last year, then for sure you missed the Spirit's subtle and not so subtle cues to keep up."
"Commotion is not the same as motion. Christian commotion is not the same as Christ's kingdom advancing." - Are you really keeping the main thing the main thing? Maybe the last thing you need is another Christian small group/bible study! Instead put into practice what you already know.
"Never substitute human effort for heaven's anointing."
"The laws of physics tell us the lower we are, the faster we go. Humility is huge to spiritual momentum."
"I tell every church planter that I train that the one guarantee in church planting is that you will be broken."
"When people can count on you, they will connect with you."
"The kingdom of God advances with relentless effort."
"When people ask me how to plant a church I tell them, "On your knees."
From Dave Ramsey: Focused Intensity divided by Time multiplied by a great big God equals Unstoppable Momentum.
"Kingdom momentum begins as we cry out to the Lord that it would increasingly be on Earth as it is in Heaven."

This Weekend at Elevate

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Thu, 27 May 2010 17:29:00 +0000

I am pumped about this weekend at Elevate! We spent some time praying and finalizing everything on Tuesday and I can't wait for what God is going to do.

Seriously, do whatever you need to do to be at church on Sunday and bring someone with you!

It will be an unforgettable service as we worship Jesus and reflect on what He did for us!

Romans 5:8 really sums it all up "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

It will be an incredible time of worship and we are doing Communion as well!

Also, after the service we are hosting a Barbecue and playing Volleyball! Bring your A game and let's have some fun!

An Unstoppable Force

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Tue, 25 May 2010 17:00:00 +0000

We finished up a series at Elevate this past Sunday about the Holy Spirit. It was a great series and I think we all learned a lot. Of course the point is not to just learn but to actually put it into action!

"For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God's power." 1 Corinthians 4:20

On that note, I highly recommend Forgotten God by Francis Chan as you continue this journey of walking in the Spirit and being led by the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25)

Here is a great thought at the end of the book by Francis:

"When I read the book of Acts, I see the church as an unstoppable force. Nothing could thwart what God was doing, just as Jesus foretold: "The gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). The church was powerful and spreading like wildfire, not because of clever planning, but by a movement of the Spirit. Riots, torture, poverty, or any other type of persecution couldn't stop it. Isn't that the type of church movement we all long to be a part of?...When I see the book of Acts, I see people privileged to play a part in what God was doing."

I love that. Now let's go live it!

Sunday Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Mon, 24 May 2010 21:06:00 +0000

Here are some thoughts from Sunday's message:

It was the final week of The Ghost series and we talked about Being Filled With The Spirit.
The first half of the message was cut off but here is the second half.
To forget the Holy Spirit is really to forget God.
Are you an acquaintance of God or an intimate friend?
Acts 2:1-4 was a game changer. The early disciples were radically changed because of Jesus and His Spirit inside of them.
The supernatural and unexplainable happened because they were desperate to give their lives for Him! (Acts 4:19-20)
When the Holy Spirit moves, God is the One praised and Jesus is the one lifted up.
If you are filled with the Spirit of God you will think, talk, and act differently. (Ephesians 5:15-20).
Start speaking into who you are now not who you were! (Ephesians 2)
If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there really be enough evidence to convict you?
You can't do what God's Spirit is leading you to do apart from His Word. Open God's word daily! (Psalm 119:9-11)
If Jesus needed time with His Father, how much more do we need to spend uninterrupted time with Him? (Mark 1:35)
Obey God today not some day. Stop being consumed with God's will in five years and start being obsessed with what He wants to do through you today! (John 14:15)
"Jesus didn't die to follow us but so we could die to our old life and follow Him to a true and better life!" - Francis Chan - That is so true!
When was the last time you sought God with ALL of your heart? (Jeremiah 29:13) Stop waiting, do it today!
We closed with a song called I Have Decided. I love that song!
We did an acoustic set for something different as we closed out the series. I'm usually not a fan of acoustic sets but I thought the guys did a great job and Jesus was lifted up.
We had someone at church who was fist invited almost two years ago! Keep sowing seeds and let God bring the harvest in due time! (Galatians 6:9)
We are having a Worship and Communion Service this coming Sunday. Bring people with you! It will be a powerful time of worship as we focus on what Christ has done for us!

Coming Up at Elevate

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Fri, 21 May 2010 16:33:00 +0000

I am excited about what its happening at Elevate! Here are some things coming up over the next few weeks:

We wrap up our series called The Ghost this Sunday. What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit? Probably not what you think! Join us this Sunday at 10am and find out more!
On Sunday, May 30th, we are having a Worship and Communion Service. Join us for this day as we reflect on the incredible sacrifice Jesus made for us! Get people to church on that day. It will be a very powerful service!
On Saturday, May 29th, come join others from Elevate for a night at the Padres Game. The game starts at 5:35pm. We are meeting at the Park at 5pm and to buy the Park at the Park tickets. Come hang out and get to know others at Elevate!
Celebrate Memorial Day with us! On Sunday, May 30th immediately following the service we are having a barbecue and playing volleyball. Be sure to be here on that day and stay after for some fun and to get beat by me in Volleyball! :-)
We kick off a new series called Unstoppable as a part of the One Prayer series on Sunday, June 6th. Because God is on our side, we are Unstoppable!
We have a few people from Elevate going on a mission trip with Living Water International this Summer to Nicaragua. Can't wait to hear what God does through this trip!
We got some other great things coming up in June but I will stop for now.
Elevate, greater things are still to come and greater things are still to be done!