Kevin Campbell

Invisible War: Prepare For The War

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Here are some thoughts from week two of Invisible War:

We talked about How to Prepare For The War. It was a great day! We may have some pictures on Facebook this week. Wait until you see the full armor I was wearing!
1) Preparation begins with awareness. (Ephesians 6:10-12)
I must understand the urgency! Read this verse right now. Do you get the picture?
This is not a playground. It is a battleground!
2) Preparation must include the right equipment. (Ephesians 6:13-17)
The belt of truth protects my core.
Satan fights with lies and sometimes his lies sound like truth.
Satan is a liar and we must oppose him with God's truth.
It the TRUTH that will set you free! (John 8:33)
The breastplate of righteousness protects my heart.
Proverbs 4:23 - "Guard your heart above all else because it determines the course of your life."
Satan attacks our hearts because it is the seat of our emotions.
Shoes that advances the cause.
It is the victory of Christ that gives us solid ground to stand on when fighting the devil.
On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand!
How you stand determines the degree in which you fight.
These shoes don't wage war but peace that only Jesus can bring.
Shield of faith - protects me from discouragement and doubt.
You can not keep the devil from throwing the fiery arrows at you but you can keep them from starting a fire!
Give Satan an inch, then he will become your ruler.
Reminding yourself of God's past faithfulness is one of the best ways to use the shield. It is the best predictor of what HE is about to do in your life!
Helmet of salvation protects my mind.
Strongholds begin in your mind. The battle really is for the mind.
Romans 12:2 says transformation begins in your mind!
It starts in my mind, leads to my heart, and is ultimately displayed through actions.
Sword of the Spirit is my best attack.
The physical sword is meant to hurt and kill. The spiritual sword (God's Word) is meant to heal and bring life.
The other armor pieces are about defense. The Sword of the Spirit is about going on the offense against Satan.
3) Preparation leads to action. (Ephesians 6:18-20)
Put it on!
We are commanded to put on the FULL armor of God. Putting on the armor is MY responsibility.
The enemy will hit you in your weakness which is why we are commanded to put on EVERY piece of God's armor.
Pray!
The armor is about me doing my part. Prayer is about inviting God to do His part!
We are most vulnerable to Satan's attacks when we don't pray.
The number one condition Satan wants to create in your life is prayerlessness.
Fearlessly Make Known!
Trust Christ more then receive more of the armor!
The result of wearing God's armor and prayer is bold faith!
The armor of God is really nothing more than a picture of Jesus.
When you put on the full armor of God, you are saying - "You are going to have to go through Jesus to get to me!"
I really gained even more appreciation for our military from wearing all that equipment today.
Our Elevate Kids ministry did an awesome job singing Armor of God during the Service!
I am so proud of our Kids team and the great ministry they pull off every week!
The band did an awesome job with One Thing Remains. I love the truth of that song!
Pastor Todd Wright from Midway Church will continue the Invisible War series this coming Sunday. I can't wait for him to be at Elevate. It is going to be an incredible weekend!
Read and pray through Ephesians 6:10-20 several times this week! We put on each piece of God's armor through prayer.
We have four weeks until Easter! PRAY like crazy for this day. Jesus have your way!

Invisible War: WAKE UP To The War

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 23:24:00 +0000

We kicked off a new series on Sunday called Invisible War at Elevate. Here are some highlights:

This Sunday we talked about How To Wake Up To The War. The series is based upon Ephesians 6:10-20. I encourage you to read over it every day this week.
1) Acknowledge I am in a real battle. (Ephesians 6:12)
There is a real war all around us. The greatest tragedy would be for you to not even realize it.
The greatest casualties in war are when people don't realize they are in a war.
It's time to wake up and fight appropriately.
It's time to sound the alarm in some area of your life! (Ezekiel 33:3-6)
Where do you need to sound the alarm?
Our battle is not your spouse, co-worker, neighbor, etc. Our battle is a spiritual battle and it is real.
2) Understand I have a real enemy. (Ephesians 6:11)
In Scripture, the Devil is seen as a tempter (Matthew 4:3), father of lies (John 8:44), Serpent (Genesis 3:1), Our enemy (1 Peter 5:8), a dragon (Revelation 12:9; 20:2), and our Accuser (Revelation 12:10).
I don't know about you, but that doesn't sound like someone I want to hang out with!
Satan is strong, intelligent, and sneaky.
Satan is not trying to make you demonic as much as he is trying to get you distracted.
If you are a Christian, Satan has lost you for all eternity so we wants to make you ineffective today.
If you haven't had an encounter with Satan lately, it could mean you are headed in the same direction.
The Devil has a three part strategy:
a) Deception. (Genesis 3:1, 4)
He focuses on my needs and wants me to fulfill them right now.
He gives a subtle suggestion that our Father doesn't really love us.
The devil wants to convince us that what is right is wrong and what is wrong is right.
b) Temptation. (Genesis 3:5-6)
Deception is always followed by temptation.
Satan doesn't say be like me. He says you can be like God.
Satan comes at you at a time of neediness - emotional, physical, or spiritual.
He will try to get you to use an ungodly means to get to a godly end.
When we allow circumstances to dictate our actions instead of following God's will - we sin.
c) Accusation. (Revelation 12:10)
Deception and temptation is about the present and destroying your future. Accusation is about the past and using it to destroy your future.
It goes something like this - doubt, discouragement, diversion, and then ultimate defeat.
If you don't let your past die, it won't let you live.
Read Matthew 4:1-11 to get another picture of Satan's strategy and Jesus response.
3) Thankfully, I have a victorious Savior. (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)
Every time Satan reminds you of your past, remind him of his future.
God and Satan are opponents but they are not equals. Satan is a finite created being. God is the infinite all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful Creator of the Universe. He has no equals!
We fight FROM victory not for victory.
In Christ, you are no longer a victim but you are a VICTOR.
4) Therefore, I must fully engage in the war. (Ephesians 6:10-11, 13)
How to engage:
Enlist in the Lord's Army! There is only one winning side. Are you on it?
Equip myself with the Lord's Armor. We are going to illustrate this in a way next week that you will not soon forget.
Endure by the power of Christ. The only way you will make it and thrive is through the power of Christ (Ephesians 6:10; Philippians 4:13).
It's time to sound the alarm and wake up to the war!
Huge props to our stage design team. They did a great job with the look of the stage.
I am so grateful for our staff and volunteers who do an incredible job every week to bring each worship experience together!
I can not wait until next Sunday! We are talking about the significance of the armor of God and why it matters that you wear every piece of the armor! Understanding this will help you win the battles in your life!

Mr. & Mrs. Better Half: Going All The Way

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 20:35:00 +0000

Here are some thoughts from an incredible ending to our Better Half series at Elevate Church:

Every week we had more people in attendance than the previous week during this series and had several people give their lives to Christ!
This last week we finished out with a message about Going ALL The Way in marriage.
We had someone give their life to Christ on Sunday!
We had someone there for the first time that is on the brink of divorce. She said I have been fighting it for weeks but finally came and says she knows why - "I need this and our marriage needs this!"
We used a four leg table as an illustration of four powerful pillars (or legs) of a marriage that goes all the way. All of these are found in Genesis 2:18-25.
1) The Power of Partnership.
Marriage is a 100% all in mutual commitment.
It includes both love and respect. (Ephesians 5:33)
Our marriage is as good as WE want it to be. Team work makes the dream work!
Misplace "I" in unIted and you get untIed. It is all about where you place "I."
2) The Power of Purity.
"The man and his wife were both naked and felt no shame." (Genesis 2:25)
That is called purity!
Purity paves the wave for intimacy. You can not have genuine intimacy in a relationship without purity being present.
Genesis 3:7-10 demonstrates what happens when we allow impurity into a relationship.
We HIDE. We hide behind excuses, blame, and a host of other things to keep from the real truth.
Where secrets live, intimacy dies. Where intimacy lives, secrets die.
Ephesians 5:8-14 shares what must happen. The darkness must be exposed to have the fruit of the light - goodness, righteousness, and truth.
3) The power of Pursuit.
The grass isn't greener on the other side. The grass is greener where you water it!
If you don't like what you are getting, then look at what you are giving.
Read James 4:17. Good intentions are not enough. You must actually do it!
If you want what few have, you must be willing to do what few do.
4) The Power of Priorities.
Read Matthew 6:33. If you seek your spouse or hunting a future spouse before God it is idolatry.
Jesus is the solid rock on which every relationship must have to stand the storms. Read Matthew 7:24-27.
A great marriage isn't built in a day but upon what we do daily.
Many of us don't need another to do list. We need a stop doing list!
Don't allow good things to keep you from the best things God has for you!
Now What?
I closed out this series with two challenges:
1) Fight for my marriage and family. Read Nehemiah 4:14. Put it in a place you will read it often.
Stand up! Fight for your marriage or future marriage if you are single. Don't give up. All things are possible with God!
2) Return to my first love. Read Revelation 2:2-5. Jesus addressed people who were doing a lot of good things but they left their first love. If you were honest right now, have you left your first love?
To get what you once had, you must do what you once did.
To get what you never had, you must do what you've never done.
We closed out the service with a song called Give Me Faith. It was an incredible ending to this series.
I am proud of our team and four incredible weeks that were pulled off!
This coming Sunday we start a series called Invisible War based on Ephesians 6:10-20.
I heard so many people talking about the anticipation and excitement of this series. It is going to be incredible!
I love Elevate Church and the great things God is doing in and through us!
These are great days...

Mr. & Mrs. Better Half: Fighting Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Campbell) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:12:00 +0000

Here are some thoughts from the third week of Mr. & Mrs. Better Half:

This week Troy Martin shared a message called Fighting Fair. I am grateful for Troy and the great Word that was shared. We are blessed to have him and his family as a part of Elevate Church.
I first and foremost celebrate two people giving their lives to Christ on Sunday! That is awesome!
We are currently experiencing a 50% growth over this time last year. Celebrate!
Here are some highlights from the message
How To Fight Fair: (Ephesians 4:22-32)
No matter how much love each other, you WILL experience conflict.
1) Deal with my junk first
The first step to fighting fair is to not look at your spouse, but it is to look in the mirror.
The goal of marriage isn't to end all conflict because you will have it. The goal is to actually deal with it when it comes up.
2) Discuss the problem.
Discuss the problem honestly. (Ephesians 4:25)
Discuss the problem quickly. (Ephesians 4:26)
Don't create a false sense of intimacy. Don't let things build up because eventually it will explode.
If you are not careful, your pretense will become intense.
3) Don't be controlled by anger.
There is one letter difference between anger and danger.
Anger is not a sin but a God given emotion. Anger CAN lead to sin if not dealt with properly.
4) Dedicate my words to build up.
Proverbs 18:21 - Your words have power of life OR death.
It takes only one second to undo hours of kindness.
"Sticks and stones may break your bones but words will never hurt you." - That is a lie!
5) Decide to forgive.
We don't forgive our spouses because they are good and deserving, but rather because God is good and deserving.
We forgive because God first forgave us.
When true repentance and forgiveness are present, times of refreshing are to follow. (Acts 3:19)
We had a band from San Diego Christian College leading worship this week.
We closed with Beautiful Things by Gungor. Great Song and great truth!
Last week of Mr. & Mrs. Better Half coming up this Sunday with a message called Going All The Way.
Proud of those bringing people each week! This is your last chance to invite someone to this series. Pray for people and bring someone this Sunday for a powerful closing to this relationship series.
I love Elevate Church and what God is doing right now!

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

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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!