Kevin Campbell

Mr. & Mrs. Better Half: Friend With Benefits

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:29:00 +0000

Here are some thoughts from a great day at Elevate!

It was the second week of Mr. & Mrs. Better Half and we shared what it takes to be a "friend with benefits."
First and foremost, we celebrate two people giving their lives to Christ! That is awesome!
Mark it down - Friendship is the key to a healthy marriage. Everything else good or bad in your relationship flows from the depth of your friendship.
Song of Solomon 5:16 - "This is my beloved and this is my FRIEND."
Read Genesis 2:18-25. There is so much goodness packed in those verses. I can't even do it justice in this blog post.
The first human friendship God created was between a husband and wife.
Unlike everything else God spoke into existence, He uses His hand to craft a gift of a friend/helper to Adam.
John 15:13: Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
Three Relational Confessions to becoming a friend with benefits:
1) I Have Your Back.
There is no one who really knows you better than your spouse. That is why it is so significant that you more than anyone else believe in them!
Proverbs 18:21 says the tongue has the power of life and death. Your spouse is becoming what you speak about them!
The benefit of this confession: Protection and encouragement.
Read Proverbs 27:5-6. Fake friends stab you in the back. REAL friends stab you in the front.
Read Ephesians 4:29. This verse alone can save many marriages!
If you don't like the results you are getting, then look at what you are giving.
2) We are in this together.
A spouse saying I don't need you is a liar. Genesis 2 clearly says it is not good for man to be alone. Celebrate your need for each other to help each other become everything God wants you to become!
Marriage isn't about your happiness. It is about your holiness. The number one reason you are together with your spouse is collectively doing more for the glory of God together then you could alone.
The benefit of this confession is purpose and direction.
Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. TWO are better than one for they get a GOOD return for their work.
You need a purpose to live for together or you will eventually fall for anything.
Read Proverbs 29:18. The problem is not sex, the in-laws, etc. The problem is VISION. All the other problems are the root of something deeper that needs to come to light.
When the team works together, the dream comes together! In marriage, you must be a team.
3) I will run to you not from you.
Show me a divorce and I will show you two people who stopped pursuing each other.
Wives put your husband before your kids. Husbands put your wives above your work.
The greatest thing I could ever do for my kids is love my wife and model to them what a godly husband really is.
The benefit of running to my spouse is intimacy and oneness.
Where secrets live, intimacy dies. Where intimacy lives, secrets die.
Proverbs 18:24: There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.
Genesis 2:25 is such a powerful verse on so many levels.
The true test of friendship: "A friend loves at ALL times" - Proverbs 17:17
Is that not what marriage is all about? Loving at all times in every situation!
We sang How Great Thou Art before the message and it was powerful.
We shared a video of someone who has connected at Elevate and regularly invites others to COME with her. That's awesome!
We had many new people. Love it!
Our entire team in every area did a great job pulling off a great day at Elevate!
This coming Sunday we are talking about Fighting Fair. It can help save a lot of pain and heartache in marriages. Don't miss it!

Mr. & Mrs. Better Half: No Strings Attached

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:50:00 +0000

Here are some thoughts from week one of Mr. and Mrs. Better Half at Elevate Church:

The first week we shared a message called No Strings Attached.
We opened up the message with some well known love songs to help get everyone in the loving mood. :-)
Huge props to our stage design team! They did a great job with the look of this series.
My wife joined me for the welcome time. I love her so much and she is truly an incredible wife!
We gave away a marriage book to an engaged couple. We will have giveaways each week of the series. If you are interested, here is the link to the book we gave to an engaged couple on Sunday.
We opened up with some Relationship Myths:
1) Marriage is a 50/50 proposition.
Read Philippians 2:2-4. We must put our spouse's interest above our own.
Marriage is a covenant not a contract.
A contract is built on mutual distrust but a covenant is built on mutual commitment.
Are you the wind beneath their wings or the pain in their rear?
2) Everything good in our relationship will automatically get better.
Married people know this isn't true. A lot of singles believe this lie.
When you are dating someone, they are putting their best foot forward.
I'm afraid many couples marry an image only to wake up one day to realize they married a real person.
Don't refuse the fact you are married to a real human being.
Dating opposites attract. Get married and opposites begin to attack.
3) My spouse will complete me.
1 John 4:12: "...God lives in us and HIS love is made complete in us."
It is unhealthy to expect your spouse to meet all your needs. He or she can't! They are not God.
God is the only one that can complete you.
4) My spouse is to blame for the majority of our problems.
Read James 4:1 slowly. The fights and quarrels start inside of you.
Marriage doesn't create problems. It simply reveals what was already in your heart.
A new relationship or marriage will not work. You must deal with the person in the mirror first. Stop the blame game that is as old as Genesis 3.
Our focus must shift to becoming the better half.
How? Love with no strings attached.
Read 1 Corinthians 13. Read Matthew 22:37-40.
The foundation of everything we believe is driven by LOVE.
There is a big difference between lust and love.
Lust is about me. Love is about you. Lust wants it now. Love is patient. Lust is about what I can get. Love is about what I can give.
1) Love is displayed through actions.
1 John 3:18: "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."
Talk is cheap! Love is a verb. It is about action.
Action comes from passion. No action then no passion. It is not about obligation or manipulation. It's about I GET to.
You must convert good intentions to actions. Most relationships struggle and die on the altar of unconverted good intentions.
2) Love takes work.
What kind of work? "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to SERVE and to GIVE his life as a ransom for many." - Mark 10:45
Name an area of your life you can neglect and it would naturally get better? You can't! It is true in marriage too. You must work daily at it!
Great marriages don't happen in a day but as a result of what you do daily.
3) Love is about we not me.
John 15:13: "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
1 John 3:16: "We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters (in Christ)."
It isn't about "my rights." It is about OUR relationship!
Don't say, "God change my spouse." Say, "God change me!"
If you want what few have, you must be willing to do what few do!
We had a great kick off to the series!
"Never Let Go" was a great follow up at the end of the Service.
This coming week we are talking about Friend With Benefits.
It is going to be a great week.
I am so passionate about relationships and want to see couples get this right! You don't have to survive. God created marriage and it is to be wonderful. It is NOT easy but with a lot of love and work it can be GREAT!

Trust Me, Watch This Video!

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Take a minute and watch this video. It is hilarious and SO true! Be sure to join us THIS Sunday at Elevate Church for the kick off of this relationship series - Mr. & Mrs. Better Half!

Mr. and Mrs. Better Half...Starts This Week!

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:24:00 +0000

Elevate Church | Mr. and Mrs. Betterhalf

Home | Times/Directions | Share on FB

We want to invite you to join Elevate Church for the kick off of a highly anticipated relationship series called Mr. & Mrs. Better Half.

Searching for your Better Half? Married and wonder what happened to your Better Half? If so, this series is for you!

My wife and I have been married almost 11 years and dated four years before that. We have been through a lot of ups and downs learning a lot along the way. I can't wait to share with you from God's Word and our experiences of how to become Mr. & Mrs. Better Half!

Here are the topics for this series:

February 5th - No Strings Attached
February 12th - Friend With Benefits
February 19th - Fighting Fair
February 26th - Going All The Way

Join us this Sunday at Torrey Pines HS for the kick off of Mr & Mrs. Better Half!

How The Revolution Multiplies

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:26:00 +0000

Here are some thoughts from the end of our Ne Year's ReVolution series.

On Sunday we talked about how the revolution multiplies: COMMIT.
We must commit to be reproducers.
Are you a spiritual receiver or a spiritual reproducer? The goal isn't disciples. The goal is disciples who make disciples.
Elevate exists to lead people to become passionate followers of Christ!
This series was about HOW we do that:
How the revolution begins: COME.
How the revolution gains traction: CONNECT.
How the revolution thrives: CONTRIBUTE.
How the revolution multiplies: COMMIT.
Are you a 4 C Christ follower? That is what it means to be a passionate follower of Christ.
To See the revolution multiply: Read Acts 9:1-22.
1) I must provide the touch.
We are the touch the world needs!
There is no plan B. What connects the love and grace of God to the needs of this world? YOU.
2 Corinthians 5:20: "So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal THROUGH us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”
There is a Saul in your life and God wants to use you to touch them.
Every Christian should have a ministry in the church and a mission in the world. What's yours?
We will be a church that goes to the ends of the earth BUT how dare we think about going around the world if we first don't go across the street?
Your campus, work place, neighborhood, etc IS your mission field.
2) I choose HIS kingdom over my comfort.
Ananias questioned the Lord but Jesus didn't stutter. He answered with the same command - GO!
Sometimes we will have to go to the place we don't want to, so we can get to THE place God wants us.
God never said it would be easy or comfortable but that it would be worth it!
Luke 9:23: “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must TURN from your selfish ways, take up your cross DAILY, and follow me.
3) I recognize the potential is amazing.
Matthew 28:19: "GO and make disciples of ALL nations..." It was a command not a suggestion!
Saul's life was changed and he immediately told others. Acts 9:20 - "At once..."
Never underestimate the value of one life coming to Christ!
If you knew the cure for the cancer, I guarantee you would do everything you could to get it to people dying of cancer.
We have been given the cure for the cancer of sin. Our calling is to share this Good News with as many people as possible.
How it all started: "Yes, Lord." Atc s 9:10
All great moves of God begin with someone or a group of people willing to say - "Yes, Lord!"
We sang "To The Ends Of The Earth" by Hillsong at the end of the Service. I loved closing out the series with that song.
I have tried to pour my heart out the last few weeks in sharing our purpose. Now it is time to go live the vision.
I shared this Thank You blog post at the end of the message as a wrap to this series and as we enter year four.
We had more people sign up for our Life Groups on Sunday. We've had the highest amount of sign ups ever for a life group semester.
A couple brought another couple to church they have been reaching out to. I love seeing people invest and invite people to church with them. That is awesome!
A couple that attended for the first time last week were back Sunday and signed up for one of our couples group. I love it!
I am so grateful for what the Lord has done and believe He is certainly paving the way for even greater things!
Year four here we come...

40 Days In The Word Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

NEXT WEEK we start our 40 Days In The Word Challenge at Elevate Church!

Christianity is personal but is not private. Love can not be learned in isolation! We are challenging everyone to get in one of our Life Groups for at least the next six weeks to go through 40 Days In The Word.

This is success:

"Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only THEN will you prosper and succeed in all you do." - (Joshua 1:8)

You will be challenged to:

Read The Word Daily
Study the Word weekly in a life group
DO the Word with your group by reaching out to serve our community
Memorize the Word weekly

You can sign up this Sunday or right now by clicking here!

Jesus said, "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." - (Matthew 7:24)

That's it! I don't know what all 2012 will hold, but I know I wouldn't want to face it without THE Rock - Jesus!

God's Word isn't meant to just inform you but transform you! We pray 40 Days In The Word does just that for each of us.

GO HERE to sign up for a group and one of our group leaders will contact you before next week!

How The Revolution Thrives

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:11:00 +0000

Here are some highlights from this weekend at Elevate Church:

It was our third week in New Year's ReVolution. We talked about How The Revolution Thrives.
The way the revolution thrives is contribute.
It is about moving from spiritual consumers to contributors. It's about moving form spectators to participators. It's about turning an audience into an army!
The church isn't a cruise ship but a battleship.
How we are going to THRIVE this year:
Read Matthew 25:14-30.
1) Focus my time.
Our greatest prayer should be - "Lord, remind me how BRIEF my time on earth will be." (Psalm 39:4)
You can choose to invest time or waste time.
Everyone has 24 hours in a day. How you use that time will in many ways define you.
Many of us have a to do list. What we really need is a stop doing list.
Don't allow the urgent to dominate what is most important.
2) Unleash My Talents.
"God has given each of you a GIFT from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them WELL to serve one another." - 1 Peter 4:10
God has placed natural talents and spiritual gifts in your hands. What will you do with it?
I don't want this church to limp around because everyone in the body of Christ is not in their place!
You must get involved and let Jesus bring out of you what He has placed inside of you.
Every Christian is called to have a ministry in the church.
It was awesome to see people giving our staff team a standing ovation. I am proud of them. They are rock stars!
The church is built with servants not superstars!
Want to become great in God's Kingdom? Become the servant of all!
I am so proud of our volunteers and what they pull off every week. They are incredible!
3) Leverage my treasure.
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:21
Don't follow your heart. Lead your heart!
Jesus doesn't need your money. He wants your heart and He knows for most of us that is through our wallets.
Don't pray for God to provide for your tomorrow if you aren't being faithful with what He has given you today.
The way God entrusts us with more is being faithful with little.
Parable of Talents (Matthew 25) message: Will you just give what you do have? When I choose to keep my talents and treasure, I forfeit God's blessings and provision. When I put them to work, I set myself up for God to pour out His blessings and provision!
Extraordinary moves of God begin with ordinary acts of obedience. We challenged everyone to serve on a ministry team and to take the tithing challenge.
It was awesome to see new people to sign up to serve and to see so many people commit to tithe or give above a tithe.
We had someone who hasn't been to church in almost 20 years come to church last week. He was back this week too!
We watched a video testimony of a couple in our church. They never served or gave a tithe before coming to Elevate. They are now doing both and experiencing God's blessings as a result of it. That's awesome!
This year we are going to contribute more of our time, talents, and treasure to see Jesus do even greater things!

Real Life Stories - COME: It's Where The Revolution Begins

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:46:00 +0000

The revolution begins when you COME. You can not become a passionate follower of Christ without first coming through the doors. That's why it excites me to hear these real life stories of people who have come to Elevate Church!

How many more out there are just like these who are waiting for an invitation? BRING THEM! We make no apology for wanting God's House FULL! (Luke 14:23)

Revolution- How did you come to Elevate? from Elevate Church on Vimeo.

A HUGE Thank You!

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:58:00 +0000

You do not accomplish anything significant alone.

Of all the things I have learned in three years, developing a deep attitude of gratitude is certainly near the top of the list. We simply refuse to take this for granted! God has been too good and people have been too gracious.

Also, gratefulness for what God has done sets you up to receive greater blessings in the future. I am certainly grateful for what God has done and completely believe God is about to do even greater things!

The past three years at Elevate Church would not be possible first and foremost were it not for JESUS and His overwhelming and sustaining grace!

There are a ton of other people I want to thank for being a part of this journey as well:

Susan: You are truly my best friend. Thank you for standing with me. Thank you for believing in me. You are amazing. I am more in love with you now than ever before.
Naomi, Elijah, Jeremiah, and Ava: As we always like to say - Mommy and Daddy didn't start this church. OUR Family started this church. You are just as much a part of what God is doing as anyone else. We are grateful you love Elevate Church and thankful you get a front row seat of what God is doing.
Our Families: We could not do it without all of your love and support. Thank you!
Chris, Kelly, Ellenor, Simeon, Melissa, Maggie and Bea: All the way from our living room in Villa Rica, GA to Elevate in San Diego - wow! Thank you for being crazy enough to move across the country to help start something bigger than yourself. You will always be a part of the Elevate story.
Elevate staff and volunteers: You are warriors. Your reward is great. This simply would not be possible without you, nor would I want to do it without you. Your pastor is with you heart and soul!
Greg and Lesley: When we couldn't keep going, you were there. Words can't even begin to express how grateful we are for you!
Ben and Lisa: From the first service, you have stood with us. You are loved and we are incredibly grateful for you!
Klint and Irene: You are two of the most faithful servants I have ever met in my life. Thank you!
Thomas and Mary: You were an answer to a 6 month long prayer. Thank you for your willingness to risk it all. Thank you for standing with us. SO grateful for both of you!
Jeremy: You were an 18 year old that just graduated who decided you would live for something greater. Thank you! You got to experience miracles now you get to be the miracle.
Shaun: I pray every pastor has someone like you. You are my Barnabas. Let's do this.
Midway Church: Pastor Todd and Midway - Thank you for giving me a chance. Thank you for believing in us. We would not be where we are today without you. We love our Midway family!
Other Partners: there are too many to count who have prayed and given over the last few years. Thank you for investing in us!
Elevate Church Family: Thank you for loving our family. Thank you for your faith and generosity. Thank you for staying focused, standing united, and being relentless. Thank you for doing what it takes to lead people to become passionate followers of Christ!

As I reflect on all that I am grateful for, it builds in me even more excitement for what is to come!

Why not us? Why not now?

God has been so faithful. His provision has been so great. Faith builds by reflecting on that truth.

Gratitude is thanking God for what He has done. Faith is thanking God for what He is going to do.

Thank you Jesus for what you have done.

Thank you Jesus for what you are about to do!

Year Four here we come...

Highlight Video: Year 3 at Elevate Church

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

I choke up every time I watch this video. I am SO grateful for what the Lord has done this past year!

Also, every time I watch this video it excites me for this year.

Why? God's past faithfulness is the best future predictor of what He is going to do!

Elevate 2011 Year In Review from Elevate Church on Vimeo.

Elevate Church, YOU Are Making A Difference!

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:22:00 +0000

Elevate Church, YOU are making a difference! Look at a few of these highlights from 2011 and year three at Elevate:

· 33 people gave their lives to Christ!

· We gave away $60, 615 to missions and church planting!

· We had a 50% growth in Sunday worship attendance from the previous year!

· Kari and Kellan Lancaster were sent out to serve as Missionaries to Honduras.

· 338 kids and families received a better Christmas through our partnership with Operation Christmas Child of Samaritan’s Purse.

Wow! God is SO faithful! There is so much more but at least this is a glimpse. As your pastor, I hope you know you are accomplishing something GREAT for the kingdom of God.

The numbers above represent real people. Here are a few people who have been impacted by the ministry of Elevate this past year:

“This church has changed my life. Thank you to you, Susan, and the entire Elevate team. I am so grateful for my church family!” – Renee

“I am tired of running. I’m ready to come home to Christ today!” – Eric

“When I come to church it makes the negative feelings like you were talking about go away and I was like “Yes! I can get through another week at my job!” – Becca

“Elevate has been an answered prayer to our family.” – Roger and Erin

Way to go Elevate Church! Thank you for realizing we are blessed to be a blessing. I want to challenge you to keep it up in 2012. Let’s continue to give more of our hearts to the Kingdom of God and the only thing that will last: People! It’s all about more changed lives.

Together, let’s make 2012 the best year at Elevate as we lead even more people to become passionate followers of Christ!

Why not us? Why not now?

"Even Greater Things!" (John 14:12)

How The Revolution Gains Traction

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:06:00 +0000

It was an incredible day at Elevate Church on Sunday! Here are some highlights:

It was the second week of our New Year's Revolution series and our three year anniversary service!
It was an amazing day! I don't really have words for it.
We had birthday cake, balloons, and party blowers to bring in the celebration.
We watched a highlight video of this past year and sang a great song called "The Church."
I am not sure there was a dry eye in the place during that song/video.
You can go here to our Facebook Page to view some pictures from the day.
I choked up during a song called Never Once too. Great lyrics: "Never once did we ever walk alone. Never once did you ever leave us on our own. You are faithful. God, you are faithful..."
We shared this week how the revolution gains traction: CONNECT.
An organ severed from a body will wither and die. In the same way, your spiritual life disconnected from Christ's body will wither and die.
Read John 15:1-17. It is a great picture of what it takes to "bear much fruit" and the importance of staying connected to Christ.
Read Acts 2:42-47. It is a great picture of people connected to Christ and each other as well as the result.
1) Connect with God daily.
How? Through His Word and Prayer.
What are you doing to connect to Christ this year?
The truth is you are as close to Jesus as you want to be.
Successful people do what unsuccessful people don't "feel" like doing.
Don't come to church only when you feel like it. Don't spend time with God each day only when you feel like it. Instead, you must fight to build spiritual momentum in your life!
To gain traction in your spiritual life, you must build spiritual disciplines into your life.
Prayer is simply connecting with God.
Be honest when you pray! Jesus never condemned the honest prayer but only the long and showy prayer.
You can not live on my relationship with God. You must take personal responsibility to develop your relationship with God.
God isn't after your behavior. He is after your heart.
Extraordinary moves of God begin with ordinary acts of obedience.
You can not blame lack of closeness to God on a church, your circumstances, etc. It is your responsibility to develop your relationship with God.
The Result of connecting with God daily = "Bearing much fruit" (John 15: 5, 8)
So goes your relationship with God, so goes your relationship with others.
2) Connect with one another weekly.
How? Through life groups.
You grow by loving real people not ideal people.
There are over 50 "one another" commandments in the New Testament that you can not fulfill unless you are a part of a local body of believers.
What will you do to make us the church where many will connect with Christ?
Christianity is personal but it was never meant to be private.
Love can not be learned in isolation.
John 13:35: "Your love for one another will PROVE to the world you are my disciples."
The result of Connecting with God daily and connecting with one another weekly = "Favor of all the people" (Acts 2:47).
It is a fact that without connecting with Jesus and one another you will drift away.
We challenged everyone to get involved in a group at the end of January and take the 40 Days In The Word challenge. THIS could have the biggest impact on your life and in our church in 2012.
Let's stop asking why and starting asking why not! What if what happened in Acts happened in our church? What if God wants to use us to reach hundreds this year for His kingdom?
Why not us?! Why not now?!
In 2012 and year four at Elevate - "Even Greater Things!" Why not?

Spiritual Challenge: New Testament in 30 Days

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

I challenged our staff at Elevate to join me in reading through the New Testament in 30 days. It is intense and will take time. You will approximately read 10-12 chapters a day.

I thought it was important for us to completely saturate our minds and hearts in the Word of God as we start out this new year.

You hear of physical challenges. Why not do a spiritual challenge? That is exactly what reading through the New Testament in 30 days is all about!

It will take you no longer than 30 minutes a day to read. Is that not worth it?

If you think so, you can start the reading plan on YouVersion.

Join us for the New Testament in 30 Days Challenge!

To Begin The Revolution: COME

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:51:00 +0000

Here are some thoughts from the kick off of our New Year's ReVolution at Elevate Church:

Resolutions are me focused. Revolution is about advancing something bigger than you.
In 2012, we believe God wants to revolutionize our marriages, careers, families, and our entire church.
Throw out resolutions! Join the greatest revolution that has ever hit this planet.
Read Acts 2:42-47 for a great picture of this revolution.
What IF what happened in Acts 2 happen in our church?
Our mission is to lead people to become passionate followers of Christ. Simply put, people passionate about Jesus are world changers.
This series came as a result of months of prayer and discussion. While I believe many at Elevate knew our mission, I was not as sure of how many knew clearly HOW we accomplish it.
It is our desire for everyone to clearly and simply understand exactly what a passionate follower of Christ looks like.
My hope is that everyone in our church will understand and absorb this idea of a 4 -C Christ Follower!
The first step in the revolution - COME!
It's not rocket science. If someone does not come, they can't become a passionate follower of Christ. It is a simple step but the most necessary to start the process.
You build momentum in your life by showing up! Persistence builds momentum in your life.
1) Come with gladness.
Psalm 122:1 - "I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord."
Refuse to allow apathy or complacency to dominate the life Jesus has so graciously blessed you with!
Too many church services resemble a funeral instead of a festival. Jesus is alive! Come with gladness every week.
2) Come for encouragement.
Hebrews 10:25 - "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.."
Yes, I reached my bench press goal of 335 pounds in college. I do believe it was because of those surrounding me and cheering me on.
We need the encouragement! I loved Becca's story that we shared during the message.
3) Come with expectancy.
Matthew 9:29 - "According to your faith will it be done to you."
This is not a hot dog stand! It's the church of the living Lord Jesus Christ!
It is a movement. A revolution.
When God's people come together in God's house for God's glory - anything can happen!
We are a family expecting guests.
We expect guests every week. We expect lost people to meet Jesus every week. We expect restoration to God to happen every week.
Read Isaiah 55:1-3.
Yes, you should watch Man vs. Wild. We are loving that show right now. Bear's comment about the Desert was powerful.
4) Compel others to come.
Luke 14:23 - "Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and URGE anyone you find to COME, so that the house will be full."
Our goal is to add additional services this year.
Our motto - we will do whatever it takes to lead more people to become passionate followers of Christ!
Jesus wants His house full! I make no apologies for that.
I have never seen an empty seat make a decision for Christ. Let's fill the seats up at Elevate so more people can here about the "living water" and more people can COME.
To believers, Jesus said GO. To a lost world, Jesus said COME.
Read Acts 15:19 and 2 Corinthians 5:20.
Our goal: Let's not make it difficult for people to come back to God.
We watched a great video of people sharing how they came to Elevate. Personal invites, mailers, google searches, etc. I loved hearing those stories.
It was a great start to this series!
We took Jeremy and his family to the airport Monday morning. It was definitely tough to tell him bye. The good news is that he is planning to come out the first of April to lead worship and share at Elevate. Continue to pray for his complete healing.
I can not believe that this coming Sunday is our three year anniversary. I choke up thinking about it.
I am so grateful for God's faithfulness these past few years and the incredible things we believe He is going to do this year! "Even greater things!" (John 14:12)

A New Year ReVolution

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I am so excited about our kick off of New Year's ReVolution this Sunday at Elevate Church!

Resolutions are rarely kept for a month much less a whole year. Maybe it's time for something else.

We are praying for much more this year! We are believing God for a revolution in your life and through our church.

Definition of Revolution = a movement, far-reaching change, or an overthrow of an established system.

It's time to throw out resolutions that aren't kept and the guilt that comes from slipping back into old habits.

Two thousand years ago Jesus began a revolution like no other. Our mission is simply a continuation of His mission.

We believe in 2012 God wants to revolutionize our marriages, careers, families, and our entire church.

Join us this Sunday (January 8th) and over the next few weeks as we throw out resolutions and join in the greatest revolution that has ever come to this planet!

It's A NEW Day

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

The GOOD News is that God's love and mercy are NEW every day!

Read Lamentations 3:22-24:

"The faithful love of the Lord never ends!His mercies never cease.²³ Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.²⁴ I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”

In 2012, place your hope and trust in the ONE who alone can give you a fresh start! His mercies are NEW every morning.

They are new on January 1st, May 3rd, August 10th, October 15th, December 31st, and every other day of the year!

In 2012, I will "hope in Him!"

Favorite Books of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

If you know anything about me, you know I read a lot. It is one of the necessary things I do to continually grow.

Below is a list of some of my favorites from 2011. If you haven't read them, add them to your reading list for 2012.

- Sun Stand Still: What Happens When You Dare To Ask God For The Impossible. I actually read it for a second time this year during our life groups. It was just as good the second time!

- Dangerous Church: Risking Everything To Reach Everyone.

- For The City: Proclaiming and Living Out The Gospel.

- Heaven Is For Real: A Little Boy's Astounding of His Trip To Heaven and Back. Seriously, I could not put this down.

- Leaders Who Last. It was one of the most helpful and practical book I've read about leadership and going the distance.

- Church Planter: The Man, The Message, The Mission.

- The Grace of God. Struggle with the concept of grace? Read this!

- Cracking Your Church's Culture Code.

- Entreleadership: 20 Years of Practical Business Wisdom from the Trenches. The most practical book I've ever read about leading and running an organization. I really wish I would have read this three years ago!

- Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears. I just finished this one over Christmas. Summary: Dream Big, Pray Hard, and Think Long!

Jesus Plus Nothing Equals Everything

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:38:00 +0000

I just finished a great book called Jesus Plus Nothing Equals Everything.

Summary - the Gospel is all about what Jesus did and nothing about what I can do. The determining factor in my relationship to God is not my past or present, but Christ's past and His present!

I loved this quote in the book from Charles Spurgeon on obedience to God:

"When I thought God was hard, I found it easy to sin; but when I found God so kind, so good, so overflowing with compassion, I smote upon my breast to think that I could ever have rebelled against One who loved me so, and sought my good."

Amen!

Jesus In All Things

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 23:24:00 +0000

We had an incredible kick off to 2012 on Sunday at Elevate Church!

We shared a message - Don't put Jesus first. Instead, make Jesus the CENTER of everything in 2012.
Jesus IN my relationships, career, finances, health, etc.
Read Colossians 1:16-20. Six times in five verses Paul says "all things." He is making a point! Jesus in ALL things!
Not only is Jesus first in order of importance, He is also what everything in our life should orbit around.
Yes, the attack of the German Shepherd freaked me out. :-)
This year I am placing Jesus IN:
1) My realtionships.
a) By speaking life to others. Read Ephesians 4:29.
What if we actually used this verse as a filter for everything that comes out of our mouths?
b) Serve like Christ. (Mark 10:45)
You are never more like Christ then when you are serving others.
How can you serve your spouse, friend, or neighbor this year?
2) My Career.
Success = those who know you the best are the ones who love and respect you the most.
Don't merely focus on building a mega career. Focus on building mega character.
Your job is just as spiritual as a morning quiet time.
a) Honor God with your work. Read Colossians 3:23.
"Whatever you do.." really does mean whatever you do! Doctor, teacher, lawyer, pastor, homemaker, custodian, store clerk, etc. It doesn't matter near as much what you do as it does HOW you do what you do.
Simply ask - Did I give my BEST today? Read 2 Timothy 2:15.
I put a sign up in our office by the door to remind our staff every day - "Did I give my best today? Did WE give our best today? No regrets. Make the most of TODAY."
b) Keep a perspective of the bigger picture. Read Acts 17:26.
Where you are now is your current destiny! Why would you ever think God will promote you somewhere else if you aren't first grateful AND faithful for where He has placed you NOW???
Wherever you are, you are a missionary! You are called by God! Make a difference this year.
3) My circumstances.
I went through some heavy trials several years ago and was reminded - In uncertain times, we trust in a very certain God.
Whatever you are going through or will face this year - Colossians 1:17 is true! Jesus is holding YOU and ALL things together!
a) I will act on what I KNOW to be true, not what I feel to be true.
b) My faith is not in my circumstances. My faith is in His faithfulness. Read 2 Timothy 2:13.
What's your plan this year to put Jesus IN all things?
Without a plan, you will live someone else's life.
Use this first week of January and take time to set goals in these areas. Setting goals helps you live your own authentic life God has created for you.
Goals are a statement of faith.
The Good News is that no matter what happened last year or yesterday, God gives a NEW start today! Read Lamentations 3:22-24 and let it soak in.
Jeremy's dad, Dwayne, gave us an update during the Service and Jeremy's next steps.
We were also able to give Dwayne a check from Elevate for $1,000! Thank you to everyone who gave to make this possible.
We sang Jesus Be The Center after the message. Amazing song and powerful moment.
It was tough not seeing Jeremy on stage or a part of the worship team.
Very proud of Thomas Davis and the team stepping up in a great way.
I wasn't sure what to expect with it being New Year's Day, but it was a great kick off to the new year!
I can't wait to start New Year's Revolution next Sunday (January 8th). 2012 isn't about resolutions. This is not a series. It is a revolution!
Two weeks until our three year anniversary at Elevate! MARK your calendar and don't miss it - January 15th!

Merry Christmas From The Campbell Family!

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 16:03:00 +0000

From our family to yours: Merry Christmas!

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable GIFT!" - 2 Corinthians 9:15

Kevin, Susan, Naomi (9), Elijah (7), Jeremiah (5), and Ava (2).

Here are a few more family pictures too:

Thank YOU for being a part of this journey with our family!

The Power of Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:49:00 +0000

I'm reading an incredible book right now called Circle Maker by Mark Batterson.

The following quote was too long to tweet but too good not to share. I know a lot of people need to hear this:

"Sometimes the power of prayer is the power to carry on. It doesn't always change your circumstances, but it gives you the strength to walk through them. When you pray through, the burden is taken off of your shoulders and put on the shoulders of Him who carried the cross to Calvary."

That is so good and so true. Whatever you are carrying today, give it to Him!

Our God is more than ABLE to handle it!

For Jesus and For Jeremy

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

We want to bring everyone up to date on Jeremy Hicks and how you can help. On Sunday, Jeremy Hicks was diagnosed with Lymphoma. He has been through several tests already and is expected to start chemo this evening or in the morning. You can read his story and stay up to date at his caringbridge website.

Jeremy has been a huge part of our church by leading worship almost every week and pouring his heart out to make a difference through Elevate. We want to demonsrate our appreciation by pouring out to him and his family our love in every way we can.

How we will help?

1) Prayer:

We need everyone praying for his complete recovery. The next three weeks of treatment will be intense and we want to pray like crazy for him during this time. It is no accident we just finished reading Sun Stand Still in our life groups. This is our opportunity to move this beyond lip service. We are standing in faith, asking God to allow the sun to stand still over Jeremy's life.

Prayer Service on Friday, December 23rd at 1:30pm
We also want to make this more tangible. On Friday, we are asking everyone from our church and surrounding area to come together in the chapel at Sharp Hospital in Room 115. We are going to cry out to our mighty God on behalf of Jeremy. Please join us.

Daily Prayer
We are asking people to commit to prayer the next 3 weeks each day either from 7am - 8am or 7pm - 8pm . It easy to say we are praying. It is a whole different thing to actually get on our knees and intercede for Jeremy. Email us to "sign up" and we will let the family know how many people committed to daily focused prayer for Jeremy.

We will do more when we meet together for worship again on Sunday, January 1st.

2) Give.

Over the next few weeks here are some of the things we are providing for the Hicks family: a place to stay, cars to drive, groceries, meals and anything else they need while they are in town.

How YOU can help:
- Jeremy is staying at Sharp Hospital and he does welcome visitors at this time. That may change once he advances in his treatments. For now, you are more than welcome to stop by to see him at Sharp Hospital.

- You can give online to help with expenses for Jeremy's family. Click "help Jeremy" once on our giving site. 100% of it will go to the expenses for Jeremy and his family.

- You can send gifts to Jeremy's room at Sharp but they do request NO flowers to protect his immune system.

- You can email us at info@elevatesandiego.com to sign up to provide meals for Jeremy's family.

- We will send a weekly email update. We encourage you to follow more frequent updates on our Facebook or Twitter pages.

Also, you can track specific details with Jeremy's treatment at his website.

There are a lot of uncertainties at this time but I DO know:

- None of this catches God by surprise.
- Luke 1:37 is true! ALL things are possible with God.
- God has incredible plans for Jeremy. (Jeremiah 29:11)
- What we see as a set back is nothing more than a set up for God to receive even greater glory through Jeremy's life.

I KNOW that what we sang on Sunday at the end of the Service is JUST AS TRUE today: "There is no one higher, no one greater, no one like our God. There is none more able, Christ our Savior, great and glorious!"

Elevate Church, let's say with the psalmist in Psalm 25:5 - "Lord, ALL day long I put my hope in you!"

For Jesus and For Jeremy,

Pastor Kevin

A Christmas Story: Why It's So Amazing

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:19:00 +0000

Here are some thoughts from an amazing Christmas Service:

Stop and think about this for a moment: what makes the simple, unassuming birth of a peasant boy 2,000 years ago something we still celebrate today?
Why Christmas Is So Amazing: (Luke 2)
1) It is practical.
I can sum up Christmas in four words: God came to earth.
"a Savior has been BORN" (Luke 2:11)
God wanted to communicate with humans so He became one.
Philippians 2:7: "He gave up is divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being."
He came in a way to relate with us because we have all been born.
If we really get the good news, it will produce great joy!
2) It is personal.
"I bring YOU good news," (2:10) "...born to YOU," (2:11) "This will be a sign to YOU," (2:12) "YOU will find..." (2:12)
Why was God born in a stable and then die on a cross? Because He loves you!
You can not even begin to fathom how much God loves you!
Jesus is the window display of God. If you want to know how God acts, look at Jesus. If you want to know how God responds, look at Jesus.
Jesus entered that dirty stable just like He enters our dirty hearts and gives us a new heart.
3) It is priceless.
"A SAVIOR has been born to you; he is Christ the LORD." (2:11)
You and I needed to be rescued so God sent us a Savior. (Colossians 1:13-14)
Jesus is not like Santa. He is not making a list and checking it twice to see who's been naughty our nice. Jesus made the list. He perfected the list. He did what none of us could ever do!
We were all "naughty" in deep need of a Savior. The good news is we receive grace through God's marvelous gift WHEN we accept it. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
4) It is permanent. (John 3:16)
You will never receive a gift like the one God gives. Receive the gift of God's Son and you have a relationship with Him forever. You also have an abundant life on earth! (John 10:10)
God sent His son so you could become His child forever.
Other religions you get what you deserve. The heart of the Good News is you get what you do not deserve: the gift of God by grace through faith.
Christmas proves God held nothing back. He went all out for you!
"Jesus is Lord." If we will live like we really believe this, we will know peace like we never imagined.
Let's don't reduce our Lord to one day a year. He is worthy to be our Lord every day not just one day!
TRUST Him today!
The Christmas Service was definitely one of our best services in 2011. It was an incredible way to end 2011 and preparation of 2012.
We had some give their life to Christ. That's awesome!
I am so proud of our team and everything they pulled off yesterday. Incredible Job!
You can look at pictures from the Service on our Facebook Page. Thanks Lisa Broussard for taking pictures!
We closed singing "There is no one higher, no one greater, no one like our God. There is none more able, Christ our Savior, great and glorious!" Very powerful!
Sunday afternoon I received news about Jeremy Hicks (worship leader at Elevate). He has health challenges and needs our prayers. I love that man! He is undergoing tests and we will share more as we find out details.

A Christmas Story: Wk 1 - God's Trying To Get Your Attention

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:33:00 +0000

Week One of A Christmas Story at Elevate Church:

We had a great kick off to the Christmas Story series and plenty of reasons to celebrate!
Christmas is a reminder that God is trying to get your attention.
We had a great time celebrating with Hot Chocolate and awesome Christmas treats, Frosty The Snowman, GREAT worship, a hilarious Christmas interview by video, etc.
We are the church and there should be no one on this planet that celebrates Christmas more than we do!
Christmas is a reminder that: (Read Luke 1 for background)
1) God loves me. (Read John 3:16) Read it several times slowly!
I prove my love for my wife by actually showing her not sending someone else. God proved His love by sending His very own Son. He didn't scream down from heaven about His love.
He actually demonstrated His love! (Romans 5:8)
Christmas proves God went all out. He didn't hold anything back!
You are not worthless. You are priceless!
God's love for you is based on His character NOT your conduct.
You can do anything to make Him love you any less or earn any more of it. God is love.
2) God is with me. (Read Matthew 1:23)
God is WITH us. He is not against us!
You may have been abandoned by a spouse, so called friend or someone else, but you will never be abandoned by God.
Hebrews 13:5: "Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you!"
3) God is for me.
It is one thing for someone to be with you but an even greater thing to know someone is FOR you.
Romans 8:31: "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is FOR us, who can be against us?"
No one wants the best for you more than God. Don't run from Him. Run to Him!
God loves you, He is with you, and He is for you therefore you can trust Him with your whole life.
Luke 1:38: "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said."
Mary still had a lot to risk. She didn't wait until she had everything figured out before she trusted God. It was the prerequisite for God to do something miraculous through her!
O Come Let Us Adore Him before the message was very powerful.
We had one of our largest attendance days of this Fall.
We had one of our largest kids attendance ever.
Our goal for the Christmas Offering was $10,000. We have over $12,000 that has come in so far! Way to go church!
As mentioned before, everything above the goal will be put aside for our Easter Outreach on April 8th, 2012. You can continue to give to the Christmas offering through December 31st right here.
This Sunday will be the culmination of A Christmas Story. Read Luke 1 and 2 in preparation for this coming Sunday.
Bring someone with you too! If they couldn't make it last week, you have this Sunday to invite them again.
Let's make our last Worship Experience of 2011 the best yet!

A Christmas Story

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

What do you think of at Christmas time? What experiences have shaped what it means to you today? It's different for all of us, but the real story of Christmas often gets lost in the noise. This year, will the noise be too loud? Or will we find the simple beauty of A Christmas Story?

I am excited for our two week Christmas series that kicks off this Sunday at Elevate Church!

Here are some things you have to look forward to over the next TWO Sundays:

Frosty the Snowman and Buddy the Elf.
Hot Chocolate and other Christmas treats.
Your favorite Christmas tunes.
A two week message series called A Christmas Story.

Invite your friends, family and cousin Eddie! :-)

December 11th and 18th at 10am. We meet at Torrey Pines High School. Go here for directions.

It is going to be an exciting two weeks!